Welcome to the definitive guide to the Coast & Castles cycle route between Newcastle & Edinburgh.

Where To Start

South to north makes most sense – i.e. Newcastle to Edinburgh. The wind is generally more favourable, and Tyneside, with its bustling port, ferry terminus, airport and mainline railway station, make it a natural starting point.

But that does not discount doing it the other way round. However, going north to south would entail going through Blyth, Byker and Wallsend at the end of the ride rather than having that majestic final ride into Edinburgh, past Arthur’s Seat and the Royal Mile.

If you do not feel like cycling back to where you started after your 200-mile ride, then jump on a train. They are fast, regular and bike friendly. Wonderful though it is to revisit your ride from the comfort of the train, it is a little disappointing that the great ride can be done so quickly…