About the Route

The Reivers Cycle Route (RCR) is a stunning cycle ride exploring some of the most unspoilt and beautiful parts of Britain from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. Established in 1998, the RCR will take you along quiet country roads, traffic-free cycle paths, green lanes and forest trails. The route meanders through some of the wildest and remote countryside in the UK. Check the route profiles to see the ups and downs.

If you've already ridden the C2C or W2W check out our route comparison page to see how the Reivers compares.

Something for everyone

For the historian
The route is named after the Border Reivers, the marauding family clans who terrorised northern England and the Scottish Borders in the 15th and 16th centuries. The route will provide a fascinating insight into that turbulent period as many tangible reminders still remain. On or near the route you will see the remains of fortified buildings such as pele towers and bastle houses.

For the traveler
The striking scenery along the Reivers will delight the countryside lover. The route starts from the mouth of the mighty River Tyne and you will see the influence of industry, fishing and shipbuilding on this part of the North East. Leaving the built-up suburbs of Newcastle-upon-Tyne the change in terrain is dramatic as you encounter the unspoilt rolling uplands around Stamfordham and Matfen before reaching the delights of the Northumberland National Park.

Soon you will be struck by the massive presence of Kielder Water, England's largest lake, and the dense blanket of coniferous forest. Crossing the border for an all-too-brief foray into Scotland, you will enter Liddesdale and experience some of the loneliest, wildest scenery in the country.

Following the River Eden will take you into historic Carlisle. Heading south brings the majestic peaks of the Lake District National Park into view with the mighty Skiddaw, at over 3,000 feet, watching over you. Leaving Bassenthwaite Lake, you will soon enter West Cumbria via attractive Cockermouth to the working town of Workington then onto the spectacular coastal path which will bring you to your journey's end at Whitehaven.

For the naturalist
The countryside en route offers all sorts of delights for the lover of wildlife. Red squirrels are a not uncommon sight along with Roe Deer. Buzzards circling above the North Lakes contrast with the Northumberland uplands offering examples of Wheatear, Red Grouse and Curlew. With the route passing through Bassenthwaite there may even be the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Ospreys in Dodd Wood.

In the Western parts of the route you may catch site of Banded Galloway cattle with their distinctive markings.

For the cycling enthusiast
At 171 miles long, the RCR is some 30 miles longer than the C2C route. Although lacking the huge climbs of the C2C, that extra distance, coupled with the fact that you are generally cycling against the prevailing wind, makes the RCR every bit as challenging. The RCR can be combined with the C2C to make a superb round trip - see the C2C-guide for route details.

For the mountain biker
Although the off-road sections of the route will offer pleasure to the MTB enthusiast, the RCR has two excellent centres of dedicated mountain bike trails at Kielder and Newcastleton Forests. Add an extra day or two to your trip for some extreme riding and really spice up your excursion.

Route Navigation

The RCR is, technically at least, waymarked throughout. The sign below is typical of what you will see, indicating that the route is Regional Route 10 of the National Cycle Network. However, other signage is used en route such as a simple "10" and arrow. Forest trails such as those through Kielder use different signs.

Don't assume that you will be able to hop on your bike at Tynemouth and simply follow the signs all the way to Whitehaven. Signage is notoriously poor in places and has been the subject of bitter criticism from many a cyclist. You can (and will!) go wrong on occasions so a dedicated Reivers map or guide book is essential. The official route map is available from the Sustrans Shop.

Ordnance Survey Maps

There are eight OS Landranger (1:50,000 scale) maps covering the route as listed below. These are not really required if you have the official map or guide book. However, they are useful if you plan to do a bit of 'off-piste' exploration along the route.

Maps are available to order on-line from the Ordnance Survey website.

What is a Regional Route?

The RCR is a Sustrans Regional Route (Route 10) of the National Cycle Network rather than a National Route. This means that it is not directly managed and mapped by Sustrans. It is managed by local authorities and other agencies who are responsible for route upkeep and waymarking. The RCR route map, whilst not published by Sustrans, can be obtained from the Sustrans Shop.

Exploring on foot

The Reivers Countryside is wonderful terrain for both cyclists and walkers alike. The award-winning Shepherds Walks website provides a superb range of maps and other resources to help you explore the this fantastic area on foot.

Make it a round trip

For the more ambitious cyclist, the Reivers can easily be combined with the C2C route to produce the stunning 310-mile Reivers/C2C round trip

More about the route

More comprehensive information about the route including a section-by-section guide is provided on the Route in Detail pages. Also see the route profiles.

For latest news on the route including problems and developments see the Route News page.