Hadrian's Wall Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge

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

Trip Information

Dates & Prices: View Prices
Price Rate: £650
Charity Rate: £1300
Grading: B (more info)
No of People: 10-20

​Book Trip

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 / 1132m: 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 / 157m: 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)

Whats 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 Tyne

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

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Other Information

Accommodation

All participants will be accommodated in quality hotels on a twin share basis. Single supplement by request if available. (

For May 2021 Challenge:

1st Night - Pennington Hotel Ravenglass (3* hotel with CAMRA rating)

2nd Night - Crown Hotel Weatheral (4* luxury hotel with Spa Facilities)

3rd Night - George Hotel Chollerton (3* hotel with pool and leisure facilities)

Equipment

Bikes


All of the route is on tarmac or compacted gravel so a modern road bike is suitable so long as fitted with hard-wearing puncture resistant tyres (‘Continental Gatorskins’ or ‘Vittoria Corsa Control’ type tyres)

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, a spare chain link and basic multi tool, along with a tyre inflator and normal safety and foul weather clothing, gloves, glasses, helmet and water bottle.

Transport

A van and driver will support the challenge throughout.

Special notes

Meals



AM / PM rest stops with various high energy snacks and nibbles and tea/coffee/juice

Lunch at a pub usually

2/3 course set dinner meals in accommodation in evening and full breakfasts