The C2C And Northern Cycle Routes Forum

There have many reports of cyclists getting punctures on Hadrian's Cycleway on the Wylam Waggonway section at mile 155 near Newburn - Newcastle.
ALL of these have been caused by carpet tacks that somebody has thrown on the track. These are almost impossible to see - the local councils have been advised but meanwhile proceed with care and if you do get a puncture - please e-mail me so I can log it and report to the local council.
It may take some time to rid the track of this problem.

there s some right scum about!

Guess a giant magnet on a stick might do the trick. I'm doing the Hadrian's Wall in September, hope it cleared by then.

found this in hexham courant news this week.

I'm still on my plans for double coast to coast via Hadrian's Wall route, hope the problems of the tacks has been solved by September.

it is possible to avoid this section by using the south bank of the Tyne.
Cross over via Wylam Bridge and turn left into station car park (before level crossing) and follow The Keelmans Way down river to Newburn Bridge.
Cross back to north side to rejoin hadrian's Cycleway.
Track is a bit rougher and has some gates but OK for all bikes except racers.

Doug

Thanks for that advice, Doug. I'm doing the Hadrian's starting from Newcastle Central Station and probably take a look at doing the south of the Tyne between Newburn & Wylam.

One other question, is that I'm heading for St. Bees to return back to Robin Hood's Bay via the Pennines. Is the route between Carlisle and Whitehaven, fully open and signed.

Also is there any campsites at Haltwistle or better still Greenhead.

Yes cross the river at Newburn NOT Scotswood Bridge which has a poor route from there to Newburn on the south side.

Once out of Carlisle route is signed (but not 100% yet) to Whitehaven, best carry a Hadrian's Cycleway map but thousands before you have found the way OK.
Re campsites - presume you been on the HCW website but not many campsites listed, there is the old YHA in Greenhead plus bunkhouses nearby also.

Thanks, Doug. I will see what the solution is near the time and decide there & then. I have the map and may head to Ravenglass and have a crack at Hardknott Pass, but again will decide on the day.

I will probably try push onto Greenhead and get the miles in, I might try push it to Banks which only 55 miles from Newcastle Central. I know my train from Stockton on Tees to Newcastle is early @ 7:00am, so will have bags of time.

Hi

I recently used route 72 through Wylam last week and was surprised to find a tack in my tyre when I repaired it( back at home), I did expected a thorn but not a nail.
How sad that someone is so malicious to go to this trouble to do this, being new to cycling I was not carrying a spare and had to push my bike 5 miles back to Prudhoe where I started , very pi**ed off after reading on your site that someone is deliberately doing this.

Needless to say I am prepared now with tools and tubes.

Regards

ntc