Tynemouth - Kielder
The route begins at Tynemouth and uses a network of cyclepaths
to bypass the centre of Newcastle. After the old mining village
of Wide Open the route passes through the Northumbrian countryside
and on to Stamfordham, a beautiful village. Next you meet
rolling moorland and steep hills as you drop down by the
impressive river North Tyne, just before Bellingham. More
quiet minor roads lead through the upper reaches of the North
Tyne Valley to Falston and then Kielder Water (England's
largest lake). You can cycle on either shore of the lake,
either by road or through the forest.
Kielder - Carlisle
On and off road versions are available on this route,
either on forest tracks deep into Kielder forest, or on small
forest roads up to delightful Liddesdale, lying just within
Scotland. The route joins again at Newcastleton and uses
country lanes onto Bewcastle,
a most unusual hamlet, all exposed in a broad sweep of wild
moorland.
Gradually the Bewcastle fells disappear and an easy descent
on to the Solway Plain follows, through the market town of
Longtown. There are superb views over the broad river Eden,
around Rockcliffe and Stainton before your arrival into
Cumbria's major city, Carlisle.
Carlisle - St Bees
The final day begins on the Solway Plain before climbing
into the northern fringes of the Lake District National Park.
Small lanes skirt the fellsides and cross moorland before
the route descends to Cockermouth and on to Workington. A network of cycle paths take you through Whitehaven, a pleasant maritime port, and onto quiet lanes, to St Bees, your final destination. |
