Start: Newcastle
Distance: Coastal route 170 miles / Inland route 199 miles
Terrain: Off road, traffic free
Bike Types: Mountain bikes, Hybrid, Road Bike
Grading : Moderate
There are 2 variations of the Coast and Castles cycle route. One follows the coast all the way up to Edinburgh whilst the inland route turns West and Berwick upon Tweed and then goes along the Tweed Valley to Innerliethen then onto Edinburgh. The cycle route can also be completed in either direction although most people do it South to North.
Coast and Castles is a great introduction to long distance cycling as the coastal route is fairly flat route. The inland route. The inland route is more challenging especially the last 50 miles, after Innerleithen.
Coast and Castles can be done in 2 to 4 days depending on your time constraints and fitness level. We suggest taking more time as there is so much to see along the route.
The coastal part of the route takes in some wonderful scenery and historical sites and castles including Warkworth Castle, Alnwick Castle – Harry Potter fans, (short detour), Dunstanburgh Castle, Bamburgh Castle, Lindisfarne Castle/Holy Island and Edinburgh Castle.
Ensure you carry spares for any roadside repairs, and check our guide to cycle shops
in Northumberland and Midlothian for servicing, parts and emergency repairs along the route.
Coast and Castle (inland) Route Map & GPX
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Coast and Castle (coastal) Route Map & GPX
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Accommodation
Goose Green Mews, Gullane Scotland – Fabulous bed and breakfast at the heart of Scotland’s golf coast.
Shepherds Rest, Foulden, Nr Berwick-Upon -Tweed – We offer visitors a choice of Glamping in one of our luxury Shepherd’s Huts or staying on our small campsite for Tents.
Coast and Castles Camping, Alnwick. We have basic facilities offering hot showers, flushing loos and dish washing areas. We have a small play area for kids, a popup bar and communal seating area, and we are a dog friendly site.
Budle Bay Campsite, Bamburgh. We have many locations on the site for tents, including riverside pitches and on the hill, overlooking the old tower and fields beyond. There are also pitches available near the utility block and second toilet block for those who would like them to be close by.
Walkmill Campsite, Warkworth. The bathroom facilities in the static caravan home are available for all campers and camper vans that don’t have toilet facilities. There is an honesty box available for use of a hot shower or bath
Cycle shops in Northumberland for repairs, servicing and spares.
Cycle shops in Midlothian for repairs, servicing and spares.
