Hadrian's Cycleway - Advice Centre

This is a page containing tips and advice, about Hadrian's Cycleway.
It is here for anyone who has recently ridden the route to post anything which you think
may help others plan their trip i.e. route closures and diversions, road works or even
dodgy corners, slippery bridge surfaces etc. which you have encountered on your travels.

Carlisle - Rickerby Park - Aug. 9th 2010
Mile 88.7 -This advice from Richard Litt
When travelling over the Memorial Bridge in Rickerby Park Carlisle, in the wet, it is advisable to get off and walk. The bridge walkway is constructed with wooden boards which are not covered and there are no warning signs. We had a nasty fall on the bridge during rain. Even walking with cycle shoes on can be a challenge.

From August 9th BOTH lifts will be out of service for renewals.
ONLY the UP escalator on the Jarrow side is still operating.
The other three escalators have failed and are beyond repair.

A shuttle bus service via the road tunnel is now operating
every day between 08:00am to 6:00 pm every 30 mins.

The Jarrow lift is due back in service Nov. 15th and the Howdon lift by end of 2010
It is hoped to replace the escalators with inclined lifts on 2011.
For more information log onto:

Royal Quays - North Tyneside - Mile 172.0
ROUTE CLOSURE
Dock Road will be closed for the next 14 weeks to alter the road junction to connect up to a new distributor road down through the development site to the Shields Ferry Landing at Mile 172.5
NCN 72 and NCN 10 will follow alongside this new road once work completed and thus bypass the industrial area.

A diversion around the work site is now in place and uses the footway on the west side of Dock Road from the junction with Prince Consort Road.
At end of traffic free path alongside Ballast Hill Road follow the signs to join footway between temporary metal fencing and hedge line. See map.

Ovingham Bridge
Mile 150.3 - the sign post and signs at the southern end of the bridge has been removed due to subsidence and corrosion.Turn right into the Tyne Riverside Park Vistor Centre car park and loop back under Ovingham Bridge onto the riverside path leading to Wylam. Temporary signs should be in place soon.
DO NOT CROSS THE LEVEL CROSSING

Vindolanda - Cafe
Mile 125.5 - the management for Vindolanda will NOT allow cyclists to use the cafe unless they pay the entry fee into the museum site, £10. Nearest cafe / pub are at Twice Brewed on the Military Road ( 1 mile detour from Smiths Shield Mile 124.4) or in Newbrough - mile 132.0

Route improvements - North Tyneside March 26th.
Mile 169.5 - the traffic path is being resurfaced and widened as far as the bridge over the A19(T) road. Lighting has also been installed, later once the Second Tyne Tunnel construction is completed the traffic free path east of the A19 bridge will be upgraded, realigned and lighting installed (late 2010 early 2011)
Mile 172, in the next few months the route will change to follow a new road down to the Shields Ferry landing - signs will be changed when this occurs. This bypasses the industrial estate.
Mile 169 - there will be an alteration to the route to bypass Willington Quay and will pass through a new housing estate to connect to the improved traffic free path at mile 169.5
Signs will be changed as soon as this is in use and further news will be posted.

HADRIAN'S CYCLEWAY IS NOW PASSABLE ACROSS THE
RIVER DERWENT AT WORKINGTON FOLLOWING THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY FOOT BRIDGE BY THE ARMY.
Click here for map and guide notes

Access Control Barriers - Newcastle upon Tyne section - March 26th
Unfortunately access bariers have been re-instated along the Walker Riverside section - mile 165 to 166.
There are three sets in quick succession - these barriers are of the over lapping type with a 1.5m gap between them, so normal bikes should not be hindered.
Riders with tandams and bikes with trailers may have to dismount.

If you have any difficulty using these barriers and wish to complain please contact the Newcastle Cycle officer: Paul Vincent - paul.vincent@newcastle.gov.uk

Wylam Waggonway - mile 150.5 to 156.
This section can be very busy (especially at weekends) and is shared with walkers and horse riders. Part of the eastern section is also used by the Hadrian's Wall National Walking Trail.There have been many complaints from walkers about inconsiderate cyclists pushing past at speed without any warning.
Please when approaching other users - especially from behind - ring your bell or call out to give a warning and if they step aside to let you pass please give them thank you.

