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.

United Kingdom

Coast and Castles (6 days cycling)

Self-Guided Leisure Bike Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

7 days

Prices from

$1,395 P.P.
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This classic cycling holiday in the UK, from Newcastle-upon-Tyne to Edinburgh, follows the National Cycle Network Route 1: Coast and Castles using the North Sea Cycle Route. This is a classic cycle route full of awesome scenery and historical interest!
Arriving in Newcastle with its excellent transport connections, you'll spend your first night in this vibrant city. The next day, after following the River Tyne to the coast at Tynemouth, you'll head northwards following the wonderful Coast and Castles route which takes you up the beautiful and dramatic Northumberland Coast with its long sandy beaches and the spectacular castles of Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh.
After checking the tide times (a must!), your next stop is Holy Island, otherwise known as Lindisfarne, before edging your way to the Scottish Border at Berwick-upon-Tweed. From here you'll head inland up the majestic Tweed Valley to Melrose, which is famed for its gothic abbey. Onwards then to Innerleithen, with the final leg a superb spot of cycling through the Moorfoot Hills and on to Edinburgh for a great finish in Scotland's capital city. At the end of the ride in Edinburgh you'll be met by our Skedaddle representative where you will either start your return journey from here by train, or you will be transferred back to Newcastle.
This self-guided trip is for a minimum of 2 people and accommodation, transfers (where required), luggage transfers and emergency back up are all included. With access to the navigation app you'll be able to navigate the route with ease. Nothing could be simpler!  
This trip can also be done as a 4 day version or as a fully supported option.

 

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Highlights

  • Cycling past the dramatic Tynemouth Priory
  • Miles of pristine dunes and sandy beaches at Druridge Bay
  • Stunning vistas as you approach imposing Bamburgh Castle
  • Your first glimpse of Edinburgh from the Moorfoot hills
  • The rugged beauty of the borders
  • A celebratory dram in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat
  • Flexibility to choose your own start date

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival into Newcastle

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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.

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Day 2 Newcastle to Warkworth

47 Miles / 76 Kms Approx
Ascent: 455 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 455 Metres Approx.

Your journey starts by cycling along the Newcastle quayside past the Millennium Bridge as you head eastwards along the River Tyne to the coast. You will soon find yourself passing through the heart of the former ship building area of the Tyne and at Wallsend – the end of Hadrian’s Wall you’ll need to keep an eye out for Segedunum Roman Fort Museum.

Continuing along close to the river you soon reach the Fish Quays of North Shields, where you’ll find a bustling little harbour. You are now at the very mouth of the Tyne and a few more pedal turns lead along its quayside, pass Lord Collingwood and you’ll reach Tynemouth. This is a great place for a late morning coffee or to stock up on snacks for the miles ahead. From here you continue along the seafront, past the Victorian resort of Whitley Bay and on to the seaport of Blyth.

You’ll soon leave the urban surroundings behind and pass into much more open countryside and quiet country lanes. The next point of interest is the stunning Druridge Bay. With its seven mile sandy beach, nature reserve and some of Northumberland’s biggest sand dunes it is a real treat. Next comes Amble which proudly declares itself as ‘the friendliest port’ before arriving into Warkworth with it’s impressive castle and onto your accommodation for the evening.

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Day 3 Warkworth to Bamburgh

27 Miles / 43 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 295 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 295 Metres Approx.

Leaving Warkworth behind your route takes you towards the impressive medieval castles of Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh, and the attractive coastal village of Craster. 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 4 Bamburgh to Berwick-upon-Tweed

25 Miles / 40 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 295 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 295 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 well worth the additional 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 5 Berwick-upon-Tweed to Kelso

32 Miles / 51 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 425 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 425 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 an old green 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 6 Kelso to Innerleithen

34 Miles / 54 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 650 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 650 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. The busy little town of Innerleithen is well known for its mountain biking scene, and no doubt you will see armoured and full face helmeted riders around the town.

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Day 7 Innerleithen to Edinburgh

38 Miles / 62 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 610 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 610 Metres Approx.

Heading north out of Innerleithen the route climbs up and 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 by our Skedaddle representative where you will either start your return journey home by train or be transferred back to Newcastle.

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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)

White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain.

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

GPS units and navigation softwares produce different statistical information based on a number of different factors, so please keep in mind the information we’re providing here is meant to be an indicative guide only.

Gradients in particular can be difficult to measure consistently, and sometimes steepness shown can vary as much as 5-10% from what’s signposted on the ground.

Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, should however give you a good idea of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be.

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Still Thinking It Over?

Register your interest and we'll keep you up-to-date on departures, availability, accommodation and all the amazing experiences we have in store on this trip.

The Cycling

Terrain

The route has some sections of urban riding, on quiet roads or purpose built cycle paths, but 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. Please note, e-bikes are generally heavier than standard bikes, so it is worth considering when handling the bike over some of the rougher / uneven terrain.

