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Cycle routes near NewcastleGateshead

NewcastleGateshead is the ideal place to set off on your cycling journey across some of the North-East’s beauty spots. Several scenic cycle routes pass through or near to the City, taking in breathtaking landscapes, staggering coastal views, beautiful countryside and historical sites. These routes include:

• The Hadrian’s Cycleway - National Route 72, from South Shields to Silloth, taking in the World Heritage sites of Hadrian’s Wall
• The Coast and Castles Cycle Route - National Route 1, from Newcastle to Edinburgh
• The Coast to Coast - National Route 7, from Tynemouth to Whitehaven, taking in the Keelmans Way and Derwent Walk
• The South Tyne Trail, from the Source of the Tyne to Alston and Haltwhistle
• The Three Rivers route taking in the Tyne, Wear and Tees rivers.

Further afield you can enjoy:

• The Pennine Cycleway - National Route 68, from Cumbria to Berwick upon Tweed
• The Reivers Route - Regional Route 10, from Northumberland to the Wear
• National Route 20, which runs from Tynemouth to Gretna.

Newcastle Tourist Information Centre stocks local Sustrans maps as well as a range of other cycling guides and maps for sale.

Cycle hire

There are a number of places in Newcastle and Gateshead where you can hire cycles and cycling equipment. Some providers offer short-term, casual use, whilst others permit hire for longer periods.

Scratch Bikes

Scratch bikes are self-service hire bikes available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across Newcastle. Take one, ride it, and then leave it at any of the designated bike racks across the City.

To get started, you need to register online at the Scratch Bikes website (opens in new window) and choose from casual or everyday membership. You need access to a mobile phone to use the scheme. Once you have signed up, find any Scratch Bike and text 'BIKE' plus the bike number (For example, 'BIKE1234') to 80138 for casual members or 80988 for everyday members. Use the code in the reply text to unlock the bike by twisting the digits into the combination chain. Store the lock in the bike basket provided and ride safely. You can use a bike for up to 2 hours per rental. When you are finished, re-lock the bike to a ScratchBikes rack. Text 'BIKE' plus the bike number, plus the rack number to finish your rental.

For more information, visit the Scratch Bikes website, phone Scratchbikes on
+44 (0)843 208 1017 or email info@scratchbikes.co.uk

Saddle Skedaddle

Saddle Skedaddle bike hire costs £30 per day. If the hire is for more than 3 days, the price reduces to £25. Bikes must be booked in advance and payment should be made by credit or debit card. For more information, please visit the Saddle Skedaddle website here, phone +44(0)191 265 1110 or email info@skededdle.co.uk. Based at Ouseburn Building, East Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1LL.

Newburn Activity Centre

Newburn Activity Centre is fifteen minutes drive from Newcastle City centre on the banks of the River Tyne in the beautiful Tyne Valley. You can hire a bike and explore the surrounding Tyne Riverside Country Park, or cycle along the Hadrian's Cycleway between Newburn and the town of Wylam, home to the George Stephenson Birthplace Museum (National Trust) and the award-winning Boathouse pub. Ryton Willows Nature Reserve is also nearby.

Bike hire is £6.20 for 1½ hour or £12 for 3 hours. Full day hire is not available. Customers must present valid photo identification, such as passport or driving licence, and a mobile phone number.

For more information, please visit the Newburn Activity Centre website here, phone +44 (0)191 264 0014 or visit Newburn Activity Centre at Grange Road, Newburn, Newcastle, NE15 8ND. Bike hire available from: Monday - Friday 9am -3pm, Saturday - Sunday 9am - 3pm.

Whickham Thorns Outdoor Activity Centre                        

Bike hire is available to Gateshead Active Card holders at the Whickham Thorns Centre . The card costs £6 for non-Gateshead residents and £2 for Gateshead residents. You can purchase the card from the Activity Centre but you will need 2 forms of ID, one showing your home address (such as a utility bill). The hire charge is £4 for 1 hour, £7.60 for ½ day (4 hours) and £13 for full day. Cycle helmets are included in the price. Riders must be at least 150cm tall.

Cycle hire is available on Monday - Friday, 11am -10pm, Saturday 11am - 6.30pm, Sunday 12pm - 3pm. Bikes must be returned by dusk.

For more information, visit Whickham Thorns Outdoor Activity Centre, Market Lane, Dunston, NE11 9NX or phone +44 (0)191 433 5767.

Pedal 2 Power

Pedal 2 Power is a specialist cycle hire business operating from Hagg Hill Farm near the Dewent Walk Country Park. It offers you the chance to hire a bike for the day and explore the area while you cycle round acre after acre of countryside from Swalwell to Consett. As you travel around the country park you can take in the views of nature, from swans at the lake to Red Kites in flight along the old railway line.

Good quality adult and childrens cycles are available to hire for full or half days or 2 hours (minimum). Discount for hires of 3 days or more. All cycle come with safety helmet, locks, repair kits and maps. Proof of identity and a refundable deposit is required with all bookings. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Prices: Full day £12, Half day £8 and 2 hours £6 (2 hours minimum)

For more information, visit the Pedal 2 Power website here, phone +44 (0)191 414 2069 or contact Paul: +44 (0)7872485039 or Colin: +44 (0)7789092642. The address is: Pedal 2 Power, Hagg Hill Farm, Spa Well Road, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon, NE21 6RS

Page last updated: 12 December, 2011