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Cycling · Northumberland & Scottish BordersCoast & Castles Cycle Route (NCN 1)
National Cycle Route 1 from Newcastle to Edinburgh — along the Northumberland coast past Warkworth, Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh castles to Lindisfarne and Berwick-upon-Tweed, then inland up the Tweed Valley through the Borders abbey towns and over the Moorfoot Hills into Edinburgh.
Surrounding-area map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Open full map ↗
Start, parking & getting there
Start on Newcastle's Quayside by the Tyne bridges, a short ride from Newcastle Central station; Edinburgh Waverley is at the finish, and East Coast Main Line stations at Alnmouth and Berwick, plus the Borders Railway at Tweedbank near Melrose, let you split the route. Long-distance operators on this line usually require a (free) bike reservation, and spaces are limited, so book early. South to north is the recommended direction, as the prevailing winds tend to help.
What's in the full guide
- The ride
- Supplies: food, water, bike shops & repairs
- Where to camp or stay
- Bike, kit & safety
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Recommended kit for this route
Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Panniers (Pair)
The benchmark roll-top touring pannier, widely praised for being fully waterproof and near-indestructible — a staple of long-distance cycle tourers.
Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7 U-Lock
A compact, Sold Secure Gold-rated U-lock with a 4 ft cable for the wheel — one of the most-recommended locks for café and town stops.
Topeak Mini Morph Bike Pump
A long-running favourite mini pump with a fold-out foot pad and flexible hose, so it works like a tiny track pump — fits Presta and Schrader valves.
Kelty Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag
A well-reviewed 3-season down bag that keeps cost down, leaving budget for the rest of your kit.
🎒 The £5 Starter Pack
Complete first-trip bundle: 50-item gear checklist · 3-day trail meal plan · overnight trip planner · emergency card. Instant access after checkout.More routes
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