Coast and Castle Cycle Route

Coast and Castles Cycle Route

The scenic Coast and Castles cycle route is a beautiful ride like no other. Enjoy a gentle ride along the North Sea coast from England to Scotland. You’ll take in magnificent castles, charming seaside villages and plenty of natural wonders.

How long is the Coast and Castles route ?

The cycle route is 200 miles or 321 km long. It can take anywhere between 2 to 4 days.  Following minor roads and well-maintained pathways, this is a firm favourite amongst the cycling community. It may be easier than many long-distance bike routes, but it still delivers epic sights.

The Route

You’ll begin your journey in the shadow of the spectacular Tynemouth Priory. As you follow the quiet roads along the gentle pathway to Blyth, there are many more sites to see along the water’s edge such as St Mary’s Lighthouse.

Approaching the village of Cresswell, you will be welcomed by the site of the 15th Century Pele Tower – one of 175 such towers built in Northumberland. The towers were built to defend the county against the Border Reivers, ruthless gangs who pillaged the Anglo-Scottish borders for three centuries.

Following the Coast and Castles cycle route further, you will enter the wildlife haven of Druridge Bay with its well-maintained pathways. This stunning seven mile stretch of beaches, woodlands and meadows is teeming with wildlife.

Leaving Druridge Bay, the country lanes sweep up to the village of Amble. Amble is a good place to take a break as there are lots of spots to grab something to eat outside. The pristine ruins of Warkworth Castle – crowning the hilltop above the River Croquet – will greet you further up the coast. Construction of this picturesque castle began in 1139!

You continue through the coastal village of Alnmouth – a truly lovely spot – and on to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. This 14^th-century ruin is a dramatic sight on its perch above the sea.

Lindisfarne and Bamburgh

Coasting through the fishing village of Craster, you’ll cycle along rural pathways and then taken back on road towards bustling harbour town of Seahouses. From here you can see Holy Island in the distance, with the evocative ruins of Lindisfarne Priory.

Travelling north, you’ll come to Bamburgh Castle. The castle is superbly set above the sea and a long, sandy beach. As a result, it has featured in numerous films and TV shows such as The Last Kingdom, so it may look familiar.

Following tranquil pathways and minor roads through Belford, West Kyloe and Goswick, you will pass many more humble turrets and fort remains. The sites along this stretch include Twizel Castle, Etal Castle, Duddo Tower and Norham Castle – one of England’s great strongholds built in the 12th century. The Coast and Castles route then cuts along clifftops leading to the historic border town of Berwick-Upon-Tweed and its castle. Berwick changed hands many times between Scotland and England, but it has remained English since 1482. It’s a truly unique place to explore.

On to Edinburgh

Crossing the border and continuing along quaint seafront lanes, you will reach Ayton Castle, a beautifully restored medieval tower house. The route stretches inland, through farmland and along country roads, before heading into the peaceful woodland of Pease Dean Wildlife Reserve.

Your journey will continue along the fringe of Dunbar Deer Park before venturing up towards Hailes Castle, one of Scotland’s oldest castles. You continue through the town of Longniddry and back towards the coast before reaching Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh.

Your final destination on this spectacular cycle tour is Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the skyline of the city. Once you have climbed the cobbled road for a mile, you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views from the top. It’s a worthy finish to an unforgettable ride that’s steeped in history.

What We Can Offer

• Bike transfer from Newcastle Central Station to Tynemouth to start your trip (other pick up locations available on request)
• All baggage transfers between accommodation
• Route Maps and GPX file
• List of bike shops and places to visit en-route
• Phone support available from 7am to 10pm daily
• Emergency support – to help you in your moment of need
• Transfer from Edinburgh to Newcastle at the end of the experience
• Transfer for riders and bikes to your home or accommodation

Route Highlights

• Stunning castles, forts, towers and historical landmarks along the route
• A gentle amble along stunning coastlines
• Quaint fishing villages, historic market towns and bustling cities
• Finish at one of Britain’s best known landmarks – Edinburgh Castle

Why choose the Coast and Castle cycle route?

• Gentle terrain along its whole length
• Countless beauty spots along the route with time to explore at your leisure
• Wonderfully friendly villages and harbours with good eateries and accommodation
• Route is relatively simple to navigate
  
• Great option for newer long distance cyclists

Accommodation

For non-corporate clients, we can give recommendations for accommodation taking into account your planned daily mileage.

We offer a full package service – including accommodation booking – for corporate clients. We are reliable and experienced. Ecocabs and Ecocabs Cycles work with some of the largest employers in the North East – both public and private sector. If you would like to know more about Ecocabs Cycles’ corporate packages, please see here.