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A journey down the North’s most iconic river, by whatever means possible! This tour is for the adventurous, the inquisitive and those who want to make the most of their week away, seeing a journey through from start to finish. We travel by foot (walking or running), by bike, canoe or kayak and sometimes by swimming, from both the North and South sources of this river, to their mature state and finally to the sea at Tynemouth.
It’s not a race and guests can do as much activity as they like per day. It’s downhill all the way and there are many opportunities to “cut the corner” and to travel by alternate means including steam train, boat, or via our support vehicles. It’s completely up to you.
The tour is fuelled by cake, wonderful local food and beer and good company and is a magical 6 day journey that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
If you would like additional activities our guides will be only to happy to add in additional early morning swims or evening bike rides or walks along the valley. It’s your adventure, always!
Easy train journeys into Newcastle where this tour begins and ends allows for a hassle free start to your trip. Immerse yourself in the Northumberland countryside and forests, towns cities and beaches. Down the linear routes created by the rivers, from the high moors, through to the wide estuaries and the sea with a wide range of activities to get you there! Relax in the evenings in some of the best pubs known to man! Just bring yourself, some active wear and a sense of adventure and we’ll cover everything else.
Arriving into Newcastle station for 12 noon, we get to know each other over lunch in Newcastle before heading off into the countryside. Arriving just north of Kielder Forest, we reach the England / Scotland border where we discover the source of the North Tyne and begin our journey! Walking in the afternoon along the banks of this young river and into the forest we meander our way into Kielder for our first night’s dinner and where we stay the night.
Today is a full day of activity and exploring in Kielder Forest – a combination of either mountain or gravel biking in the morning, with a fantastic and endless array of trails to suit differing abilities. Throughout the afternoon there are a range of activity options including archery and crossbow target shooting, zip wires or high ropes. In the evening after an early dinner we visit the Dark Skies Observatory to watch and learn about the fantastic night sky. With so few lights in this forest, you’ll be amazed at what you can see.
Today we hop onto the bikes and cycle down the North Tyne river before heading into the wilds of Northumberland, cycling as much or as little as you like. After a delicious picnic spread we walk in the afternoon up to Hadrian’s wall and visit the Housesteads Roman Fort set high on a dramatic escarpment for a look around the barracks and fortress. We walk along the walk to the iconic Sycamore Gap before returning to Hexham for the evening for dinner and our hotel for the night.
Transferring to the source of the South Tyne river we explore the alternate source of this iconic river, in Alston Moor which is also home the highest market town in England, around 1000m above sea level. We cycle from here down the Tyne Gap valley towards Hexham with an option to stop off for a brilliant wild swim, a pub lunch and a well deserved pint! In the afternoon there is an exciting option to paddle in and around the point where the two Tyne rivers meet before returning to Hexham in the evening.
Starting the day off with a cycle ride, we bike down the Tyne following the river closely through to Newcastle, seeing the city from the riverside, and out to Tynemouth and the mouth of the river! Lunching by the sea we celebrate our journey together and have the option for surfing lessons on Tynemouth Beach before a short transfer into Newcastle for our last night’s dinner.
After a relaxed breakfast we transport guests back to Newcastle Station, say our goodbyes, helping with all ongoing travel arrangements.
For full information about this tour and to find out all you need to know, download your copy of the detailed itinerary by clicking the button below.
Newcastle Railway Station
12 noon
3* Hotels and Lodges
The best way to Newcastle is by train. It is a very well-connected city. If you are coming from London there are regular 3.5 hour direct trains into Newcastle.
Absolutely! We bring like-minded people together on these trips, to enjoy a group atmosphere, get stuck into some great activities, water sports, hikes and to share a well-deserved meal with at the end of each day.
Our tours are designed for those looking for an active weekends, mini-breaks and weeks away. All activities can be adapted but a ‘give it a go’ attitude goes a long way! Some of our water sports activities require a basic ability to swim 50-100 metres. If you would like to chat to one of our team about your particular trip, fitness and activity levels and what is involved in coming on one of our tours, please get in touch and we would be happy to help
We provide a kit list before your trip with us. The basics to bring is some swimwear, a wetsuit (if you use one for swimming) clothes you don’t mind getting wet or a bit muddy in, a towel, as well as some clothes and shoes suitable for walking and cycling in. By providing all the equipment needed for cycling, kayaking, canoeing, SUP’ing we take the hassle out of your week away, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your active week away.