Hadrian's Cycleway
Coast-to-coast cycling from Ravenglass to South Shields
Hadrian's Cycleway
Coast-to-coast cycling from Ravenglass to South Shields
Guidebook to Hadrian's Cycleway, a 174 mile coast-to-coast route across northern England, following the corridor of the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site. From Ravenglass in Cumbria through Northumberland to South Shields, with an alternative Tynemouth finish, on cycle paths and quiet country roads suitable for cyclists of all abilities.Guidebook to Hadrian’s Cycleway, a waymarked cycle route that traces what was the most northerly frontier of the Roman Empire. This 174-mile (280km) coast-to-coast route from Ravenglass in Cumbria to South Shields follows quiet roads and cycle paths and can be ridden by cyclists of all abilities.
- Suggested route takes three days with stages of 53–64 miles (85–103km)
- Also includes more leisurely four- and five-day options, a 100-mile (161km) two-day cycle tour along Hadrian’s Wall only, and an alternative stage that rides closer to the Wall than the official route
- Clear route descriptions with 1:100,000 mapping, city-centre detail maps and elevation profiles
- The main route is described from west-east, but includes descriptions for riding east-west
- Includes facilities listings, local history, travel to and from the start and finish, and advice on preparing your kit, bike and self for the adventure
- Highlights include Ravenglass, Whitehaven, Solway Coast and AONB, Carlisle Castle, Lanercost Priory, Hexham, Tyne Bridge, Roman forts of Birdoswald, Vindolanda, Housesteads, Chesters
- GPX files for all route variants available for download
Printed book
A guidebook with detailed route descriptions, stage breakdowns, accommodation listings, profiles and maps - everything you need on the trail.
ISBN
9781786310422
Availability
Published
Published
12 Aug 2020
Reprinted
15 Jul 2025
Edition
First
Pages
136
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x .90cm
Weight
170g
eBook
The complete digital edition of the guidebook, with full route descriptions, accommodation listings, profiles and maps, ready to use on any device.
Map key
Overview map and profile
Route summary tables
Introduction
Why choose Hadrian’s Cycleway?
How tough is it?
How many days?
West to east or east to west?
Getting there and back
Where to stay
What kind of bicycle?
Equipment
Carrying your gear
What to wear
Maps and apps
Signage
Hadrian’s Wall
Who was Hadrian?
Seeing more of the Wall
Alternative endings: running late and Tynemouth
Using this guide
Hadrian’s Cycleway
The three-day ride
Day 1 Ravenglass to Silloth
Day 2 Silloth to Haltwhistle
Day 2A More Wall Alternative
Day 3 Haltwhistle to South Shields
Other itineraries
The Wall Only – a shortened two-day version
Appendix A Accommodation
Appendix B Bike shops and other useful contacts
Appendix C Further reading
Seasons
Hadrian's Cycleway can be cycled all year round, but preferably April-October.
Centres
Ravenglass, Whitehaven, Maryport, Silloth, Bowness-on-Solway, Carlisle, Brampton, Haltwhistle, Once and Twice Brewed, Hexham, Corbridge, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, South Shields
Difficulty
This 174 mile ride is within the reach of cyclists of all abilities, via varying itineraries. The guide describes a suggested three-day of 50-60 miles per day and outlines shorter and longer options to suit all abilities. For enjoyment it is worth being saddle fit and completed some training.
Must See
Hadrian's Wall; milecastles; Sycamore Gap; Cumbrian west coast; Solway Coast and AONB; Sellafield nuclear facility; Maryport's octagonal lighthouse; Holmcultram Abbey; Burgh Marsh; Cawfield Quarry; Roman forts of Birdoswald, Vindolanda, Housesteads, Chesters, Glannaventa, Segedunum and Arbeia; Lanercost Priory; Carlisle Castle; Edward I memorial; Steel Rigg; Corbridge; Roman Army Museum; Tyne Bridge; Conversation Piece installation at South Shields
June 2022
Date error
On p27 the text should read: 'The Roman Emperor Julius Caesar began the gradual process of conquering Britain in 55 BC. However, the true conquest began in earnest under Emperor Claudius in 43 AD.'
December 2021
2022 reprint route updates
1042 Reprint 2022 (3.838 MB)
September 2021
Recommended route through Carlisle
Unfortunately, the first section of the authors' recommended route through Carlisle beside the river, which was formerly the official primary route of HCW before the 2015 flooding, is not presently passible. This is due to a landowner now blocking access, rather than being a result of flood damage.
The authors have liaised with Sustrans regarding the present route line of the HCW. The situation looks unlikely to change in the short to medium term. Therefore, from summer 2021 onwards, it will be necessary to use the on-road route via Newton Road, passing the McVities Factory to reach Carlisle Castle, where a left down Mayor's Drive towards Sheepmount Athletics Stadium allows access to the second half of the pleasant river route through Bitts Park and Rickerby Park.
We will update here if there are any changes to the access situation.
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