Hadrian's Cycleway

Hadrian’s Cycleway

Ecocabs Cycles is located roughly halfway along the beautiful and historic Hadrian’s Cycleway route at Hexham.  Let is help you to discover the wonders that this bike route has to offer. We have over 10 years of experience in cycling holidays.

How long is Hadrian’s Cycleway?

Hadrian’s Cycleway is 170 miles long. This beautiful ride broadly follows Hadrian’s Wall from coast to coast. It can take between one and four days to complete,

Hadrian’s Wall is an UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built by the Romans after the Emperor Hadrian’s visit to ‘Britannia’ in AD122. For 300 years, the wall marked the border between unconquered Caledonia to the north and Roman Britain to the south. This is a truly fascinating area to explore by bike.

C2C or Hadrian’s Cycleway?

Hadrian’s Cycleway is becoming an increasingly popular route.  Riders are discovering it as a quieter alternative to the C2C that maintains the same thrill. It also offers a catalogue of interesting sites – just like the higher C2C trail.

With climbs of 600m above sea level, the C2C’s sections of protruding rocks and loose stones make it an exciting challenge. However, it can be too strenuous for less experienced riders to maintain rhythm. In contrast, the climb for Hadrian’s Cycleway is no more than 250m. The majority of the route is on-road, with only a few short, bumpy sections at Roman Vindolanda.

Where does the Hadrian’s Cycleway take you?

You’ll start your journey at the Glannaventa Roman Bath House, close to the north-west coast of England in Cumbria. The peaceful roads and off-road paths pass through the linear villages of Holmrook and Seascale, before turning away from the coast and into the market town of Egremont.

There are plenty of interesting places to enjoy on the cycleway. Breathe in the sea air at the Victorian seaside town of Silloth – home to a huge array of birdlife, wild plants and rare wildlife. The route also leads through the small town of Haltwhistle – the geographical centre of Britain.

If a break would be welcomed after the uneven pathway through Vindolanda, you could take a walk over the remains of the ancient bathhouses or watch the ongoing archaeological excavations.

The historic market town of Brampton is a favourite stop-off point. The village is relatively flat and the quiet roads are well maintained, making it a pleasurable ride throughout. Take a break and grab a selfie at the ‘Old Town Iron Stocks’ (used to punish local miscreants in the olden days). Admire the intricate stained-glass windows at St Martins Church or hunt down the building plaques showing off the famous people who have stayed in Brampton. These include Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell & Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Towards the sea

Hexham is a great place on Hadrian’s Cycleway to take a break or stay overnight.  It’s a traditional market town with a rich history, plenty of shops and good places to eat. It’s also been home to Ecocabs since 2006.

From Hexham, you are travelling increasingly downhill towards the east coast. You reach the North Sea at Tynemouth Priory and Castle. This historic site features moated castle-towers and the ruins of the Benedictine priory where the early Northumbrian Kings were buried. Enjoy a well-earned rest taking in magnificent views of the river mouth and Tynemouth’s golden beaches.

What We Can Offer

• Bike transfer from Tynemouth or Newcastle Central Station to Ravenglass 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 Tynemouth to Newcastle at the end of the experience
• Transfer for riders and bikes to your home or accommodation

Route Highlights

• Ride from coast to coast, along the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall
• Explore the historic forts, turrets and museums of this World Heritage Site
• Travel through quaint villages, historic market towns and bustling cities
• Experience the unspoiled Northumberland landscapes, taking in some of the most dramatic and wild countryside in England

Why Choose Hadrian’s Cycleway route?

• It’s an interesting and quiet route passing through glorious countryside
• Series of impressive Roman sites en route
• Great variety of military, social, industrial and economic history, which makes for an interesting ride
• More manageable hills than the popular C2C, which makes the cycleway suited to a greater range of fitness levels

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. Ecocabs and Ecocabs Cycles work with some of the largest employers in the North East – both public and private sector. We are experienced and reliable. Learn more about Ecocabs Cycles’ corporate support packages.