Problems due to Tree Roots - Newcastle section - July 2009
Tree roots have lifted the surface of several sections of tarmac surfaced track through Newcastle along Hadrian's Way. The sections worst affected are at Scotswood between mile 159 - 160 and between St. Peters to Low Walker mile 164.5 to 167.0. Several areas were repaired during last winter and the remainder will be repaired as soon as the growing season is over - meanwhile take care on these sections.

Access Control Barriers - Newcastle upon Tyne section - May 20th
All control barriers have either been modified or removed. The gates on the Walker section have all been removed. All bikes and those with trailers should now be able to pass OK.

Willington Quay - North Tyneside - mile 169.0 to 170.0
The route through Willington Quay is quite convoluted, follow the route as shown by the magenta line on map below. Be sure to check for cycle directions signs at each junction otherwise you may end up at the entrance to Tyne Pedestrian & Cycle Tunnel. Only follow signs with NCN 72 on them. If you end up at the cycle tunnel follow the signed link route (72) shown by green line then via East Howdon Village to re-join NCN 72.
Note: there is currently a lot of construction work taking place in this area for the 2nd Tyne Road Tunnel project. Best to follow the main route over the A19 road which will avoid the construction areas.

Greenhead - mile 114.0
The surface of the traffic free path up alongside the B6318 road has been damaged by the prolonged wet weather this year. It is reported to have a very loose stone surface and is difficult to ride up - you may need to push, once up the steep 1:6 section it is ridable OK.
If traveling westwards take care when descending on the loose surface.
If using a road bike recommend you use the road but beware fast traffic.

Some parts of the riverside route will be difficult for tandems, trikes or those with trailers.
To avoid the access control barriers and steps on the riverside follow route shown on map below.
To avoid the kissing gate into Rickerby Park after crossing the Memorial Bridge over the River Eden, follow the main road past the castle and cross the R. Eden on the A7, bear right onto the Brampton Road and then bear right down into Rickerby Park

Alternative route - eastbound:-
Mile 85.6 - Stay on the road into Carlisle and do not take the Marconi Road turn.
Follow the B5307 Newtown Road.
At the roundabout on the A595 (Bridge Street) move onto the cyclepath on your left*.
Pass over the river and rail bridge and turn left immediately, just in front of the castle.
90m down this road (Devonshire Walk) take the slip lane to the left.
In 100m this rejoins the cycleway at Sheepmount.
Turn right onto the cycle way along the wood-lined track in Bitts Park - point B.

Alternative Route - Westbound
Before the Sheepmount bridge turn left and follow 100m to join road (Devonshire Walk) - 90m turn right onto the cycle way over the bridge over railway and river.
Before the A595 roundabout, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing then right up the B5307 past the hospital. Take the Brough Road on your right. Your are then back on the route at point A.

Hadrian's Cycleway Map
The updated map is now available from the Sustrans on-line shopping site.
http://www.sustransshop.co.uk/

The "Red Arch" - Wallsend - mile 168.2
The arch at the end of the rail path from Newcastle has now been re-painted in its original colour and HADRIAN'S CYCLEWAY script plus Roman Helmet logo added on both sides.
This makes a good back drop for photos of your ride

New Route NOW Open at Flimby - mile 35.0 to 35.0
The new bridge over the stream is now in place and the new route is now in use.

The subway under the railway at Risehow - mile 35 - is also now in use - see photos
This new section provides a safe route avoiding the very busy A596(T) road.
Take care at the 2 road crossings over the A596(T) at each end of the new section.

Mile 170.3 East Howdon Bypass - North Tyneside
Due to the work to construct the new Second Tyne Road Tunnel the crossing over the East Howdon Bypass has become more hazardous.
The northbound carriageway is now closed and fenced off - all traffic now uses the southbound carriageway in both directions. There is a speed limit of 40 mph - but this is being ignored.
During rush hours it may take a while to cross.

