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, there will be a Skedaddle group transfer from Newcastle Central station at 16.00 to your accommodation, or if you are arriving earlier, you can either take a taxi from the station or it is just a short 10-15 minute walk away.

You can arrive in Newcastle at any time during the day and the group will meet up at the accommodation in the evening. The Skedaddle guide will also meet you there and there will be a chance to chat about the next few days riding over a drink and something to eat.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 450 Metres Approx.

Our journey starts with cycling along the Newcastle quayside past the Millennium Bridge as we head eastwards along the River Tyne to the coast. We’ll soon find ourselves passing through the heart of the former ship building area of the Tyne and at Wallsend, literally the end of Hadrian’s Wall, keep an eye out for Segedunum Roman Fort Museum and its viewing tower shaped in the form of a Roman helmet.

Continuing along close to the river we soon reach the Fish Quays of North Shields, and its bustling little harbour. We are now at the very mouth of the Tyne and after a few more pedal strokes along its quayside, we pass Tynemouth Priory and reach the North Sea. From here we continue along the seafront riding past the Victorian resort of Whitley Bay and on to the seaport of Blyth, with its imposing wind turbines.

We’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’ and our accommodation for the evening.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 675 Metres Approx.

After a hearty breakfast, we‘re back on our route once more and heading towards the impressive medieval castles of Warkworth, Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh, and the attractive coastal village of Craster. At Bamburgh, as well as the castle in its dramatic setting on a rocky outcrop, there is the Grace Darling museum, a famous heroine of the lifeboats. Just past Bamburgh we 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 a visit 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 our stopping place for the night. If we have the energy left then a wander around the town walls is recommended, and with plenty of good places to eat we‘re not going to go hungry tonight!

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 730 Metres Approx.

From Berwick-upon-Tweed, it’s inland along the Tweed valley to Melrose. On the way we’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. No doubt on the schedule is a quick stop at the Chainbridge Honey Farm, where we can get a cup of tea and feast ourselves on yummy cakes and enjoy them on an old green Bristol Lodekka double decker bus! As the name implies, you can buy lots of honey there too. A few miles on we cross back into Scotland at Norham Castle, and on to Kelso, with the impressive Floors Castle. The final section today takes us through Melrose, famed for its impressive Gothic-style abbey – thought to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart!

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 915 Metres Approx.

Leaving Melrose, we 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 we will see armoured and full face helmeted riders around the town. 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 we make our way into Edinburgh through the Innocent Tunnel and past Arthur’s Seat to the finish point.

Once we arrive at our hotel in Edinburgh, we should have some time to explore Scotland’s capital before enjoying a final meal together.

• Meals: Breakfast

After a final group breakfast, we’ll load the bikes ready for the main group transfer back to Newcastle via Edinburgh Waverley and Newcastle stations if required. For those who want to extend their stay, we recommend booking a final extra night to enjoy the sights of the city. There are good rail connections from Waverley Train station back to the centre of Newcastle, where those who need to can pick up your vehicles for onward journeys.