Your trip journals

Have your ride posted here for others to read about your
experiences and comments on Hadrian's Cycleway.

E-mail hadrian72(AT)blueyonder.co.uk with your ride account.

2010

Hadrian's Cycleway in a Day - 174 miles Ravenglass to South Shields
Nigel Bradley has recently completed the 174 mileroute in 17hrs unsupported with 2 -30min breaks.
WELL DONE - this is believed to be the first HCW in a day ride.

Extract from Newcastle Chronicle:-

A CHARITY fundraiser has cycled 175 miles in one day to raise cash for motor neurone disease research. Nigel Bradley took on the challenge of cycling along the Hadrian's Cycle Way in support of his cousin Mark Taylor.
Whitley Bay Wembley winner Mark was just 26 years old when he was struck down with motor neurone disease.
His bravery inspired Nigel to do all he can to help.
The cycling achievement by the Northumbria University web services manager is thought to be the first time anyone has attempted to do it in 24 hours.
Dad-of-two Nigel completed the ride - which runs the length of Hadrian's wall and down the Cumbrian coast - in 17 hours with two half-hour breaks without any support vehicles.
He said: "Everyone keeps on saying I am mad and when I was cycling back I really thought I could be.
"Unfortunately it was really bad conditions as there were strong north-easterly winds. I cycled for 60 miles into a headwind.
"It was really difficult at times, especially a 30-mile stretch between Carlisle and Newcastle where it's very hilly. According to the author of the Hadrian's Cycle Way website, no-one has ever attempted to do it in a day before."
Nigel, of Peacock Court, Festival Park, Gateshead, began his physical challenge in Ravenglass, near Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, before finishing at Arbeia Fort, in South Shields.
He has already raised £1,275 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
He said: "When I look back now I have no idea how I did it.
"I told everyone that if I ever suggest doing it again then they have permission to shoot me.
"But my cousin was my inspiration. It is a horrible illness and awful to see such a fit man deteriorating. Mark has been given a life expectancy of three to five years which is devastating in someone so young.
"Since his diagnosis we have all been so impressed by Mark's positive attitude and outlook on life.
"Currently there is no cure this degenerative disease, which is why research is so important. It is incredible how generous people have been, including some donors that I have never met."
Mark was part of the victorious Seahorses team which triumphantly lifted the FA Vase at Wembley in May last year.
But his elation was shattered in January when he was diagnosed with the cruel condition - and told he could have only a few years to live.
Since his diagnosis he now walks with a limp, has lost the use of his right hand and his speech is slightly slurred.
To sponsor Nigel, go to www.justgiving.co.uk/nbradley or find out more at www.mndassociation.org

Ride report by Paul Morrison - June 2010
Paul along with 10 others did the full Hadrian's Cycleway ride at the end of June and had a great time. Click here for their ride report - (3mb, PDF)

Dougs note:-the issue of the section through Walker Newcastle is being dealt with by the council.
If you do encounter any problems please report them to Newcastle City Council direct at:-
http://www.cyclenewcastle.co.uk/contact

2009

The Cloughs Cycle the Wall - 4th to 7th April - Bowness to Arbeia
First ride account for 2009 by Sarah & Andrew Clough who with their children Peter age 8 and Laura age 5 rode from Bowness to Arbeia and met Jim who 'Fixed it for them' on the Quayside. Click here for their ride report

2008

29 September – 1 October - Ravenglass to South Shields
An account by Dr David and Mrs Barbara Newcombe, Cambridge
Click here to view - opens as a 900Kb pdf

August 2008 - Ravenglass to Tynemouth
A video report by Rob Moore
"Six of us recently had a wonderful holiday cycling the Sustrans route 72 and your website was highly useful to us in our inspiration and planning".

Rob has produced a video of their holiday that is quite interesting; so if you'd like to invest 23 minutes of your time.
Click to view Part 1a to view Part 1b to view Part 2

May Bank Holiday 26th - 27th - HCW100 Bowness to Tynemouth
A Father and Son ride - a birthday treat for John aged 9
click here for a ride report by John with a little help from Dad.

Edge of Empire Ride - Ravenglass to Tynemouth May 20th to 22nd
Click here to link to the ride blog by "Crazy on A Bike" Bill Dodds.

Easter Monday - Bowness to Tynemouth in a Day
Sustrans rangers and friends cycle 100 miles in a day and encounter a blizzard on Newcastle Riverside !!
Click here for a full report and photos.

Easter 2008 - Bowness to South Shields
First ride report for 2008 by Susan Armitage, contains many photos and a video.
A ride undertaken in the Easter Snow!!
Click here for link.

2007

August 2007 cycle trip
Between Newcastle and Bowness on Solway and return to Carlisle.
Click here for Emma Philpott's trip report.
Emma - "We really enjoyed it and it'll enthuse us to do a few more. Keep up the good work!"

HCW in July 2007
Mum, Dad and Peter Thompson (aged 12) cycled from Ravenglass to South Shields over 4 days

3-day ride Easter Ride
April 2nd to 4th
Roger Burston and Steve Beach 3-day ride from Ravenglass to Tynemouth

3 Day Tandam Ride by John Cave
27th - 30th May 2007
An interesting account of a ride from Bowness to Arbeia South Shields riding a tandem bike with some useful information for anyone else contemplating such a trip.

Hadrian's Wall 5 Day Tour
An daily account by Ian Pendleton of the LCC and Greenwich Cyclists tour along Hadrian's Wall between May 17th and 21st - contains an excellent photo slide show of their journey