United Kingdom

Hadrian's Cycleway & Coast & Castles

Self-Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

10 days

Prices from

£1,675 P.P.

E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE

This tour is well-suited to both regular bikes and pedal assist e-bikes, and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities.

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Journey through time on this historic cycling holiday following in the footsteps of Roman soldiers in Hadrian's Wall country before cycling along the stunning Northumberland Coast with its numerous ancient castles and dramatic landscapes. Heading inland from the border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed you'll cycle along the beautiful Tweed valley before gently climbing over the Moorfoot Hills and dropping into Edinburgh.
Utilising the National Cycle Network from Bowness-on-Solway on the West coast, through Newcastle and onto Edinburgh, this unique cycling holiday in the UK allows you to experience some of the rich heritage that Cumbria, Northumberland and the Borders have to offer, from cycling in open hill country, through peaceful river valleys and along dramatic coastlines. The route passes through some of the most beautiful parts of England and skirts a number of fascinating Roman sites including Birdoswald Fort, Walltown Quarry and Vindolanda as well as the ancient castles of Warkworth, Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh to name but a few. If tide and time allow it is worth taking the additional 7 mile round trip to visit the historic island of Lindisfarne, otherwise known as Holy Island, with its peaceful priory and prominent castle.
After arriving into Newcastle you spend the first night in this vibrant city before we transfer you the following morning to Bowness-on-Solway and the start of your ride which ends 290 miles later in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, where we will meet you and if required, transfer you back to Newcastle for your onward journey home.
This self-guided trip is for a minimum of 2 people and accommodation, transfers, luggage transfers and emergency back-up are all included in the price. With access to the navigation app you'll be able to navigate the routes with ease. Nothing could be simpler!
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Holiday Highlights

  • The sense of achievement having ridden not one but two long distance cycle routes!
  • Following in the footsteps of the Roman Empire along Hadrian’s Wall
  • Castles galore!
  • Miles of pristine dunes, sandy beaches and stunning vistas
  • Your first glimpse of Edinburgh as you cycle over the Moorfoot hills
  • Flexibility to choose your own start date

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This truly was the best holiday we have ever had. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. You have been our Angels from the North!

Annette and Robert, Kent

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival into Newcastle
Non Cycling Day

Getting to Newcastle is easy. If you are planning to arrive by air, there is an airport at Newcastle with direct services to Newcastle Central train station. For those arriving by car, you will be able to leave your vehicle at your accommodation at no additional cost, or if the train is your preferred transport mode, you can either take a taxi from the station to your accommodation or it is just a short 10-15 minute walk away.

Day 2
Bowness-on-Solway to Gilsland
37 Miles / 59 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 560 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 560 Metres Approx.

After a hearty breakfast, you will be met by our Skedaddle representative at your accommodation in Newcastle, and they’ll provide you with your rental bikes (if renting) and your map and chat you through how to use the navigation app.

They will then transfer you to Bowness-on-Solway to begin your journey. Bowness-on-Solway is the beginning of the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail, and the village sits on the stunning Solway Firth Natural Landscape. The views of Scotland from here are simply breathtaking. The area is also a haven for wildlife.

Your first day’s riding is a gentle introduction to the trip with a flat ride by the banks of the Solway Firth before skirting Carlisle. This thriving regional city is well worth a visit if time allows; showcasing some of the area’s historic treasures in the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, and boasting Carlisle Castle. From here you will make your way towards Warwick Bridge; this section along the river is very picturesque – so cameras at the ready! A short roller coaster of a ride then takes you past Lanercost, with its impressive Augustinian priory which was a key target for Scots in retaliation to English raids, and then onto your first real uphill section of the day towards Gilsland. Just before Birdoswald Roman Fort, there is a superb section of Hadrian’s Wall, right next to the cycling route.

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Day 3
Gilsland to Corbridge
31 Miles / 50 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 555 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 555 Metres Approx.

Today you will cross the Pennine watershed and gradually climb out of Greenhead before a welcome descent into the South Tyne Valley down into Haltwhistle. If you‘re in need of a rest and recharge (and maybe a cake and cup of tea), there are plenty of tea shops here to take your pick from. At Bardon Mill you head back up the South Tyne Valley to a summit at Smith’s Shield before an exhilarating descent to Vindolanda; a Roman frontier military and civilian site, and a must for those in search of Roman history and culture. A cheeky climb takes you to Crindledykes, the highest point of the route at 263 metres above sea level. You then drop towards Fourstones before passing through the market town of Hexham and towards the garrison town of Corbridge.

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Day 4
Corbridge to Tynemouth
32 Miles / 51 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 360 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 360 Metres Approx.

