Fast becoming the second most popular long distance cycle route in the country. A classic coast to coast route which can be added to the C2C, PCW 68, HCW to make bigger longer rides.
Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage corridor is the ‘hook’ for this heritage cycle route which winds its way for 174 miles between Ravenglass and Tyneside. The 33 miles in Northumberland visits the iconic central sections of the Wall at every opportunity though does not strictly follow 'The Wall' which is why this scenic route meanders as much. The middle section of Hadrian’s Cycleway is hilly and literally passes numerous ‘doorways’ into Roman history. West to east is usually wind assisted and once the River Tyne is reached not far from the old Roman town of Corbridge, the remaining section to the North Sea is entirely flat.
The mapped way to finish at Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields is via the public ferry, an alternative way across the River Tyne is via a free bus service replacing the under refurbishment victorian tunnel.With the tunnels currently closed a free, timetabled replacement shuttle bus service is in operation between 6am and 8pm, seven days a week, to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists wishing to travel across the river.
The official start / finish according to the Sustrans map is from Ravensglass to South Shields, however Bowness on Solway (start /finish of Hadrian's Wall Path) to South Shields is most popular section as a coast to coast ride of near 100 miles.
The gpx file on this page is for the Bowness on Solway to South Shields section and should be checked on appropriate mapping software before using it with a gps unit.
