Hadrian's Cycleway Taster

This guided tour covers the first 12 miles of the 174-mile Hadrian's Cycleway, starting at Segedunum Fort in Wallsend and following the line of the 2nd-century Roman wall eastward. The ride includes moderate terrain with some climbs, Roman heritage stops with interpretive plaques, and a packed lunch beside the Tyne. Ideal for history buffs and cyclists with decent fitness who want to experience a portion of Britain's longest Roman monument. Best for history enthusiasts and keen cyclists. This is a moderate activity lasting 4 hours. Group size: 2-14. You meet at Wallsend Metro Station. Key highlights: 12 miles of a 174-mile national cycle route, Roman fort at Segedunum with archaeological museum access, Four milecastle stops with interpretive signage.

Price: £28

Duration: 4 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: 2-14

Minimum age: 10+

Best for: history enthusiasts and keen cyclists

Best time: May to September for dry field paths and mild weather. Spring (April) offers longer daylight hours. Avoid winter when mud and wet conditions make paths difficult.

Meeting point: Wallsend Metro Station

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Meeting Check-in at Wallsend Metro Station - Bike fitting, helmet briefing, route overview, and safety instructions. Approximately 10 minutes.

First 30 min Segedunum Roman fort tour start - Brief walk through Segedunum (included in tour fee) with guide explaining Roman military structure, then cycle eastward along the wall line.

30-90 min Jarrow to Hedworth milecastle section - Cycle moderate rolling terrain following field paths and minor roads; pass three Roman milecastle interpretive sites with historical plaques.

90-120 min Packed lunch stop - Rest beside the Tyne near Hebburn with views of the river; guide provides context on Roman engineering and logistics.

120-240 min Extended exploration or return option - Depending on fitness, continue further east (full route ends near Blaydon) or return via same route to Wallsend. Guide offers two-pace options.

The whole experience takes 4 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Wallsend Metro Station.

• 12 miles of a 174-mile national cycle route
• Roman fort at Segedunum with archaeological museum access
• Four milecastle stops with interpretive signage
• Moderate terrain with some climbs for fitness-building
• Packed lunch included with Tyne-side setting
• Expert guide commentary on Roman military history

What is included: Hybrid bike and helmet, High-visibility vest, Segedunum fort entrance, Packed lunch (sandwich, fruit, drink), Expert guide for full duration, Detailed route map and Roman heritage notes.

Not included: Museum admission to Segedunum beyond entrance (extra £4–6 adult), Additional food or drinks beyond packed lunch, Bike maintenance tools or repair kit, Personal accident insurance. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Waterproof jacket (terrain can be muddy), Water bottle (fill-up point provided at lunch stop), Sunscreen and sunglasses, Small rucksack, Comfortable cycling clothes with grip, Camera for historical site photos. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: May to September for dry field paths and mild weather. Spring (April) offers longer daylight hours. Avoid winter when mud and wet conditions make paths difficult..

Tip: More challenging terrain

Tip: Includes packed lunch

Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Moderate fitness required; terrain includes field paths, some gravel, and gentle climbs. Not suitable for children under 10 or nervous cyclists..

Operator: Hadrian's Cycle Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Great North Museum Hancock (15 min from Wallsend Metro via walking path walk)
• Discovery Museum (10 min walk from Wallsend to bus stop, then 5 min to museum walk)

This activity is run by Hadrian's Cycle Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. Cancellations within 48 hours forfeit 50% of price..

Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Moderate fitness required; terrain includes field paths, some gravel, and gentle climbs. Not suitable for children under 10 or nervous cyclists..

Best time to go: May to September for dry field paths and mild weather. Spring (April) offers longer daylight hours. Avoid winter when mud and wet conditions make paths difficult..

Is the Hadrian's Cycleway Taster a complete route or partial?

This is the first 12 miles of a 174-mile national cycle route. The taster covers Wallsend to approximately Blaydon (or returns to Wallsend depending on your pace). Full route takes 7–10 days to complete; many cyclists return for multi-day tours.

What Roman sites will I see on the 4-hour tour?

Segedunum Roman fort (with museum entry included), plus four milecastle stops with interpretive plaques explaining Roman wall construction and troop positions. Guides provide detailed historical context at each stop.

Can I continue cycling beyond the 4-hour tour timeframe?

Yes, the route continues east for another 162 miles to Bowness-on-Solway. Many cyclists book a 4-hour session, then continue independently on marked routes. Route maps and accommodation guides available from the operator.