United Kingdom

Coast and Castles (6 days cycling)

Self-Guided Leisure Bike Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

7 days

Prices from

$1,285 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.

United Kingdom

Coast and Castles (6 days cycling)

Self-Guided Leisure Bike Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

7 days

Prices from

$1,285 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.

BOOK NOW
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.

 

warkworth-beaches-cycling-holiday-bike-tour-self-guided-leisure-uk-england.jpg

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

Back to Top

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
Newcastle to Warkworth
47 Miles / 76 Kms Approx
Ascent: 445 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 445 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.

Show Profile
Day 3
Warkworth to Bamburgh
27 Miles / 43 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 295 Metres Approx.
  • 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.

Show Profile
Day 4
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 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.

Show Profile
Day 5
Berwick-upon-Tweed to Kelso
32 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 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!

Show Profile
Day 6
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. 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.

Show Profile
Day 7
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 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.

Show Profile

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.

Learn More

Back to Top

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, 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.

Coastandcastles6 copy.jpg

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.

Back to Top

Dates & Prices

Daily departures available from April to end of September, call us about October. Choose your own dates from:

2025 $1610 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.

Alternatively for a great value trip choose one of our scheduled weekend departures below:

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $250 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
14/05/2025
Return Date
20/05/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
$1,285.00
Start Date
18/06/2025
Return Date
24/06/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
$1,285.00
Start Date
30/07/2025
Return Date
05/08/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
$1,285.00
Start Date
27/08/2025
Return Date
02/09/2025
Duration
7 days
Price
$1,285.00
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
Return Date
--/--/----
Duration
7 days
Price
$1,610.00

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

Back to Top

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. You will then either start your return train journey from here or you will be transported back to Newcastle. 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

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.

Back to Top

News, Reviews & Stories

8 reasons to cycle Northumberland

Lose yourself in this beautiful county, riding off into the hills, admiring endless coastal skies and immersing yourself in the ancient history.

12 hours in...Newcastle

Stopping off in Newcastle pre/post trip? Don't miss our ultimate guide to the city.

Trip Perspective: David Bentley explores coasts & castles

Reviews

4

SHOW MORE

You May Also Like...

Back to Top