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 extra 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.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 595 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’s National Landscape. The views of Scotland from here are simply breathtaking. The area is also a haven for wildlife, so keep an eye out for wildfowl during this first part of the trip. 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; still welcoming visitors since Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobites. the route gently undulates towards Warwick Bridge and 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 priory and onto your first real uphill section of the day towards Gilsland and your accommodation for the evening. Just before Birdoswald Roman Fort, there is a superb section of the wall, right next to the cycling route, which leads all the way to Birdoswald. Thirwall Castle (14th Century and built of Roman stone plundered from the wall) and the remains of the Roman river crossing at Willowford are also nearby and worth a viewing if time permits.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 525 Metres Approx.

Soon after setting off on your second day’s cycling, 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. Dating back to just before the Wall was constructed, the 2,000 writing tablets (discovered just 30 years ago) form the earliest archive of written material in British history and are matched by similar tablets from the Eastern Frontier; it’s a sort of 360-degree view of empire life.

A slight detour towards Housesteads provides outstanding views over Vindolanda and classic Hadrian’s Wall scenery. A cheeky climb takes you to Crindledykes, the highest point of the route (263 metres above sea level). You then drop towards Fourstones before passing through the market town of Hexham, towards the garrison town of Corbridge and your accommodation for the night – don’t worry you’ll be more comfortable than the Roman soldiers were!!

• 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 is 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 you soon reach the North Shields Fish Quay, where you will 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, before we whisk you back to Newcastle.

Please note that entrance fees to the various Roman sites on this holiday are NOT included in the price. There are some sites managed by English Heritage (so bring your membership card if you have one!), and some are independently run. You can check the different ticket options online or enquire at each site.