Northumberland: Hike, Bike & Kayak (Source to Sea)

Welcome to the northeast of England! Your adventure along the magnificent River Tyne begins at 12pm at Newcastle Railway Station, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Get to know each other over lunch in the city, then make the drive out to the countryside, skirting past the huge Kielder Forest before arriving at the border of England and Scotland. Here you will find the source of the North Tyne, denoting your starting point along the river. Walk from the border back down to Kielder Forest, England’s largest manmade woodland and home to the famous Dark Skies observatory. Have a chat with your leader if you’d like to visit this fantastic observatory in the evening. Head to your accommodation for the night, a charming inn set within the Northumberland National Park with a history stretching back more than 300 years.

This morning will be spent exploring the stunning landscapes of Kielder Forest on two wheels, using hybrid bikes over forest trails and cycling on gravel tracks. Pedal down to the River Tyne then carry on into the wilderness of Northumberland National Park. Visit a section of Hadrian’s Wall, perhaps the most striking Roman ruins in the whole country. Stop off for a spot of lunch and soak in your truly remarkable surroundings. You’ll then pay a visit to Sycamore Gap, home to one of the country’s most famous trees, also known as the ‘Robin Hood’ tree after featuring in the film about the outlaw. Then, step straight into a piece of history as you follow the ancient roman wall on a circular track. Tonight will be spent in the market town of Hexham, nestled on the south bank of the River Tyne, in a fantastic hotel converted from an old Victorian townhouse boasting views of the 6th-century Abbey. (B)

Today you will have a short transfer to visit the source of the South Tyne near Alston, which holds the title of the highest market town in England. From your high vantage point, enjoy an exciting downhill bike ride through the Tyne Gap valley all the way back to Hexham. But cycling can be hot work, so you’ll stop off for a wild swim and a pub lunch to recharge your batteries! This afternoon, you’ll have the chance to see the river from a different perspective as you get on the water in a canoe or kayak and explore the point where the North and South Tyne meets. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, this is sure to be a wonderful experience, and your leader will give you all the tools you need to get the most out of it. Return to Hexham and put your feet up for an evening at leisure. (B)

Jump on your bike this morning and head down to the Tyne, following the river closely as you pass through Newcastle and come out on the other side in Tynemouth, where the river comes to an end. Enjoy an afternoon walk along the beautiful Tynemouth beach and perhaps take some time to reflect on your journey over the last four days, then transfer back to Newcastle Railway Station in the late afternoon, at which point your adventure draws to a close. (B)