Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Planning a cycling holiday in Newcastle upon Tyne? This guide gives you a fun, friendly rundown of the best bike touring routes in and around the city. You’ll find lakeside trails, riverside paths, urban loops, green corridors, and multi‑day excursions, all described in километres and with tips on surfaces, sights, and how to plan your ride.
Exploring Newcastle by bike: route highlights
When you roll into Newcastle upon Tyne, you’ll want a mix of urban charm, riverside tranquility, greenways, and even a ride into the wild outskirts. This section walks you through standout circuits you can do in a day or half‑day, easily from the city centre.
Riverside loop: Tyne Bridges and back
Distance: about 20 km in total (round trip). This is a relaxed route that follows the Tyne, crossing bridges and enjoying waterside vistas. Start near the Millennium Bridge, pedal eastwards along the Quayside, cross the High Level Bridge (or Swing Bridge), head west upstream on the north bank, then return via the southern side. You’ll pass icons like the Baltic Centre, the Sage, Ouseburn, and more.
Surface & difficulty: Mostly paved riverside paths and quiet streets. Flat to gently rolling. Perfect as your first ride to orient yourself with Newcastle.
Town Moor and Jesmond Dene loop
Distance: 15–18 km. This green loop takes you into leafy gems inside or just outside the city core. Start from city, head into Jesmond Dene (a lovely wooded valley with paths and bridges), exit toward Heaton, then cross over to Town Moor (a big open space north of the city). Return via Ouseburn Vale or back through Gosforth.
Highlights: woodland shade, small streams, local cafés in Jesmond, quiet backstreets. Good mix of paved paths and gentle tracks. You’ll feel like you’ve escaped the city without going far.
Coast to riverside: to Tynemouth and back
Distance: ~28 km one way (so ~56 km round). If you have energy, this is a showstopper. Ride northeast from Newcastle along the riverside paths and coastal trails toward North Shields and then up to Tynemouth. The path becomes more coastal—and often more scenic—as you approach the sea. Return the same way or mix it up via inland routes.
Surface & terrain: varied. Some sections are on dedicated cycle paths or shared pedestrian sections; others may be in quiet local roads or coastal promenade tracks. Some short hills near cliffs as you approach Tynemouth, but nothing extreme.
Best done in daylight (lights helpful if early start or late return).
Stop off in Whitley Bay or Cullercoats for a rest, snack, or sea view.
Mind tides and foot traffic on promenades in summer.
Longer touring: beyond the city
If you want to extend your legs and cycle out of the city, Newcastle is well placed for several scenic, multi‑day or full‑day excursions. These rides often mix river corridors, country lanes, and even parts of national cycling networks.
The Tyne Valley Route (Newcastle to Hexham)
Distance: ~45–50 km one way. You follow the River Tyne upstream, taking quiet lanes and paths through sandstone gorges, forests, and rolling countryside. Hexham is a charming market town worth staying overnight.
What you’ll see: rural villages, old stone bridges, river vistas, woodland stretches, maybe even wildlife. Perfect for a two‑day trip (camp or bed & breakfast).
Northumberland Coastal Ride (to Bamburgh or Seahouses)
Distance: ~60–70 km one way (if going up to Bamburgh); shorter to Seahouses (~50 km). You start from Newcastle, route through Longbenton, cross to the coast near Whitley Bay, then head north along the rugged Northumberland coast.
Highlights: wide beaches, castles (Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh), sea views, dunes, cliff paths. Mixed surfaces, some roads required. Best for confident cyclists who don’t mind some traffic and navigation.
Hadrian’s Cycleway (National Route 72) segments
Hadrian’s Cycleway stretches across northern England—and sections pass near Newcastle. You can ride east‑west segments from or through the city. These become a merge of canal towpaths, rural lanes, river paths, and small villages.
You could, for example, ride from Newcastle westward to Corbridge, Haltwhistle, and beyond, sampling Roman ruins, rolling hills, and forested valleys along the way.
Break your day around 30 km to rest and explore a village.
Book accommodation in advance, especially small inns in rural areas.
Carry navigation (map or GPS) — signs may fade in rural stretches.
Tips for planning your bike holiday
These tips come from local riders and travellers. Use them to make your holiday smoother, safer, and more fun.
Bike hire or bring your own?
If you prefer your own bike, bring it—with good packing and protection. But if logistics get tricky, Newcastle has bike hire and guided tour operators. Always check the hire bike’s condition, gears, brakes, and tyre width (especially if you plan gravel or coastal stretches).
Timing and weather matters
Summer (June–August) brings long daylight, warmer temps (though still mild), and more crowds. Shoulder seasons (May/September) offer fewer tourists and quieter trails, but weather can be unpredictable (rain, wind). Always plan buffer time for variable conditions.
Packing & gear suggestions
Rain jacket and layered clothing—they’ll come in handy.
Lights and reflectors (some paths go under bridges or in tunnels).
Water bottles and snacks—services are fine in town but sparse in rural stretches.
Phone/GPS, charger, and a paper map as backup.
Navigation & safety
Use cycling apps (Komoot, RideWithGPS) or local cycle maps to plot routes. Prioritize dedicated cycle paths and quiet roads when possible. Be alert in shared pedestrian zones (especially near the Quayside) and coastal promenades in summer. Always carry ID and emergency numbers.
Accommodation & rest stops
In Newcastle and in towns along the way (Hexham, Bamburgh, etc.), you’ll find B&Bs, guesthouses, and small inns. It’s wise to book ahead, especially in summer. Look for places with secure bike storage or indoor bike racks. Along the route, stop in villages for cafés, pubs, or farm shops to refuel.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED
