C2C LINK to Hadrian's Cycleway NCN 72

Scotswood Road to Paradise Roundabout

For link to Sustrans Web map of this section -

C2C Mile 121.6
Having descended from Consett - you pass under two modern concrete road bridges - A1(T) and A1114 roads - to the Express Holiday Inn (L) and arrive at a 3-way cycle track junction with railway line/bridge in front of you.

These are three choices of route to complete the C2C from the Derwent rail bridge.
a/. C2C via North bank of the River Tyne along Hadrian's Way - NCN 72 via rail bridge underpass.
b/. C2C via north bank (Sustrans mapped route) using a foot level crossing NOT RECOMMENDED.
c/. C2C via South bank - Keelmans Way - NCN 14 - via south bank River Tyne.

It is advisable to ignore the Sustrans map which shows the C2C route crossing the rail line at a pedestrian level crossing 300 mtrs. further to the west.
Trains travel quite fast along this stretch.
There is a "kissing" gate each side which only allows one bike at a time to
pass and this can be very difficult and time consuming if you are a
large group or have an unusual bike or wide panniers.

A safer and much easier route is via the railbridge underpass.
See photo of underpass.

Option a/.
North Bank - 90% off-road - 10% on-road ( some of which will soon be eliminated ) easy gradients and good views of the river. Much of the route is on Riverside Promenades, Railway paths or purpose built cycle tracks.

Option c/.
South bank - 20% off road - 80% on-road through industrial areas to the Tyne Pedestrian & Cycle tunnel. Some steep gradients and two busy road crossings. Only limited views of the river.

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Guide notes for the link to North Bank route along Hadrian's Cycleway NCN 72

Take the ramp down to the right and pass under the railway bridge.
Mind your head on the low girders !!

Bear left and head upstream through Marina area to join a service road. Bear right then left towards Scotswood Bridge.

Approx. 100 mtrs before Scotswood Bridge bear left at direction signs, use path over grassed area and up the ramp to cross the River Tyne on a shared use pavement over Scotswood Bridge.

Follow shared use path down to the right passing subway & bus stop until you reach a large green footbridge.

Ascend footbridge using the ramps and cross to north side of Scotswood Road.

At Millennium Milepost - bear right up short red path and bear right to join Hadrian's Cycleway NCN 72.

Ahead passing the Whitehouse Enterprise Centre (L) on wide grey tarmac path and descend down back to Scotswood Road and ahead to traffic lights.

Warning - this area can be plagued with broken glass.

Cross directly over Scotswood Road at traffic lights and turn left up along south side of Scotswood Road on shared use path to next set of traffic lights.

For the latest news on work affecting the C2C on NCN 72 see

Guide Notes upriver to Ovingham

C2C down river to Tynemouth

The Tyne Crossings
Scotswood Road Bridge