Hexham to Haltwhistle
Directions
There are two gated level crossings as you exit the town. Take care. You can also go directly to Fourstones but this is a narrow lane and therefore potentially hazardous as there are no verges. Instead, at mile marker 137, head up past Thistlerigg Farm. This takes you to Chesters Roman Fort, which is well worth a stop and is about one mile further than the left turn onto the B6319 which takes you down to Fourstones.
Accommodation
| The Old Repeater Station, Military Rd, Grindon, Northumberland | |
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Mid-way between mile marker 130 and 129, at Grindon Hill where the Haydon Bridge lane connects with the Military Road, is a splendid and isolated stop-off: Five rooms with a choice of bunk or en-suite twins. Charges are from £22.50 per person per night for a shared bunk bed room and from £30 per person per night for an en-suite room. This includes a continental style breakfast, or a full English cooked breakfast (supplement £3). Block bookings are also catered for (maximum 12 people). Ideal for exploring at leisure the treasures at Chesters, Housesteads and Vindolanda. On-site parking. There is a guest sitting room with TV, Radio and DVD player, books, maps and guides, plus a garden with views over Sewingshield Crags. Cycle storage. |
Run by: Les Gibson 
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01434 688 668 |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Burnhead, Cawfields, Haltwhistle, NE49 9PJ | |
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Bang on the Wall, Burnhead was built in 1830 from stones hewn by the Romans and was once the quarry manager's home. On one of the most stunning sections of the route, the quarry became defunct many years ago and the site has been beautifully restored showing a slice through the volcanic rock strata called the "Whin Sill" upon which much of the wall is built. Secure storage. Hose down facilities and drying room. 4-star VisitBritain. Cyclists Welcome scheme. |
Run by: Dave & Christine Hunter 
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01434 320841 |
Rooms : 2T (en-suite). |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Twice Brewed Inn, Military Rd, Bardon Mill, Hexham, NE47 7AN. | |
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Three miles west of Haltwhistle.
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01434 344534 |
Accommodation and meals. |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| The Milecastle Inn, Military Road, Hadrian's Wall, NE49 9NN | |
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is a wonderful pub on the corner of the Military Road and the lane leading down to Haltwhistle, so is a mile or so off the cycle route. But well worth a detour if you are staying nearby or planning to stop off for lunch, as the food is good, home cooked and reasonably priced. The owner, Kevin Hind, keeps a great pint of beer. There's a restaurant and a couple of old fashioned bars and some great photographs and prints on the walls.
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Run by: Kevin |
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01434 321372 |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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Directions
If not going to Chesters, turn left onto the B6319 and head down to Fourstones and be prepared: the steepest climbing is about to start along the Stanegate (old Roman road), once you get to Newbrough. There's a 200 metre ascent to the highest point on the route, Crindledykes (262 metres). A two mile diversion ahead takes you to Housesteads Roman Fort (Vercovicivm). For background: www.hadrians-wall.org. 01434 322002. A little further (steeply) down the route and then back up an equally steep section is is Vindolanda fort. Tea room and museum. Easier and quicker to access than Housesteads. You are in the heart of Roman Britain. You will also see signs for Route 68 at Smith's Shield. This where Pennine Cycleway and HCW conjoin. There is now a steep descent to Bardon Mill, where you go under the A69 before turning right.