OBSERVE THE WARNING SIGNS AND TAKE GREAT CARE IN CROSSING
ENSURE TO LOOK BOTH WAYS

The construction site has now been fenced off - the fence follows the edge of cycle route.
There will also be a slight change to the cycle route
when a new site access road is built from the nearby roundabout.

Hadrian's Cycleway Forum
A page for Hadrian's Cycleway has been set up on the C2C and Northern Cycle Routes Forum
Please use this to post comments, suggestions, experiences, requests etc. about HCW.
Click here for direct link to the Forum page for Hadrian's Cycleway - route 72.

Cordless Trip Computers
When passing the very large aerial array at Anthorn - mile 68 to 71 you may notice your cordless trip computer is not functioning - this is due to interference from the signals broadcast from these aerials. The BBC Time signal is transmitted from here along with other more secret stuff.

Lemington - mile 156.8 to 158.8
The alternative route via Lemington is no longer part of the National Cycle Network and all reference to NCR 72 or Hadrian's Cycleway has been removed from signs.
This route will not be shown on the next edition of the Hadrian's Cycleway map.

Unsigned junction - eastbound at Brampton - Mile 102.0 (4/4/2008)
There is an unsigned junction on the entry into Brampton at Mile 102.0.
After passing under the A69(T) road - continue uphill to an acute junction - bear right and 100 yards turn LEFT downhill on Gelt Road. At bottom of hill turn right to enter the Market Place.
It is hoped to get a sign post erected here soon.

Shields Ferry - Mile 172.5
Fare have been increased now single £1.10 return £2.00 - bikes are still free.

4/10/2007 - Hadrian's Cycleway now mapped on BikeRadar.com & Bikely.com
For index of HCW route sections currently available click

3rd. Oct. 2007 Workington - mile 30.2
The Pow Street tunnel underpass, Central Way, has been made one-way northbound, with no provision for southbound cyclists !!!
See this link for full newspaper report and local reaction !!
http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=548656

CYCLIST DISMOUNT signs are to be erected for southbound riders who should walk through the underpass.

Looking northwards at the Pow Street Underpass
OK to cycle Northbound as shown - southbound cyclists should dismount and walk.

Link route from Newcastle Station to Quayside and Hadrian's Cycleway
A newly installed sign on Railway Terrace (NCN 72 Quayside - Wallsend - Newburn) is pointing the wrong way - ignore this and follow the small blue Hadrian's Way sign down to the riverside and HCW.
link map

Information for Tandam, Recumbant and Tricycle users
There are some sections of Hadrian's Cycleway that may pose problems for those riding unusual bikes.
I will try and list the problem sections and give guidance on a way around the section involved.
If you know of any other problem areas please let me know.
Ravenglass
The footbridge alongside the rail viaduct is narrow - recumbents and tricycles may find it difficult to cross. Alternative is the tidal ford at very low tide or on road via A595(T).
Drigg
The route via the Pack Horse Bridge, mile 3.0 to 4.3 is only suitable for Hybrid or Mountain bikes.
Use A595(T) road via Holmrook.
Whitehaven
There are several barriers between Moor Row mile 18 to 22 but you should be able to pass OK.
Flimby
Use the on-road option between mile 33.0 to 35.7
Carlisle Riverside
Barriers and steps on riverside track and kissing gate at entrance to Rickerby Park via Memorial Bridge.
It is best to bypass this section by staying on road between mile 85.7 and 89.1 and pass Carlilse Castle then over A7 Eden Bridge to rejoin Hadrian's Cycleway in Rickerby Park.
Hexham
The two level crossings can be avoided by staying on the riverside path through Tyne Green Park
Ryton Island - mile 155.2.
The kissing gate and horse step can be avoided by using the on-road option. At end of Wylam Waggonway continue ahead on road to T-jcn - turn right back to join the riverside path.
Newcastle
All barriers have been modified and gates removed.

