Cycle Hadrian's Wall Coast to Coast

Arrival on your own to Whitehaven, a quiet coastal town with a charming harbor that in the 1600s was one of England's most important trading centers with connections to America. Here you can stroll along the quay, visit the modern museum or take a short excursion to old mining areas nearby.

Accommodation in Whitehaven.

You are picked up by the bike rental company and transported along the coast to Ravenglass to begin your journey. Ravenglass is a small coastal village with historical roots, where you can take a detour with the steam train on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway before the cycling begins. The route goes along small roads and paths through the villages of Holmrook, Drigg and Seascale, past Sellafield and further inland towards Egremont. Soon you connect to the C2C route that leads you back to Whitehaven.

Accommodation in Whitehaven.

You cycle north via Workington and continue to the old Roman town of Maryport. Here you'll find both an aquarium and the Senhouse Roman Museum with fantastic views over Solway Firth. Today's destination is Silloth – a classic English seaside resort with a long promenade and beautiful views towards Scotland.

Accommodation in Silloth.

The route turns eastward around Solway Firth – an area with dramatic nature and rich birdlife. You pass the village of Bowness-on-Solway, the western endpoint of Hadrian's Wall, as well as Port Carlisle, before following the River Eden towards Carlisle. This border town has a fascinating history and has belonged to both England and Scotland throughout the ages.

Accommodation in Carlisle.

You leave Eden Valley and cycle into the Pennines. The road offers rolling hills and some steeper climbs. Here you reach the first really clear remains of Hadrian's Wall. Highlights along the way are Lanercost Priory, Birdoswald Roman Fort and Greenhead Bank with its Roman army museum. The day ends in Haltwhistle – known as Britain's geographical center.

Accommodation in Haltwhistle.

A shorter but hilly day. You pass Bardon Mill and can make a detour to the pub or the national park's visitor center at Once Brewed. Shortly after, you reach Vindolanda – one of the most impressive archaeological sites along the wall. After today's highest point, a long downhill awaits down to the River Tyne and the lively market town of Hexham with its beautiful cathedral and charming town center.

Accommodation in Hexham.

After Hexham you pass Corbridge and then follow the River Tyne on almost completely car-free cycle paths. The route goes through green landscapes, small towns and further towards Newcastle where you cross the river on the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. You reach the last Roman fort at Segedunum before the route continues towards South Shields, the official endpoint of Hadrian's Cycleway. Then you cycle the final stretch to Tynemouth by the North Sea – perfect for celebrating with fish 'n' chips.

Accommodation in Tynemouth.

The trip ends after breakfast.