coast and castles cycling holiday uk

Coast and Castles

Explore historical castles along the stunning coast between Newcastle and Edinburgh
Overview
  • 1 - Flat as a pancake
  • 2 - Flat with some lumpy bits
  • 3 - Gently undulating
  • 4 - Undulating, some bigger hills
  • 5 - Rolling hills
  • 6 - Hilly but not too steep
  • 7 - Hilly with some steep climbs
  • 8 - Very hilly up to 25% climbs
  • 1 - Very little biking but keen to try 
  • 2 - Cycle a couple of times a week, a few hours per day on flat terrain
  • 3 - Can easily cycle half a day on more hilly terrain 
  • 4 - Can ride for up to 5 hours per day, gently undulating terrain
  • 5 - Can ride for 6 hours per day, some short, steep climbs
  • 6 - Can ride for 7 hours per day on hilly terrain
  • 7 - Comfortable biking for 8 hours per day including long, steep climbs
  • 8 - Cycle several times per week, can ride up to 10 hours per day, steep, physically demanding trails
Total Distance
306 km (190 miles)
Number of days cycling
2 to 5 days
Elevation
Over 2800 metres of climbing and descending
    Summary

    The Coast and Castles cycling route, beginning in historic Tynemouth and finishing in Edinburgh, the beautiful Scottish capital, is a stunning cycling holiday taking in miles of dramatic clifftops, sweeping sandy beaches and a wealth of historical intrigue. The coast of Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are littered with ancient settlements, abbeys, watch towers and imposing castles dating back as far as the 13th century, all of which can be explored on this amazing cycling tour. 

    You can visit superb castles like Bamburgh or Dunstanburgh and if the tide is right cycle over the causeway to Lidisfarne or  Holy Island. You will see some iconic Borders scenery with places like Floors Castle, Melrose Abbey and the River Tweed close to the route. The finale is a lovely ride on traffic free trails into the Scottish capital where you finish at the impressive Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile. This ride follows the official Sustrans Coast and Castles cycle route but we can alter the route depending on the type of bike you are using or your preference of accommodation. You can decide how many days of cycling your Coast and Castles biking trip should last - however long it lasts, it will be a journey to remember!

    Map

    Track

    Highlights
    Endless coastal views across the North Sea
    The magnificent Bamburgh Castle
    A chance to explore holy Island (if the tide is right)
    The sweeping, sandy beach at Alnmouth
    Fantastic seafood and hidden fishing villages
    What's included
    2 to 5 days of stunning cycling, from Tynemouth to Edinburgh or vice versa
    2 to 6 nights of hand-picked, quality accommodation to suit every budget
    One way transfer between Tynemouth and Edinburgh (alternative transfers can be arranged, additional costs may apply)
    All baggage transfers between accommodation
    Official map of the route and accurate gpx files (specific to your type of bike)
    Detailed list of bike shops and a comprehensive route information pack
    Phone support from our experienced team
    Bike hire available as an additional extra
    Availability
    J
    No
    F
    No
    M
    No
    A
    Yes
    M
    Yes
    J
    Yes
    J
    Yes
    A
    Yes
    S
    Yes
    O
    No
    N
    No
    D
    No

    Your cycling holiday can be organised on any dates between April and September for groups of two or more people with 2, 3, 4 or 5 days of cycling. Choose your preferred dates and contact us to start planning your UK cycling holiday now. 

    Trip options
    2 days / 2 nights (per person)
    Number of days cycling
    2
    Average daily distance
    153 km (95 miles)
    Fitness
    7
    3 days / 3 nights (per person)
    Number of days cycling
    3
    Average daily distance
    102 km (63 miles)
    Fitness
    6
    4 days / 4 nights (per person)
    Number of days cycling
    4
    Average daily distance
    76 km (47 miles)
    Fitness
    5
    5 days / 5 nights (per person)
    Number of days cycling
    5
    Average daily distance
    61 km (38 miles)
    Fitness
    3
    Prices
    2 days / 2 nights (per person)
    Guest House/Hotel - 4 people
    £385
    Guest House/Hotel - 2 people
    £570
    Luxury - 4 people
    From £30 extra/night
    Luxury - 2 people
    From £30 extra/night
    3 days / 3 nights (per person)
    Guest House/Hotel - 4 people
    £485
    Guest House/Hotel - 2 people
    £680
    Luxury - 4 people
    From £30 extra/night
    Luxury - 2 people
    From £30 extra/night
    4 days / 4 nights (per person)
    Guest House/Hotel - 4 people
    £595
    Guest House/Hotel - 2 people
    £815
    Luxury - 4 people
    From £30 extra/night
    Luxury - 2 people
    From £30 extra/night
    5 days / 5 nights (per person)
    Guest House/Hotel - 4 people
    £695
    Guest House/Hotel - 2 people
    £935
    Luxury - 4 people
    From £30 extra/night
    Luxury - 2 people
    From £30 extra/night
    • We can accommodate groups of any size. If you have a group of 3 people or more than 8 people please contact us for the best price.
    • We use fantastic, tried and tested accommodation but more luxurious upgrades are available in some locations for a supplement
    • Single occupancy rooms are available for a supplement
    • Bunkhouse options are available in some locations if you wish to reduce the price
    • We can add or remove extra accommodation, change transport arrangements or add any other extras you might need 
    Example itinerary
    Enquire/Book
    Are you or any of your group planning on bringing an electric bike?
    Is the battery removable for charging?

    We had a fantastic 4 days and the sun shone on us! Your wonderful organization and helpful suggestions really sorted us out – especially as we'd left it all to the last minute!! I loved your friendly, personal response and we would definitely recommend you to anyone :0) Huge thanks for making our 3rd attempt come true!!

    Laura, UK

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