With all the major climbs behind you, the route begins to follow the valley floor towards Prudhoe. Passing through the pretty villages of Ovingham and Wylam, passing George Stephenson’s Cottage, and then crossing the River Tyne twice, you will cycle along an old wagonway towards Newcastle following the banks of the Tyne. You will take in views of the famous bridges across the river, including the “blinking eye” Millennium Bridge, with the imposing Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art dominating the skyline. The Cycle Hub is situated just after this and the perfect place for a well-earned cuppa and a slice of delicious homemade cake. It’s dedicated to the cyclist and also the home of Saddle Skedaddle – if you catch us during office hours, why not come and say hello?

Not far to go now as you head into the heart of the shipbuilding area of the Tyne. On passing Wallsend – literally the “Wall’s end“, keep an eye out for Segedunum Roman Fort Museum if you fancy a little more Roman history to end your Hadrian’s Wall experience. Continuing along close to the river we soon reach the North Shields Fish Quay, where you’ll find a bustling little harbour and be able to sample some of the finest fish and chips in the North-East! You are now at the mouth of the Tyne and a few more pedal turns lead to your final destination, Tynemouth. Time to celebrate your achievement of cycling from the West coast to the East coast along Hadrian’s Cycleway!

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Day 5
Tynemouth to Warkworth
35 Miles / 57 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 295 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 295 Metres Approx.

Founded at the beginning of the 7th Century and having one of the most beautiful views of the coast, Tynemouth Priory and Castle was once one of the biggest fortresses and religious sites in England. You continue cycling along the seafront, past the Victorian resort of Whitley Bay and on to the sea port of Blyth. You’ll soon leave the urban surroundings behind and pass into much more open countryside and quiet country lanes. Don’t miss the stunning Druridge Bay with its seven mile sandy beach, nature reserve and some of Northumberland’s biggest sand dunes. You finish today in Warkworth famous for its impressive 12th century castle and almost complete keep built over 600 years ago by the first Earl of Northumberland.

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Day 6
Warkworth to Bamburgh
27 Miles / 43 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 295 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 295 Metres Approx.

Your first stop this morning is the pretty village of Alnmouth. After stopping for a quick cup of tea your route takes you towards the attractive coastal village of Craster and the impressive medieval castles of Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh. At Bamburgh, as well as the castle in its dramatic setting on a rock outcrop, there is the Grace Darling museum, a famous heroine of the lifeboats.

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Day 7
Bamburgh to Berwick-upon-Tweed
25 Miles / 41 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 335 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 335 Metres Approx.

Just up the coast from Bamburgh you come to Lindisfarne, otherwise known as Holy Island, a key site in early Christianity and the place where the Lindisfarne Gospels were created in the 8th century. If the tide and time allows, it’s worth the extra 7 mile round trip to visit the island by crossing the tidal causeway. From Holy Island, it’s on to the Elizabethan border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, with its complex defences built up over the years of border wars, and your accommodation for the night.

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Day 8
Berwick-upon-Tweed to Kelso
31 Miles / 50 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 375 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 375 Metres Approx.

From Berwick-upon-Tweed, it’s inland, along the Tweed valley to Kelso. On the way you’ll cross the border into Scotland, then back into England over the famous Union Suspension Bridge that spans the River Tweed between Horncliffe in Northumberland and Fishwick in the Scottish Borders. At the Chainbridge Honey Farm, you can get a cup of tea and feast yourselves on yummy cakes and enjoy them on a vintage double decker bus! As the name implies, you can buy lots of honey there too. A few miles on you cross back into Scotland at Norham Castle, and on to Kelso, with the impressive Floors Castle and your first night spent over the border!

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Day 9
Kelso to Innerleithen
34 Miles / 53 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 635 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 635 Metres Approx.

This morning you head to Melrose, famed for its impressive Gothic-style abbey, which is thought to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart! Leaving Melrose, you continue along the increasingly deep Tweed Valley, surrounded by forested hills and following the course of this famous salmon river to Innerleithen, home to Traquair House, reputedly the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland.

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Day 10
Innerleithen to Edinburgh
38 Miles / 61 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 595 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 595 Metres Approx.

Heading north out of Innerleithen the route climbs up an over the Moorfoot Hills, with views of Edinburgh in the distance. Dropping down from the hills and heading through Dalkeith and Musselburgh you make your way into Edinburgh through the Innocent Tunnel and past Arthur’s Seat to the finish point. Here you will be met here by our representative for the journey back to Newcastle. The finish point has been chosen for its close proximity to Edinburgh’s Waverley Station, should you be departing by train.

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Understanding Profiles

Use these profiles to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • Ascent / Descent in metres (vertical axis)

Click 'see gradient' to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • % Gradient (vertical axis)

Please check the scales on both graphs, and both axes as they both may differ from day to day.

White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain. Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, will give you a full picture of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be. Please keep in mind this is an indicative guide and GPS units and software produce different statistical information.

