Hadrian’s Cycleway

is a new 174 mile long distance cycle route developed by Sustrans in partnership with Cumbria and Northumberland County Councils, Tyneside local authorities, Hadrian's Wall Tourism Partnership, Solway Coast ANOB and other tourist organisations. 

The section between Silloth and Arbeia - South Shields was officially opened on Wednesday 19th July 2006  The section from Ravenglass to Silloth will be officially opened once work is completed, hopefully by 200? But most of this section can be ridden now, as shown on the below.

Distances

GPS Mapping

Select desired route section and click highlighted text. Opens in a new window at BikeRadar.com Maps compiled using Best viewed as satellite or hybrid image

Note:- may not work on some web browsers

To download these maps as GPX files go to Bikely.com Click FIND and enter NCN 72 Hadrian's Cycleway in to the search box. Select desired route and open file - click SHARE to download GPX file etc.

Hadrian's Cycleway NCN 72 is a lot less strenuous than the C2C - however - you should still prepare before embarking on any long distance cycle ride.

Planning

Sustrans map of Hadrian's Cycleway NCN 72
OS Landranger maps, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 96 cover the whole route. Northumbria's Cycling Kingdom Map shows the interim route between Haltwhistle and Tynemouth.
Read these guide notes and plan your daily journey. Read the advice page before setting of to check for any problems, detours, advice from other riders etc. Some sections of the route involve riding through exposed, isolated, upland areas so be prepared. Check the weather forecast, take adequate foul weather clothing (i.e. waterproof NOT showerproof and preferably breathable) and emergency rations.
You will need to carry all your personal belongings, clothing, tools etc. either in some panniers or in a rucksack.If you have friends or family in a support vehicle please ask them to stick to the main roads where possible in order to keep the traffic on the Hadrian's Cycleway to a minimum.

Duration

This route should easily be accomplished in three days and for the super fit in two or even one !!
For those that want to stop and visit the Roman sites 4,5 or 6 days should be allowed.
Those cyclist's who are planning to camp along the route should bear in mind that the extra weight of the camping gear will slow you down considerably and this should be taken into account when planning your ride times.

Training

Make sure that you are physically prepared by doing some training rides prior to attempting the route. You don't have to be Superman to complete it, but, you do need to know that you can manage more than 10 miles on a bike before collapsing in a heap! Include some hill climbing - although this route does not have the steep, long hills of the C2C - there are still some climbs over the Pennine watershed and along the Tyne valley.

Bikes

As most of this route is either on minor roads or surfaced off-road tracks most bikes will be suitable but I would not recommend a full racing bike.
Tandems, Recumbent, Tricycles may find some sections awkward but not impossible due to control barriers.

Tyres

Anything apart from full slick or racing bike tyres - I use Specialized Nimbus Armadilio 26" x 1.5" tyres which have low rolling resistance and have the added benefit of full Kevlar jacket protection - well worth it if you cycle a lot in Urban areas with attendant broken glass problems.

Essential tools and spares to carry - see side panel
At least one spare inner tube - preferably two - the urban areas of the cycleway can be plagued with broken glass.
Know how to repair a puncture and replace a broken chain link.

Check Over Your Bike

Give your bike a service and try it out before the ride.
Below is a basic (very basic) list of checks you should carry out on your bike before you start and don't do them the night before you set off!
If you are in any doubt as to your competence regarding cycle maintenance then take your bike into the local bike shop to get it serviced.

Brakes

Make sure that the blocks are not rubbing on the tyre when you apply your brakes, also check that the blocks hit the rim squarely and do not slide under the rim. Check that the blocks are not overly worn and that they connect with the rim cleanly.

Cables

Check that neither the gear or brake cables are frayed. If they are replace them.

Tyres

The yires should be inflated correctly to manufacturers recommendations and check the amount of tread left, if in doubt replace them.

Lubrication

Apply lubrication to front and rear mechs, brake holder pivots, all entry and exit points on cable outers, chain, brake lever pivot points and reapply lubrication at the end of each days riding.
Clean and lubricate your chain before the ride - you will be amazed at the difference in pedalling efficiency this makes.

Spares

Check out the spares list on the right hand side of this page for a basic list of kit to take with you.

The Ride

Wear comfortable clothing- padded shorts are a must - get used to wearing them before the ride and above all wear them next to the skin - NEVER wear underwear beneath them.
Wear layers of light breathable clothing - that way you can remove a layer as you warm up and replace it when you cool down.

Carry enough fluids / drinks especially if it is a hot day.
Do not underestimate the amount of liquid you will need to carry, the norm should be two bottles in the morning and two in the afternoon but a lot more if it's hot.

Personally I prefer High Energy Isotonic drinks backed up by energy bars during the actual ride and leave the main meal until completion of the days cycling.

By all means take a mobile phone with you but for some of the route the reception will be non-existent or poor at best especially in the hilly central areas.

If you plan to ride road sections late in the day then take some lights with you because even in summer the mist can come down very quickly in the hills or unforeseen punctures etc. can slow you down - it is still a good idea to carry lights with you regardless.
A rear flashing light is excellent for letting cars know you are ahead even in daylight.

It is a good idea to take a bike lock with you, whether going into shops etc. for food/drink or just visiting somewhere en-route as it makes it a lot less daunting for you leaving your pride and joy knowing your bike is safely locked and will be there on your return.

You will find that your bike handling skills quickly improve during the ride, hills that were near impossible at the start of the ride will seem a lot easier at the end and you will very quickly learn how to pick the best line between the doggy deposits!

Carry some identity with you including an emergency contact phone number.

Check List

Tool Kit

Spares

Personal Kit

Clothing

Good Cycling Code

Please follow this simple code on the National Cycle Network routes.
For a full copy of the Sustrans Good Cycling Code please contact Sustrans
Tel: 0845 113 00 65 or visit the website at www.sustrans.org.uk

Obey the rules of the road:
Always follow the Highway Code

Be Courteous:
Give way to pedestrians
Remember some people are hard of hearing or visually impaired.
Don't assume they can see or hear you.
Where there are wheelchair users or horse riders please give way.
Ring a bell or politely call out to warn of your approach; 
acknowledge people who give way to you.
Respect countryside activities, such as farming and forestry.
Be courteous to anglers and boat users.

Care for the environment:
Can you reach the start of your journey by bike or public transport.
Follow the Country Code; in particular, respect crops, livestock and wildlife
and take litter home.

Look after yourself:
Take special care at junctions, when cycling downhill, and on loose surfaces.
In remote areas carry food, repair kit, map and waterproofs.
Keep your bike roadworthy; use lights in poor visibility.

Consider wearing a helmet and conscious clothing.