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

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

From $ 3,435 AUD

Description

Flanked with wild countryside, ancient ruins and views to stop you in your tracks, a journey along the magnificent River Tyne is an absolute must to get the most out of northeast England. With a local leader by your side, travel to the sources of the North and South Tyne, explore the point where they both meet, and follow them all the way to Tynemouth. Visit Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, Newcastle and the Kielder Forest. Whether you’re on foot, on a bike or in a kayak, this spectacular corner of the country is sure to leave you in awe.

Trip Name
Northumberland: Hike, Bike & Kayak (Source to Sea)
Last Updated
2022-02-06
Days
4
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Follow the North and South Tyne through the spectacular scenery of Northumberland by bike, on foot and in a kayak or canoe.
  • Enjoy stunning accommodation in an old inn dating back over 300 years in Northumberland National Park and a Victorian townhouse turned hotels with views of the 6th-century Abbey in Hexham.
  • Cycle into the wild heart of Northumberland, walk along the ancient roman ruins of Hadrian’s Wall and visit the Sycamore Gap, one of the country’s most photographed trees.
  • Explore the beautiful Kielder Forest on the border of England and Scotland, where the North Tyne river rises and the dark skies make for a perfect spot for stargazing.
  • Cycle from Alston, the highest market town in England, down through the Tyne Gap valley, then take to the water in a canoe or kayak and explore the point where the North and South Tyne meets.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Please note that many sights, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes even Tuesdays). We recommend you carefully consider which sites and museums you are going to want to visit and that you do some research and make your reservations in advance where required/possible.

Day 1 - Newcastle upon Tyne to Kielder Forest
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.
Day 2 - Northumberland National Park
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.
Day 3 - Hexham
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.
Day 4 - Newcastle upon Tyne
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-06-202215-06-2022AUD $ 3,435-
26-06-202229-06-2022AUD $ 3,435-
10-07-202213-07-2022AUD $ 3,435-
24-07-202227-07-2022AUD $ 3,435-
07-08-202210-08-2022AUD $ 3,435-
21-08-202224-08-2022AUD $ 3,435-
04-09-202207-09-2022AUD $ 3,435-

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights)

Transport

Private van

Map