Tynemouth Sculpture Exhibit - Life's Exciting Journey
In the heart of North East England, the picturesque town of Tynemouth stands as a significant hub for long-distance cycling routes, attracting cyclists from around the globe. The town serves as the starting or finishing point for six major cycling routes, including the renowned Sea to Sea (C2C) cycle route.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Tynemouth is 'Life's Adventure', a steel sculpture by local artist Ray Lonsdale. Standing 1.8 meters tall, the sculpture features a vintage bicycle and serves as a symbolic representation of Tynemouth's role in the cycling community. The sculpture invites cyclists and visitors to pause, reflect, and take in the breathtaking view of the North Sea and the idyllic bay.
The Sea to Sea (C2C) cycle route spans 137 miles (220 km) from Whitehaven or Workington to Tynemouth, with cyclists often marking the beginning or end by dipping their tyres in the North Sea near the sculpture site. The route is part of the Coast & Castles Route, a spectacular 200-mile (322 km) ride that follows the coastline from Newcastle to Edinburgh and passes through Tynemouth.
Tynemouth is also the starting point for the River Tyne Cycle Trail, which begins at Tynemouth Pier, and is linked to the National Cycle Network Route 1, which runs through Tynemouth and links the town with Whitley Bay, Sunderland, Durham, and further afield.
The Coast & Castles Route and the River Tyne Cycle Trail are not the only long-distance cycling routes that converge in Tynemouth. The Reivers Route, a 173-mile (278 km) coast-to-coast ride, begins or ends in Tynemouth and travels west to Whitehaven via Kielder Forest and the rolling hills of Northumberland and Cumbria. Hadrian's Cycleway, which follows the route of Hadrian's Wall and runs from Ravenglass to South Shields, also passes through Tynemouth, making it a scenic stopping point along the way.
EuroVelo 12 (North Sea Cycle Route), a continent-spanning cycle network, also passes through Tynemouth, connecting the local with the international. The project partners for 'Life's Adventure' include North East Combined Authority, North Tyneside Council, Destination North East England, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, and Visit Northumberland.
The sculpture was funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and was shaped by the ideas and creativity of the local community through drop-in events and creative writing workshops. The project aims to celebrate Tynemouth's role in several of the UK's and Europe's most celebrated cycle routes.
For those planning a cycling adventure, Tynemouth offers a range of e-bike charging points powered by solar and wind energy, making it an eco-friendly destination for cyclists. To find your nearest charging point, register for free on the Intelligen live charger map.
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, Tynemouth offers a unique and memorable cycling experience, with stunning views, rich history, and a warm welcome from the local community. So, grab your bike, mark Tynemouth on your map, and embark on your next cycling adventure!
[1] Cycling UK - Coast to Coast Cycle Route [4] Visit Tynemouth - Cycling in Tynemouth
Enjoying an outdoor-living lifestyle, cyclists can find home-and-garden for their bikes at e-bike charging points in Tynemouth, powered by solar and wind energy. Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts can participate in various cycling routes, including the renowned Sea to Sea (C2C) cycle route, which passes through Tynemouth and marks the start or end of a unique cycling adventure.
