Hadrian’s Cycleway | Cycling Holiday in Britain | Self Guided Cycling Holiday

Starting at Ravenglass in Cumberland, alongside the Roman Fort of Glannoventa, the route first takes you north, largely following the coast, all the way to Bowness on Solway, the western end of Hadrian's Wall. From there you turn east, following the line of the wall its entire length to Wallsend and the Roman Fort of Segedunum, a few miles beyond which you reach journey's end on the cliffs at Tynemouth. On the way there is much to see, not least all the Roman fortifications, that have stood proudly for 2000 years.

Grade: Easy

Meals:
You will normally be staying in a town or village where there is at least one place to buy an evening meal. On the rare occasion that this is not possible, we will book you into an accommodation which provides an evening meal (this is not included in the holiday price). Lunches can usually be bought on route and we can advise you of the days when this is not possible. On these days you can book a packed lunch from your accommodation by letting them know the night before or we can book it for you. These usually cost about £5. Alternatively, most of the towns and villages in which you stay have shops where you can buy items to make up your own packed lunch.

When to Go:
April, May and June are when everything comes to life so it is very green, wild flowers are abundant and blossom abounds. July and August tend to be the warmest months, but it is rarely so warm as to be uncomfortable for cycling. September tends to be one of the most pleasant times in the countryside and is quieter as most people with children have finished their holidays. By October the days are getting shorter and the weather is much more changeable.

Getting There:
By Rail: There is a regular rail service from London Euston to Ravenglass, though the journey is not direct and requires you to change trains once or twice. The journey takes around 5 hours.
By Air: The nearest main airports are Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Liverpool. There are indirect rail links from each of these airports to Ravenglass.

Day 1 Arrive Ravenglass (has railway station).

Day 2 Ravenglass to Whitehaven.
An easy first day takes you north from Ravenglass with the Irish Sea on your left and the hills of the Lake District away to your right. The route makes use of purpose built cycle ways and minor roads to bring you to Whitehaven. ~ 20 miles

Day 3 Whitehaven to Silloth.
Continuing north up the coast you pass Workington and Maryport, beyond which the coastline has long stretches of sand. Old railway lines which are now cycle paths are followed at first, but beyond Maryport, quiet lanes are more usual. ~ 28 miles

Day 4 Silloth to Carlisle.
Today is the longest day in terms of distance but the cycling is flat and easy. This very quiet corner of north west England is ideal cycling country. At Bowness on Solway you reach the western end of Hadrian's Wall and your route from here into Carlisle follows the Roman vallum. ~ 36 miles

Day 5 Carlisle to Haltwhistle.
You encounter a few hills today as you continue east, leaving the Solway Firth behind. The attractive town of Brampton is passed and shortly afterwards you reach Lanercost Priory in its lovely setting. Next you ride right alongside a well preserved section of the Roman Wall to the fort at Birdoswald. From here your route soon leads you to your overnight accommodation in Haltwhistle. ~ 26 miles

Day 6 Haltwhistle to Corbridge.
Again there are a few hills today as you continue along the route of Hadrian's Wall. Your route also takes you along quiet lanes in the Tyne Valley. You will pass the important Roman Fort of Vindolanda and close to Chesters Fort before reaching Hexham and then Corbridge. ~ 26 miles

Day 7 Corbridge to Tynemouth.
You are out of the hills again now for the final day of cycling. The River Tyne accompanies you as you continue east. You will pass George Stephenson's cottage, on the banks of the river, now in the safe hands of the National Trust. Beyond here, the route soon leads into the western suburbs of Newcastle Upon Tyne and purpose built cycle ways close to the river lead you on. The route follows the Quayside through the centre of the city, with Gateshead across the riveron the Durham bank. Here you will see the new and already famous Millenium Bridge, the Baltic Arts Centre and the brand new Sage Music Centre. The route then continues alongside the widening River Tyne to the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall at Wallsend and finally to the end of your holiday alongside the castle and priory at Tynemouth. ~ 30 miles

Day 8 Departure

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