Day/ Day 1 Hadrian's wall and Wainwrights Coast to coast

This is the first day of the bike ride along the Hadrian Wall and Wainwrights Coast to coast route. The low budget route goes from campsite to campsite. The section along the Hadrian Wall follows National Cycle Route 72 to Carlisle. After Carlisle, the track curves towards St. Bees, the starting point of Wainwrights coast to coast from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. This coast to coast route is originally a hiking trail. I have tried to include bike paths and quiet roads that are as close to the walking route as possible.

This is the first day of the cycle route along the Hadrian's Wall and Wainwrights Coast tot Coast.

The low budget route goes from campsite to campsite . The part along the Hadrian's Wall follows the National Cycle Route 72 till Carlisle. After Carlisle the track bends in the direction of St. Bees the starting point of Wainwrights Coast to Coast from the Irish sea to the North sea. This coast to coast route is a walking route. I tried to use cyclingpaths and quiet roads that are situated as near as possible to the walkingroute.

From Newcastle upon Tyne to the campsite in Melkridge

Bezoek het Romeinse fort van Housesteads / Visit the Roman Fort of Housesteds.

Small detour is signposted with waypoints. / Little detour is indicated with waypoints

From the Ferry in Newcastle you will soon find the first signs of the NCR 72. You have to keep the attention because the path changes direction a lot. Pretty soon you pass under the gate that announces the beginning of the Hadrian's wall. You go the first 15 km straight through Newcastle and follow the river Tyne through the center with its famous bridges. After Newcastle you will continue to follow the river for a long time, so that you cycle almost over flat terrain. As soon as you leave the river come the first of the many slopes that will follow. Pay attention to the signs pointing to the Hadrian's Wall otherwise you will miss the interesting places. 10 km from melkridge campsite you will find the ruins of Housesteads Roman fort and the Vindolanda museum. The sites close at 17h00. Melkridge's campsite is simple. There is a bunk barn ("sleeping barn") if you prefer not to unpack the tent. The bicycle can be stored in another shed.

From the Ferry in Newcastle you will find the first shields of the NCR 72. Stay allert because the path changes often the directions. Soon you will cycle under the arch that indicates the start of the Hadrian's wall route. The first 10 miles you will cross Newcastle. The route goes along the river Tyne, trough the centre of the town with its famous bridges. After Newcastle you will follow Tyne for quite some time offering you a flat ride. As soon as you leave the Tyne the first of the many hillsides to go will appear. Beware of the shields that point to the Hadrian's wall so that you don't miss the interesting sites. About 6 miles before the campsite of Melkridge you'll find the ruins of Housesteads Roman fort and the Vindolanda museum. Both sites are open till 5.00 pm. The Mekridge campsite is simple. There is a bunk barn in case you will leave the tent in the bag.