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INTRODUCTION

The Coast & Castles Guide is, we hope, a comprehensive account of where to stay, where to eat and where to drink as you make your way between Newcastle and Edinburgh, through some of Britain's most breathtaking countryside. With colourful descriptions, maps and illustrations of the route, it also offers historical sketches of the places you will visit.

Coast & Castles is a 200 mile stretch of the North Sea Cycle Route, which takes in the whole east coast of Britain, before veering off to the Shetlands and thence to Norway and through the Benelux countries. You may wish to do the lot. If so, take a look at www.northsea-cycle.com. Much of it is very beautiful, but one of the jewel's in the crown is certainly the Coast & Castles section.

This website and guide is primarily - but not exclusively - aimed at the cyclist; much of the terrain it covers, including some stretches on minor roads, is ideal for walkers.
Starting near Hadrian's Wall, the journey ends in the Scottish capital, thus linking the Tyne estuary with the Forth.

The route is called Coast & Castles because the hundred or so miles of shoreline it follows, threaded through Northumbrian fishing villages and vast sandy beaches, is dotted with forts and castles such as Warkworth, Bamburgh and Lindisfarne. When it veers inland up the Tweed valley and into the homeland of Sir Walter Scott you will encounter some of Scotland's finest heritage, before finally cycling into Edinburgh from the commanding heights of the Moorfoot Hills.

Your hosts have been chosen for their understanding of the cyclist's needs, their warm welcome, high standards of accommodation and the fact that your bikes should be safe.
Like sirens to willing seafarers, the many pubs and restaurants beckon the weary traveller. We have singled out the best ones, so if you're taking your time (and believe me, it's worth it) you should take full advantage.
This guide and site also caters for those who wish to do the journey in a couple of days. After peddling 100 miles in a day, you'll be looking for a good meal and somewhere comfortable to rest your tortured limbs.

The Coast & Castle (C&C) - referred to on the blue waysigns as Route 1 - is based largely upon the route compiled by a charity called Sustrans. They are dedicated team of transport experts who are in the process of turning many of Britain's minor byways and pathways into a national network of cycle routes as part of their crusade to encourage us to rely less upon the combustion engine.

Where we have occasionally thought it appropriate, we suggest different directions, but would advise anyone tackling the C&C to buy the Sustrans map, available from many tourist information centres or from the charity's headquarters at the National Cycle Network Centre, 2 Cathedral Sq, College Green, Bristol BS1 5DD T:+44 (0)845 1130065, or, for speed, PO Box 21, Bristol BS99 2HA. You can also get them via the website: www.sustrans.org.uk.

Our map profiles are courtesy of Sustrans, as are the town maps of the tricky bits. While the route is pre?y well signposted, it is as well to have a map. There will be occasions when you miss the blue and white panels. New Ordnance Survey Landrangers have the route marked, and if you have the space to store six of them, the maps you need are: 88, 81, 75, 74, 73 & 66.

Also, please try to book accommodation, meals and packed lunches in advance. If you want to avoid disappointment, try not to arrive unannounced expecting beds and meals to be available. And if you have to cancel a booking, please give as much notice as possible. Otherwise, be prepared to forfeit your deposit (this is at the discretion of the proprietor). Suggestions for additional addresses are most welcome, together with your comments.

Please note that the information given in the Complete Guide was correct at the time of printing and was as supplied by the proprietors. No responsibility can be accepted by this independent company as to the completeness or accuracy of all entries, nor for any loss arising as a result. It is advisable to check the relevant details when booking.

WHERE TO START

My view, and that of Sustrans, is that south to north makes most sense - i.e. Newcastle to Edinburgh. The wind is generally more favourable, and Tyneside, with its bustling port, ferry terminus, airport and mainline railway station, make it a natural starting point. But that does not discount doing it the other way round; this book should be comprehensible taken back to front, just like the Sustrans map. However, going north to south would also entail going through places like Blyth, Byker and Wallsend at the end of the ride, rather than having the majestic final sweep into Edinburgh, past Arthur's Seat and the Old Town. No disrespect to these places, but most would feel that their gri?y industrial charm does not put them top of the list of attractions the Coast & Castles route has to offer.

ON FINISHING THE ROUTE…

If you do not feel like cycling back to Newcastle after the 200-mile journey, then jump on a train. They are fast, regular and bike-friendly (there's no extra charge for the bike). To book train seats, see details below.

GETTING HERE

RAIL

There are direct train services from most cities in Britain to Newcastle Central Station (T:+44 (0)191 221 3156). It is served by Great North Eastern Railways (GNER), Virgin Cross Country and Regional Railways. It takes 2 hours 45 minutes from London, and 1 hour 20 minutes from Edinburgh.
To book train seats between Edinburgh and Newcastle, call either Virgin T:+44 (0)8457 222333 or GNER T:+44 (0)8457 225225, or phone the national rail enquiry service on T:+44 (0)8457 484950 with any other queries.

Information

ROAD

Newcastle is easily accessible. The A1(M) goes through the middle of it. If you are coming by car, there is limited parking at Newcastle station, and the charge is £7 a day. There's also the 635-space Tyne Square Car Park nearby, which does special rates for five or seven day parking of around £5.50 a day. T:+44 (0)191 243 8294
The Tourist Information Centre in Newcastle is T:+44 (0)191 277 8000, and in Edinburgh it is T:+44 (0)131 332 2433 W: www.visitscotland.com

AIR

Newcastle Airport is only 20 minutes from the city centre and there are regular and frequent links to many European cities, including Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris, along with international connections to the rest of the world. There are also direct flights to Aberdeen, Birmingham, Gatwick, Heathrow, Wick, Dublin and Belfast. T:+44 (0)8701 221488 W: www.newcastleairport.com

SEA

The International Ferry Terminal at Royal Quays is the North of England's main sea link with Scandinavia and Continental Europe and operates regular passenger services from Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands. DFDS Seaways T:+44 (0)191 293 6262
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