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

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

Three cyclists riding Northumberland Coast

Leisure Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 2-3: Gentle/ Moderate

Aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 trips

Suitable for those looking for some cycle friendly routes

Some modest climbs

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?

Trips that are graded as a 2-3, will have aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 rides. These tours are still suitable for those perhaps who have recently got into cycling, and offer an array of accessible, cycle friendly routes, cycle paths and quiet roads, however there will be some days / sections where you may have to tackle some ups and downs, the occasional steeper climb and perhaps some varying terrain (forest tracks, gravel paths etc). Suitable for those with a decent level of physical fitness, looking for some leisurely rides with occasional (achievable!) challenges along the way.  

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 end of September. Call and chat to us if you‘re interested in doing this holiday in October.

Choose your own dates from:

2026 $1710 per person

2027 $1750 per person

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

Alternatively for a great value holiday select one of our scheduled weekend departures below.

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $200 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
To see the prices for any optional extras, including bike hire, select your date below.
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Start Date
19/08/2026 Guaranteed
Return Date
25/08/2026
Duration
7 days
Price
$1,395.00
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Start Date
16/09/2026
Return Date
22/09/2026
Duration
7 days
Price
$1,395.00
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End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
Return Date
--/--/----
Duration
7 days
Price
$1,710.00
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The Essentials

Travel Options

If you choose to travel by air then Newcastle has an airport, although transatlantic options are limited and most routes will come via London.

If you choose to travel by 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 around 16.30 who will give you your luggage and collect your bikes, if hiring. If taking the train from Edinburgh, Edinburgh Waverley station is a short walk away. Alternatively, we can transfer you back to Newcastle train station or back to your car in Newcastle (this transfer is included in your holiday cost). 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 prior to making any travel arrangements

Please note, if you are travelling to the UK from overseas and are not a British or Irish national, you will need to apply for either an ETA or a visa depending on your nationality. Please check the relevant state department or foreign office guidance for your country or you can find more information here

Contact us for full details on the travel options on this trip

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.

Contact us for full details on the accommodation for this trip

Bike Hire

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

The hybrid bikes are generally Giant Roam (male frame) or Liv Rove (female frame) with flat bars and semi-slick tyres. They are set up with a rear rack, two panniers and at least one bottle cage.

The gravel bikes are generally Giant Revolt (male frame) or Liv Devote (female frame) with drop-bars, aluminium frames, carbon forks, and 700×38c gravel-specific tyres fitted with inner tubes. They are set up with a rear rack, two panniers and at least one bottle cage.

The electric bikes are generally Giant E+ pedal assist bikes with flat bars, step through frames, semi-slick tyres, and batteries suitable for the daily distance on this holiday. They are set up with a rear rack and two panniers and they will either have a bottle cage or you will be able to store a water bottle in your pannier bag.

When choosing your hire bike, we recommend selecting the type of bike you’re used to riding and feel most comfortable and confident on, whether that’s a flat-bar bike or a drop-bar setup. If you’re unsure about anything, or would like to chat through the available options, please do give us a call.

All of our hire bikes have a wide range of gears, hydraulic disc brakes and offer a comfortable riding position. All bikes have inner tubes and come equipped with a small seat-post bag containing a puncture repair kit, a multitool and a spare tube, as well as a bike pump. We will also provide a handlebar phone mount (if required), and a bike lock (one between two bikes). Please note, given the variety of shapes and sizes of on-bike luggage and the fact the mechanisms for fitting them vary, we aren’t able to safely accommodate customers’ own frame bags or on-bike luggage on our hire bikes.

We are also able to provide helmets. If you’d like one, please request this at the time of booking. You are welcome to bring along your own saddle and / or own pedals if renting a hybrid or gravel bike, but please let us know in advance if you plan to do so. Please note, all our hire bikes come with flat pedals as standard.

If you are planning to bring your own bike, please let us know the make and model and we can check its suitability.

Contact us for full details on the bikes available for hire on this trip

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What's 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

J) Tips for guides, drivers, support staff

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News, Reviews & Stories

7 Must-Do Long distance cycling routes on the NCN

If you’ve ever been on a bike ride in the UK, you’ll likely have encountered the little blue and red signs that indicate our incredible National Cycle Network. Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans) have been custodians of the Network for more than 30 years, developing safe cycle routes for all.  The National Cycle Network is a great place to start planning a UK cycling holiday. If you’re in ...

8 reasons why you will love cycling in Northumberland

Positioned in the far North of England, bordered with Scotland, the vast county of Northumberland boasts incredible natural and cultural wonders. Rugged and unspoilt are often words we use to describe this still wonderfully wild place. With the smallest population in England, it’s also ideal for those eager to escape the crowds and get off ...

12 hours in… Newcastle!

Welcome to Newcastle! Home of Skedaddle HQ, the city is famed for its seven iconic bridges across the River Tyne, and is a lively hub of the North East which guarantees to surprise you by how much it has to offer. There’s many reasons why we chose to call it home, and here are just a few: In a nutshell… Once a ...

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4

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