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The Cycling

Terrain

Most of the route follows quiet country lanes, cycle tracks, and some bridleways. The route mostly consists of a mix of tarmac and some compact gravel surfaces, meaning the ride can be completed on almost any type of bike. There are also a few off-road sections, with paths across grassy fields or farm tracks, including short steep sections, narrow bridges with gates and steps, where you will need to dismount, and a section along a muddy clifftop track, which is unsuitable for road bikes. However, there are tarmac alternatives to the standard route for these off-road sections if preferred.

It is possible to use an e-bike on this holiday. Although there are no significant climbs or long passes on the route, an e-bike could be beneficial to get you up some of the short, steep climbs if you are after a bit of a boost. Similarly, if you are wanting to spend more time exploring the towns and villages along the way, then an e-bike is a great idea to cover the miles a little quicker. Please note, e-bikes are generally heavier than standard bikes, so this is worth considering when handling the bike over any rough / uneven terrain.

For more information about riding an electric bike on our holidays please click here.

Hadrian’s Cycleway & Coast and Castles uses a part of the National Cycle Network, a route from the charity, Sustrans, who are working to make it easier for everyone to cycle in the UK. Skedaddle will donate to Sustrans for every mile that you and others ride on this route with us. If you fancy donating more to Sustrans, you can choose to make your own donation for the development of the National Cycle Network when you make a booking with us.

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Leisure Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 3 : Moderate

Distances generally between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day

For the leisure cyclist with a good level of physical fitness

May include some steeper, cheeky climbs and possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc)

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Although you may not cycle everyday, you do keep yourself relatively fit and maybe enjoy an afternoon out on your bike at the weekend. Your preference is perhaps for flatter terrain but you don’t mind tackling some hills, and the occasional steep climb if you can take it at your own pace. For those happy to tackle some ups and downs, and possibly some sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc) we’d recommend our grade 3 trips. We’d generally expect those on a Grade 3 holiday to have a decent level of physical fitness and be comfortable with some longer days in the saddle.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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Dates & Prices

Daily departures available from April to the end of September. Choose your own dates from:

2025 £1675 per person

You either can make a booking online or over the phone. Once we have your details, we’ll be able to check availability.

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a £300 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
Return Date
--/--/----
Duration
10 days
Price
£1,675.00

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin/ double rooms)

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Access to an app for holiday information and navigation

D) A printed map

E) Luggage transfer service

F) Local Skedaddle representative

G) Emergency tool kit, pump etc. (if renting your bike from Skedaddle)

H) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike and helmet rental (available if required)

B) Travel or flight costs or charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres

I) Other optional activities

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The Essentials

Travel Options

If you decide to drive we will provide you with full directions to the accommodation and meeting point in Newcastle. You will be able to leave your car at the accommodation for the duration of the trip at no additional cost.

If you would prefer to catch the train the most convenient station for arrival is Newcastle. Your hotel is a 15 minute walk, or 10 minute taxi ride, away from the station.

Following completion of the ride in Edinburgh, you will be met by our representative at 16.30. You will then either start your return train journey from here or you will be transported back to your car or Newcastle airport if necessary. Please do not book any return trains from Edinburgh prior to 18.00 and return trains from Newcastle prior to 20.00. There is a supplement payable if you require picking up and returning to Newcastle airport.

Please contact us for more detailed information on the specific schedules that we recommend for your holiday and please check with us before booking your travel so that we can ensure it fits with the trip schedule.

Accommodation

In the UK we use good quality 3 or 4 star hotels, B&Bs, inns and family-run guesthouses that are cycle friendly, located close to the cycling route and showcase the style and hospitality of the area you are visiting.

Where possible we prioritise locally owned businesses and those offering locally sourced food, drink and speciality products. This all promotes sustainability in-line with our responsible travel policy.

All our UK trips are operated on a double/twin-share basis. Single occupancy rooms can be provided for a supplement and are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bike Hire

If you would like to rent a bike we have both hybrid and electric bikes available.

The hybrid bikes are generally Giant Roam (male frame) or Liv Rove (female frame) with a wide gear range suitable for the route and terrain, semi-slick tyres, hydraulic disc brakes and a relaxed riding position.

Our electric bikes are generally Giant E+ pedal assist bikes with batteries suitable for the daily distances on this holiday and hydraulic disc brakes. E-bikes come with step through frames as standard but some cross bar frames may be available if preferred. Please let us know if you have a preference.

A rack and two panniers, a handlebar phone mount and one bottle cage are provided with all our rental bikes, along with an emergency repair kit in a seat-post bag containing a puncture repair kit, a multitool, a spare innertube and a bike pump. A bike lock will also be provided (one between two bikes).

We are also able to provide helmets. If you’d like one to be provided, please request this at the time of booking.

You are welcome to bring along your own saddle, or own pedals if renting a hybrid bike, but please let us know if advance if you plan to do so.

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