Hadrian’s Wall Coast 2 Coast Cycleway challenge May 26-29 2022
Join Pedal Lincolnshire in cycling the ‘Hadrian’s Cycleway’ challenge in May 2022
Linking the Roman Bathhouse in Ravenglass with the Roman Fort in Newcastle -South Shields (Arbeia). This 280km 3-day long cycling challenge follows the Solway Coast ‘AONB’ before rolling across the green hills of Northumberland between Bowness-On-Solway and Wallsend passing through welcoming villages with charming inns, and never straying far from the UK’s largest Roman monument - Hadrian’s Wall.
Built to guard the wild northern frontier of the Roman Empire in AD122, Hadrians wall consisted of 80 miles of Walls, Barracks, Ramparts, Mile Castles and Settlements. It was an enormous feat of engineering and testament to the mighty power and reach of the Roman Empire.
A bike tour along Hadrian’s Cycleway promises a variety of landscapes and moderate climbs that provide an engaging but accessible challenge for all abilities, while keen historians will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to explore Hadrian’s Wall in its near entirety
Mile-Castle fort on Hadrian’s Wall
This stunning adventure is a fully-supported thoroughly enjoyable way to cycle some of the most scenic roads in England, The challenge includes 3 nights full-board accommodation, two generous snack-stops each day and a substantial lunch as well as cycle guides, medics, mechanics and full logistical support, this allows you to simply pedal your road bike and enjoy the views, the cycling and the hospitality.
The cost for this exceptionally popular ride is £650 including a deposit of £100 to guarantee your place.
Dates & Prices: £650 inc £100 deposit
Price Rate: £650
Grading: B
No of People: 8-20
Itinerary:
Day 1 - 125km/263m: After overnighting in a charming hotel in Ravenglass we will cycle the 125kms to Carlisle along the Solway Coast. Our journey takes us close to the nuclear power station at Seascale (Sellafield) before passing the attractive 12th century Egremont Castle; Our mid morning coffee stop is on the waterfront in Whitehaven, with lunch being taken in a harbour bar at Maryport.
After arriving in Bowners-on-Solway we will join the western end of Hadrian’s Wall and have our afternoon coffee stop. A short cycle beside the River Eden takes us through Carlisle and our 2nd nights stay in our stunning Spa Hotel - The Crown Hotel, Wetheral, hopefully in time for a dip in the Jacuzzi before a well-earned supper.
Day 2 - 69km: Cycling from Carlisle to Chollerford we will weave our way in and out of the wall taking time to visit and photograph the numerous sections of wall, forts and landmarks.
Our route takes us through charming Brampton and up to our first coffee stop at the impressive Lanercost Abbey, shortly after our morning break we will cycle past our first section of surviving wall at ‘Banks East Turret’, before cycling past Birdoswald Roman Fort and the remains of 14th century ‘Thirlwall Castle’.
Before lunch in a popular pub in Haltwhistle market square (the geographical centre of Britain) we will visit the Roman Army History Museum near Walltown Crags, (the most dramatic section of wall) and enjoy its brilliant ‘interactive 3D film show and informative displays. After lunch we will cycle past the fortress of Vindolanda before arriving at our luxurious spa hotel in Chollerford after 69kms of stunning views and historical landmarks (in time for another dip in the hotel pool).
Day 3 - 67km: Our final days cycling takes us into Newcastle and on to South Shields following the coastal path through the city centre before a short ferry crossing to South Shields, finishing at the Roman Fort of Arbeia.
Our morning coffee stop will be in the old Roman town of Corbridge and after paralleling the River Tyne we will take lunch in a fantastic riverside pub in Newburn before entering the city of Newcastle on the Hadrian’s Wall shared footpaths. Passing by Newcastles landmark bridges and buildings we will take our final coffee stop at the Roman fort of ‘Segedunum’ at Wallsend where Hadrian’s Wall oficially ends.
The final part of our magnificent cycle takes us into North Shields where we will take the short passenger ferry across the River Tyne to South Shields and on to the nearby Roman Fort of Arbeia where our adventure oficially ends.
Today is a busy day on varying cycle paths and trails and after arriving at Arbeia fort we will celebrate our accomplishments in a nearby hotel where everyone can take a shower and change before being presented their certificates and medals along with a final cup of coffee. Complimentary taxis will take participants and their bikes back to Newcastle Central Stn for their return journeys home and back to reality after a truly fantastic fully-catered cycling adventure that will create lasting memories and lifelong friendships. (Those that wish for friends and family to collect them at the end can arrange for collection from the finish hotel if required)
Included:
Professional Leadership by experienced Cyclists whom are current first aiders
3 nights quality shared accommodation including Dinner & Breakfast
Dedicated support vehicle and driver throughout the challenge to transport all bags and luggage etc and to provide ‘on call’ support and assistance if required including refreshment stops on route.
Cycles and bags can be dropped off at Imp Adventures in Lincoln for transportation to start point and back to Lincoln
Collection from Ravenglass Stn if required
Spare cycle in case of mechanical failure.
Medic & Mechanic
Medal and Certificate
Rest stops with snacks and drinks in morning and afternoon and quality lunch stop
GPX files if required
Complimentary taxis to return participants and bikes to Newcastle Central Stn
Showers available at finish
Entry to Roman Army Museum
Ferry travel across River TyneNot Included
Drinks (other than soft drinks at rest stops)
Cycles and repair costs if required
Transport other than stated
Not Included:
Transport to start and from finish of event (bags & bikes can be transported from and to start/finish by Imp Adventures if required)
Clothing and Equipment
Personal accident and theft insurance
Drinks other than stated Information
Accommodation
All participants will be accommodated in quality hotels, on a shared basis, including breakfasts and evening meals. (two of our hotels both have swimming pools)
Equipment
Bikes - As most of this route is either on minor roads or surfaced off-road tracks most bikes will be suitable, but I would recommend a road bike with 25mm tyres fitted. Tandems, and Tricycles may find some sections awkward but not impossible due to control barriers.
Tyres - Anything apart from full slick or racing bike tyres. Tyres which have low rolling resistance and have the added benefit of full Kevlar jacket protection are well worth it if you cycle a lot. Essential tools and spares to carry - At least one spare inner tube - preferably two - the urban areas of the cycleway can be plagued with broken glass, and a spare chain link and basic multi tool, along with a tyre inflator and normal safety and foul weather clothing, gloves and helmet. Along with some basic knowledge of how to repair a puncture and replace a broken chain link etc although a cycle mechanic will be available as required..
Transport
Private vehicles and drivers will support the challenge throughout. A van will be used to transport cycles from Lincoln and back to Lincoln-at the end of the challenge if required
Special notes
Evening meals are included and will be a set-choice pre-booked 2 or 3 course dinner.
Newcastle City centre finish