Introduction

The Coast & Castles Guide is, we hope, a comprehensive account of where to stay, where to eat and where to drink as you make your way between Newcastle and Edinburgh, through some of Britain's most breathtaking countryside. With colourful descriptions, maps and illustrations of the route, it also offers historical sketches of the places you will visit.

Coast & Castles is a 200 mile stretch of the North Sea Cycle Route, which takes in the whole east coast of Britain, before veering off to the Shetlands and thence to Norway and through the Benelux countries. You may wish to do the lot. If so, take a look at www.northsea-cycle.com. Much of it is very beautiful, but one of the jewel's in the crown is certainly the Coast & Castles section.

This website and guide is primarily - but not exclusively - aimed at the cyclist; much of the terrain it covers, including some stretches on minor roads, is ideal for walkers.
Starting near Hadrian's Wall, the journey ends in the Scottish capital, thus linking the Tyne estuary with the Forth.

Route

The route is called Coast & Castles because the hundred or so miles of shoreline it follows, threaded through Northumbrian fishing villages and vast sandy beaches, is dotted with forts and castles such as Warkworth, Bamburgh and Lindisfarne. When it veers inland up the Tweed valley and into the homeland of Sir Walter Scott you will encounter some of Scotland's finest heritage, before finally cycling into Edinburgh from the commanding heights of the Moorfoot Hills.

Your hosts have been chosen for their understanding of the cyclist's needs, their warm welcome, high standards of accommodation and the fact that your bikes should be safe.
Like sirens to willing seafarers, the many pubs and restaurants beckon the weary traveller. We have singled out the best ones, so if you're taking your time (and believe me, it's worth it) you should take full advantage.
This guide and site also caters for those who wish to do the journey in a couple of days. After peddling 100 miles in a day, you'll be looking for a good meal and somewhere comfortable to rest your tortured limbs.

The Coast & Castle (C&C) - referred to on the blue waysigns as Route 1 - is based largely upon the route compiled by a charity called Sustrans. They are dedicated team of transport experts who are in the process of turning many of Britain's minor byways and pathways into a national network of cycle routes as part of their crusade to encourage us to rely less upon the combustion engine.

Maps

Where we have occasionally thought it appropriate, we suggest different directions, but would advise anyone tackling the C&C to buy the Sustrans map, available from many tourist information centres or from the charity's headquarters at the National Cycle Network Centre, 2 Cathedral Sq, College Green, Bristol BS1 5DD Tel:+44 (0)845 1130065, or, for speed, PO Box 21, Bristol BS99 2HA. You can also get them via the website: www.sustrans.org.uk.

Our map profiles are courtesy of Sustrans, as are the town maps of the tricky bits. While the route is pretty well signposted, it is as well to have a map. There will be occasions when you miss the blue and white panels. New Ordnance Survey Landrangers have the route marked, and if you have the space to store six of them, the maps you need are: 88, 81, 75, 74, 73 & 66.

Accomodation

Also, please try to book accommodation, meals and packed lunches in advance. If you want to avoid disappointment, try not to arrive unannounced expecting beds and meals to be available. And if you have to cancel a booking, please give as much notice as possible. Otherwise, be prepared to forfeit your deposit (this is at the discretion of the proprietor). Suggestions for additional addresses are most welcome, together with your comments.

Please note that the information given in the Complete Guide was correct at the time of printing and was as supplied by the proprietors. No responsibility can be accepted by this independent company as to the completeness or accuracy of all entries, nor for any loss arising as a result. It is advisable to check the relevant details when booking.