REIVERS ROUTE DESCRIPTION

This 150 miles cycle route winds its way along the English - Scottish border, weaving in and out of the two countries in lovely border countryside. From Tynemouth, the route runs along quiet country roads and tracks into open countryside, with views to the north of the Cheviot skyline, before heading towards Tynedale and Kielder Reservoir.

Forest trails lead over the Scottish border before crossing back into England to follow quiet back roads and the valley of the River Lyne. Historic Carlisle is approched over the flood plain of the River Eden, while west of the city the route runs across country before following the valley of the River Caldew to the south. From Hesket Newmarket, on the northern edge of the Lake District mountains, minor roads and tracks lead on to the town of Cockermouth. The route then combines with the C2C route - although you'll be going in opposite directions to the C2C cyclists - and continues to the finish at Workington or Whitehaven, on the west coast of Cumbria, overlooking the Irish Sea.

The route is named after family clans who terrorised the area between the 14th and 17th centuries. Families along the border fought to maintain family honour and to expand their property over 'debatable land'. The word 'Reiver' means robber or bandid. 

Although a lawless place many years ago, this is now a beautiful and quiet route that takes you through Kielder Forest, Carlisle and the Skiddaw Fells, the northern area of the Lake District and the west coast of Cumbria. Fewer people ride this route than the ever popular parallel C2C route, so it remains possibly the best kept secret of the National Cycle Network long distance routes. Combine the Reivers route with the C2C for a round trip of far northern England, including large areas of the Lake District.

Information courtesy of Sustrans