The Reivers route
The Reivers Route has now been adopted as part of the National Cycle Network. Signage has been upgraded along the route except for in Cumbria, where the faded old blue signs still abound (things don't necessarily happen quickly in Cumbria and the place is none the worse for that). There will also be a new Reivers map from Footprint, due off the presses in late August 09, to mark the occasion (see webshop for purchase details).
This increasingly popular route opened in 1998 and is 173 miles long. It is also known as the 'Return C2C' as it takes you from the end of the west-to-east route all the way back to the start of the C2C. It is a great route in its own right - in some ways superior to the C2C - but it has not had as much attention and money spent on it, is not a fully fledged Sustrans route, and has not been given the mile-by-mile care that has been devoted to the C2C over the years. Some are concerned that not enough is being done to push this beautiful and isolated stretch of northern wilderness. However, the cycle route management unit set up to work closely with local authorities some six years ago along the length of the Reivers, in close co-operation with Sustrans to incorporate the route into the North East Cycle Tourism Strategy, seems to have paid off. The route is once again busier than ever, despite the weather horrors of summer 2008.
As with the C2C the gradients along Reivers work in the cyclist's favour. The route winds its way through some of the wildest and most untouched countryside in the UK. It starts at the mouth of the mighty River Tyne, finishes on the Cumbrian coast and along the way, riders follow the shores of Kielder Water - Europe's largest man-made lake - before crossing the Border for a brief foray into Scotland.
Emerging from the post-industrial and partially regenerated suburbs of Newcastle, the route quickly threads its way into the first gentle then rugged countryside of the Northumberland National Park.
There are fine views across to the towering Cheviots before you become immersed in the forest tracks around Keilder, where there are many options suited to mountain bikers and day tripper alike. After the Borders, Carlisle and down through the Lake District.
This is truly isolated terrain. You could be up in the fastnesses of Sutherland or Ross-shire. But unlike up there, you will stumble across such gems as Hesket Newmarket, with its own excellent micro-brewery, Newcastleton just into Scotland, or Cockermouth and Bassenthwaite. There is a lot of satisfaction to be had from such discoveries.
Maps
Though I provide some basic mapping in this book, and there is some waymarking along the way, you should still get the official route www.footprintmaps.co.uk map from Footprint.
If you don't mind bulk and cost, the new OS Landranger maps have full route details (though older versions will not have Route 10 marked). OS Landranger maps: (1:50,000) 88, 01162 543579 87, 80, 79, 86, 85, 90 & 89 (in east to west sequence). Maps (£4.95) from:
Footprint: 01786 479866 www.footprintmaps.co.uk
Sustrans: 0845 1130065
Cordee Books & Maps: 01455 611185
Getting there
The Reivers trail starts at Tynemouth Harbour, a scenic spot looking out to the North Sea with the Priory and Castle the first thing you see when you turn your face inland. To get there, first head for Newcastle. Then you have the choice of riding out to the starting point along the north bank of the Tyne, taking a taxi or taking your car. Aim for Tynemouth station, and when you get there, turn left into Station Terrace and first right into Huntingdon Place. Straight ahead until you join Front Street, which takes you to the coast. Turn right onto Pier Road and head for the car park. Then let the fun begin.
Rail
There are direct train services from most cities in Britain to Newcastle Central Station.
Newcastle is served by National Express, Virgin Cross Country and Regional Railways. It takes 2 hours Virgin 45 minutes from London, and 1 hour 20 minutes from Edinburgh.
+44 (0)191 221 3156 (station direct line).
National Rail Enquiry Service: 08457 484950
National Express: 08457 225225
Virgin: 08457 222333
Road
Newcastle is easily accessible by car from all parts of the UK. The A1(M) goes through the middle of it. If you are coming by car, there is limited secure parking in the city centre, near Central Station, for between £5.50 and £7 a day. 0191 243 8294
The route is waymarked with a blue direction sign complete with the word REIVERS and the route number, 10. These are posted at junctions and other strategic spots. Occasionally the road surface is signed; sometimes there are just little plastic stickers stuck to gates and lamp-posts. Signage is not always brilliant, but with sharp eyes and the use of a map you should not get lost. Having said that, sections at the beginning and end are notorious for lack of signs; vandals like to trash them, and souvenir hunters snaffle them.