May 21st - Seascale to Sellafield foreshore path, mile 7.0 to 8.0
Work has now been completed on improving the foreshore path between Seascale and the River Calder rail bridge at Sellafield by by exposing the original tarmac path, widening the concrete sleeper section and by laying Netpave panels over the soft sand patches. The path beneath the rail bridge has been NetPaved and a spiral ramp up to the pedestrian bridge improved also.
Beware of the Low Headroom under the rail bridge.
This work was funded by BNFL and carried out by Sustrans maintenance staff.

May 13th - Hadrian's Wall Bus AD 122
This bus service now starts from Newcastle Central Station and runs to Carlisle where a change of bus is required for most onward journeys to Bowness on Solway.
For full time table details / cost / booking bikes etc click here.

24/7/2006 - Wallsend - Anti-vehicle bollards
Mile 168.0 Beware of low plain square wood bollards in the track on both sides of this road crossing.
Mile 168.2 Exit from railpath at the "Red Arch" - Beware of low wood bollard in centre of the track.

Muncaster Guest House - 6/9/2005
The "bridleway" section from Ravenglass to Drigg is very narrow and unsuitable for tandems.
In parts even tricky for solo riders
Doug says - the bridle way route from Saltcoates to Drigg via Holme Packhorse Bridge is NOT at present part of Hadrian's Cycleway & will not be until it is reconstructed to NCN standards which is some time off - the path gets extremely muddy after wet weather and is NOT recommended for any bikes. The unmarked path around the field edge is bumpy.
It is recommended you use the A595 road via Holmrook to Drigg.

7/9/2004 Secure Car Parking on Tyneside and Transport to Cumbria

This report received from Deanna Robinson from Linconshire who rode Hadrian's Cycleway at the end of August Thanks for the advice on leaving the car at Hadrian Lodge Hotel, it worked well and infact made us change our travel arrangements to the West side.Leaving the car and having the bag delivered on the final day at Hadrian's Lodge Hotel meant we only had to retrace a few miles from Tynemouth. If you stay at the Hotel the night before there is no charge for leaving the car there - (otherwise £2.00 per day) but make sure you leave the car registration or you get clamped - apparently it's very strictly controlled, so no leaving it to chance.
The bag was kept in a locked room and they have a locked indoor facility for keeping bikes too.

Originally we were going to take the Arriva train from Newcastle but there were a couple of difficulties with this - we discovered that each train is supposed to only take 2 bikes on board, some drivers are more lenient but if not we would have had to have travelled on separate trains, in addition to which you can't book the bikes on the train in advance so if others were there before us it could have spread the journey out somewhat. Also, we had the problem of changing at Carlisle or doing the journey out to the coast and then back. So ......We decided to take the Hadrian's Wall bus 'AD122' which worked brilliantly. It can take up to 4 bikes which you can book in advance. It starts at Newcastle Central Station (very handy for Hadrian Lodge Hotel - 1/2 mile to the east) and goes all the way out to Bowness Click here for map showing location of Hadrian Lodge Hotel and Wallsend Metro Station

There are several buses a day but only one which does the whole journey with capacity for bikes at 9.15am daily, some with a guide. The journey was quite long but with the guide was really interesting as they pointed out the various Roman sights and added a bit of geology etc. The journey was almost 4 hours but they stopped at Hexham Tourist Info for toilets and again at Once Brewed information - a 10 minute stop here whilst the bus does a loop. It was an enjoyable journey in itself and we got to see some of the terrain we would be covering on the way back!
Click here for AD122 bus time table

Newcastle Quayside - 18/03/2004
Along the riverside promenades are scattered short bollards across the width of the paving - these are only approx. 500 mm high and painted black all over. If in a large close knit group of riders it can be easy NOT to spot these and run into them. Most are to be found in the area below the bridges and outside the Copthorne Hotel

14/01/2004
NCN 72 & C2C - Newcastle Central Station - Left Luggage
There is a left luggage office - located on Platform 12. Cost £4.00 per item and no pre-booking is required. No time limit but check when you leave anything.
Note to reach the Central Station from Tynemouth you will have to cycle back along NCN 72 - Hadrian's Cycleway - see link map.
Bikes are NOT permitted on the Metro Light rail system unless they are of the folding variety ie Bromptons etc.