Hadrian's Cycleway is a 174 mile route from Ravenglass in Cumbria to South Shields. Also known as Route 72, this coast-to-coast route heads north up the Cumbrian coast to reach the Solway AONB before crossing northern England along Hadrian's Wall and into Northumberland. Suitable for cyclists of all abilities, the ride is usually completed over three days from west to east. The route allows cyclists to explore Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site, visiting Roman forts including Vindolanda and Housesteads as well as milecastles, abbeys and historic towns. Other highlights include the Cumbrian coast, Tyne Valley and the famous Sycamore Gap. While the main route is described from west to east over three days, the guide provides plenty of information about other options. Advice is given at the end of each stage about how to complete the route from east to west, as the route can be used in connection with other coast to coast routes to create week-long round trips. Other itineraries include a two-day Wall Only ride from Bowness-on-Solway to South Shields, and a 'More Wall Alternative' to Day 2. The guide also features extensive listings of accommodation, bike shops and other cyclist-friendly facilities.
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