Cycling the Reivers Trail across North Britain

A four centre self-guided inn to inn cycle tour following the Reivers Trail across Northern England and Scottish Borders. Includes; 4 night's bed and breakfast in guesthouse or small hotel accommodations, 3 days cycling hire of a 21 speed all-terrain bike delivered to the start and picked-up at the end of the tour.  Also includes the transfer of luggage each day as well as route details and phone app navigation.

The Reivers Cycle Route is an exciting way to discover the best of Northern England’s scenery. Starting in Tynemouth the route uses quiet country roads with great views of the Cheviot Hills before heading towards Tyndale and Kielder. Forest trails lead to the Scottish border near Newcastleton before following the River Lyne valley to the historic border city of Carlisle. Minor roads skirt the northern edge of the Lake District fells through Cockermouth, Workington, finishing in Whitehaven. This cycle route is named after the Border Reivers; families from both sides of the border between Scotland and England who terrorised each other and the whole region, living by robbery, cattle rustling, kidnap and murder.

ARRIVAL DAY: You can travel to Tynemouth by train or car (car parking can be arranged). Your first night’s accommodation is close to the start of the cycle route. There are many places to eat in the town from fish and chip shops to traditional pubs and restaurants. Overnight: Tynemouth, Northumberland.

DAY ONE: Tynemouth to Kielder. Distance approx. 60 miles (97 km). A very flat start takes you along the river Tyne through North Shields on mainly traffic-free cycleways to Ponteland. Then minor country roads gently rise to the gateway of the Northumberland National Park at Bellingham. This is the heart of Reiver country, quite remote in the upper Tyne valley. Just before Kielder is your next overnight stop. The Inn has a bar and restaurant for your evening meal and a few pints will have been well earned. Overnight: Falstone, Northumberland.

DAY TWO: Falstone to Carlisle. Distance approx. 49 miles (79 km). Today’s dramatic ride starts with the dominating expanses of Kielder Water and Kielder Forest. There is a choice of route here on either side of the reservoir with refreshment points to stock-up before a wild and remote section. Close to the Scottish border there is a stiff climb to just under 400 meters before a steady downhill leads to your next overnight stop, Carlisle. Your evening meal can be obtained from large variety of cafés, restaurants and pubs in the busy city centre. Overnight: Carlisle, Cumbria.