Hadrian's Wall Cycleway 'Coast 2 Coast' challenge 26-29 May 2022
Damon Blackband
Hadrian’s Wall nr Walltown Crags
Join Imp Adventures 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.
Hadrian’s Cycleway Map & gradient profile
Itinerary:
Ravenglass Roman Bathhouse
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.
Egremont Castle
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’.
Wall near Birdoswald Fort (looking towards Walltown Crags)
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).
Roman Army Museum
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.
Newcastle City Centre
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.
Passenger Ferry across the Tyne
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)
Arbeia Fort - South Shields
As usual with Imp Adventures cycling challenges this ride will be an all-inclusive guided event with full support throughout, including:
3-Days guided cycling
3 Nights twin share quality accommodation
All meals throughout including 2 x snack stops and lunches each day as well as full breakfasts and hearty award winning dinners.
Cycle Guides, Mechanics, Medics, Support Vehicle, baggage transfer, spare bike
Certificate and medal on completion
GPX files if required
Entry to Roman Army Museum
showers available at end before departure
Return Taxis to Newcastle Train Stn
The Start/Finish
Hadrian’s Cycleway 2022 26-29May 2022
Thursday 26 May participants meet at Ravenglass Hotel 4pm onwards, dinner at 8pm (Train Stn in Ravenglass & cycles /bags can be dropped off at Imp Adventures near Lincoln for transportation to start and return at finish)
Challenge finishes at approx 5-6pm 29 May in South Shields (Trains to be booked for rtn journeys from Newcastle Stn from 7pm)
Cost - £650 including £100 deposit)
For more information or to book your place on this fantastic cycling challenge please contact damon@impadventures.com 07768 608914
Cycling through Newcastle on the official Hadrian’s Cycleway path