Includes: All transport, guiding and 2 nights accommodation, breakfasts Excludes: Evening meals and packed lunches, drinks
Depart from Carlisle: 10am Friday Return from Newcastle: 7pm Sunday
Summary A long weekend adventure biking and hiking along Hadrian's Wall from Bowness on Solway on the North West Coast of England to the lively city of Newcastle on the East Coast. Friday and Sunday are spent cycling and Saturday hiking the picturesque middle section over the northern Pennine hills, following the most intact sections of the Roman Wall. Itinerary This 3 day/2 night adventure from Coast to Coast, features two moderate cycle days on the Hadrian's Cycleway and a moderately challenging walk over the hills, following Hadrian's Wall Footpath. We finish with a canoe trio down the River Tyne into the city of Newcastle. Detailed Itinerary Friday: Bowness to Gilsland - We meet at Carlisle Station at 10.00 ready to cycle and take a short transfer to the start at Bowness on Solway, where we bike 34 miles to Gilsland, stopping en route for a pub lunch and to look around the scenic Lanercost Priory. From Gilsland, we have a short transfer to our campsite or other accommocation for the weekend near Once Brewed. Saturday: Gilsland to Wallwick - After breakfast we head back to Gilsland again to start our trek over the hills on the Hadrian's Wall footpath which closely follows the longest intact sections. We will have time to stop at Sycamore Gap and Housesteads Roman fort before descending down to Wallwick, where we transfer back to our base. (17 miles, easy trail, muddy in places, 6-7 hours) Sunday: Wallwick to Newcastle - In the morning, it is back on the bikes again to follow Hadrian's Cycleway down from the hills to the Tyne Valley. In the afternoon we take to canoes on the River Tyne to finish off in style at the Newcastle Quayside. (25 miles cycling on tarmac and cycle tracks - 3 miles by canoe/kayak - tidal and weather conditions permitting) Accommodation and Meals Camping accommodation is provided by Walkabout Scotland's own good quality hike tents (sleeping bags and mats provided) at a local campsite with toilet and shower facilities on site. Hostel/bunkhouse is also available at Once Brewed and hotel accommodation is available in Haltwhistle. Grading of Tour The walking throughout this tour we class as “Challenging” – suitable for people of good fitness who enjoy walking or the outdoors but who needn’t necessarily have any previous hiking, biking or canoe experience. However, to join the canoe party you will need to be a competent swimmer. Helmets are compulsory for cycling.
