HC2C Itinerary Title 4 days
The Cycling - Introduction
Following the quiet country roads and traffic-free cycleways of National Cycle Network Route 72, this tour sees you pedal 122 miles between Silloth on the west coast and Tynemouth in the east.
Avoiding both the mountainous Lake District and the hilly Pennines, this route threads its way further north through coastal flatlands and rolling terrain once occupied by garrisons of Roman soldiers.
Highlights
• eBike-Friendly Distances: - Short daily distance allowing ebikes to comfortably complete the days.
• Luggage Transfers: Daily bag transfers let you travel light and focus on the ride.
• CycleActive Tour Portal: Plenty of daily information allowing you to plan your days.
• Time to Explore: Time to visit historic sights along the route, including famous Roman forts like Vindolanda and Birdosw
Distance and elevation - Hadrian's Wall Cycle Route
Total distance
Total height gain
122 miles or 196km
5405ft or 1630m
Terrain:
You do not need to be a seasoned cyclist to enjoy this ride as the days are kept short and the terrain easygoing. Low-traffic, quiet country roads make up the majority of the ride, with the occasional traffic-free cycleway weaving through the busier sections. The route is fully signed and easily navigated in conjunction with your phone, cycle computer, or official paper map.
Beyond a great day in the saddle, cycling along Hadrian's Wall lets you dive headfirst into centuries of local history
View route
Ride Description
Your trip starts when you arrive at the border city of Carlisle, which is located on the shores of the River Eden, with its stunning cathedral and 900-year-old fortress overlooking the city centre.
After checking into your accommodation and parking for the tour, feel free to explore the city centre and enjoy one of its many bustling restaurants. If you're arriving by train, Carlisle is a major railway hub connected to London, Newcastle, Leeds, and Glasgow, with the station just a 10-minute walk from the city centre.
The following morning sees you transferred out to the cobbled seaside town of Silloth, where you start your journey to Bowness-on-Solway, the point where the 'Wall' began its journey east.
The Bowness Peninsula’s coastal road is predominantly flat, offering easy miles and stunning views across the estuary—a true birdwatcher's paradise. Set against the backdrop of the Dumfries lowlands in Scotland, it's well worth stopping to take in the views across the water before turning east toward Carlisle.
Your second day on the bike heads towards Haltwhistle,, famously known as the geographical centre of Britain, located equidistant from the north, south, east, and west coasts of the mainland.
Along the way, you will pass your first Roman fort at Birdoswald, as well as the extensive Roman museum at Greenhead. The market town of Brampton is ideally located mid-way, offering plenty of refreshment opportunities. However, if you hold out for a few more miles, Lanercost Priory lies just up the road, providing an impressive backdrop for lunch.
Your penultimate day on the bike sees you heading towards the River North Tyne, with the option of a diversion up to The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre to see the Wall in its most dramatic setting.
Once at the river, you follow it downstream through the market town of Hexham, home to Hexham Gaol (jail), the earliest purpose-built prison in England, dating back to 1333 AD. Now a heritage museum, the gaol was constructed using stone taken from the Roman site at Corbridge, which you will pass further along your ride. Your cycling goal for the day is the small town of Wylam or Newburn, situated on the outskirts of Newcastle upon Tyne.
With the rolling hills of the Northumberland National Park behind you, your final day on the bike sees you hugging the northern bank of the river, heading deep into England’s most northerly city.
Newcastle’s extensive cycleway network allows you to weave your way through the built-up area while still taking in the sights of the Millennium Bridge, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, and Quayside cafés. Tynemouth, with its golden beaches and stunning priory and castle, has seen many an invading army over the centuries venture across the North Sea. Today, however, it serves as the ‘Newcastle Riviera’, its main street adorned with fine coffee establishments and award-winning chip shops.
After your celebratory photo at the newly established Life’s Adventure statue, we will load the bikes onto the transfer vehicle and start the return drive to Carlisle, returning you to your car in the late afternoon. From here, you can jump straight into your vehicle and start your onward journey, or opt for an extra night and a well-earned drink before heading home the following day.
