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Bike touring routes & trails
United Kingdom
England
North East England
Humshaugh

Hadrians Wall loop from Chollerford loop

Hard

5.0

(3)

44

riders

Hadrians Wall loop from Chollerford loop

03:49

54.5km

690m

Cycling

Embark on a challenging touring bicycle loop from Chollerford, tracing the historic Hadrian's Wall. This difficult route spans 33.9 miles (54.5 km) and features a significant 2261 feet (689 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 48 minutes to complete. You will encounter varied terrain, including mostly paved sections and some unpaved segments that may require pushing your bike, all set against a backdrop of rugged moorland and impressive, well-preserved sections of the Wall itself, offering distant panoramas of hills.

To prepare for this demanding ride, ensure you have very good fitness and are saddle fit, having completed day rides of 40+ miles. The route is part of the wider Hadrian's Cycleway, which combines low-traffic country roads with off-road sections. While the research does not specify trailhead access or parking details, starting from Chollerford provides a good base for exploring this part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be ready for concentrated climbing in certain sections, as this route is not easy despite the overall Hadrian's Cycleway being considered less strenuous than other coast-to-coast options.

This Hadrian's Wall loop offers an immersive historical experience, allowing you to cycle along the ancient Roman frontier. You will pass numerous Roman forts, milecastles, and museums, including sites like Chesters Roman Fort, providing a tangible connection to ancient Roman Britain. The route's appeal lies in its blend of historical significance and natural beauty, transitioning through picturesque countryside and offering views of exposed wall sections. It is a compelling choice for a touring cycling adventure, combining cultural heritage with a physical challenge.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

12.8 km

Grindon Lough

Highlight • Natural

Grindon Lough is a small, shallow natural lake near Hadrian's Wall and the Stanegate Roman Road. Nestled among limestone ridges, it's a birdwatching hotspot, especially in autumn and winter. Species like greylag goose, wigeon, teal, curlew, and even rarer species like the American wigeon or red-necked phalarope can be spotted here. There's no direct access to the lake, but it's easily viewed from the Stanegate Road near Newbrough—but be sure to bring warm clothing, as it's often windy and exposed.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2

17.0 km

Roman Vindolanda Fort and Museum

Highlight • Historical Site

🏛️ Vindolanda Fort is one of the most fascinating Roman archaeological sites in Britain. Built around 85 AD and rebuilt nine times, Vindolanda was an important military stronghold before and during the construction of Hadrian's Wall. The highlight of the discovery were the Vindolanda Tablets – wooden tablets containing personal letters, shopping lists, and even birthday party invitations. They are the oldest handwritten documents in Britain.
On site, you'll see the remains of forts, bathhouses, barracks, and a Roman village (vicus), replicas of Roman buildings and sections of Hadrian's Wall, and a modern museum with thousands of artifacts: shoes, toys, weapons, jewelry, and more.
🍵 Visitor facilities: Café, shop, guided tours, and listening posts with explanations.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

3

19.0 km

The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre is a modern visitor center. It is designed to inspire and connect people of all ages with the landscape, heritage, and nature of Northern England.
It features interactive exhibitions on nature, climate, and culture, a panoramic roof terrace with views of the landscape, a café with local products, and a shop featuring regional crafts.
Since July 2025, it has also been home to an impressive art installation around the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, which was felled in 2023. The remaining trunk now serves as a memorial and meeting place.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4

20.7 km

Viewpoint near Steel Rigg

Highlight • Natural Monument

One of the most iconic viewpoints in Northumberland National Park is just minutes from Steel Rigg Car Park. From here, a panoramic view unfolds of Hadrian's Wall, winding like a ribbon of stone across the rugged cliffs of Whin Sill. The landscape here is particularly photogenic, with views of Crag Lough, Hotbank Crags, and the famous Sycamore Gap.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5

27.6 km

Kielder Forest Gravel Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

A fantastic section of gravel riding. Please note that this section isn't really suitable for road bikes with road tyres. You'd ideally want a gravel bike with some bigger tyres or even a mountain bike.

Tip by

6

54.3 km

Chesters Roman Fort

Highlight • Monument

Known as Cilurnum by the Romans, Chesters was once an important cavalry fort. Built in AD 124, it housed some 500 cavalrymen and later was also home to infantry. Soldiers stationed here regularly carried out retaliatory raids into the disputed lands beyond Hadrian's Wall. The site was occupied until the Romans departed Britain in the 5th century.

Tip by

B

54.5 km

End point

Parking

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

46.9 km

7.18 km

274 m

185 m

Surfaces

31.9 km

15.3 km

7.18 km

274 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (290 m)

Lowest point (60 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Thursday 13 August

24°C

13°C

20 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h

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