Cycling in Northumberland

Cycling in Northumberland is a must for enthusiasts seeking breathtaking scenery and rewarding routes. Over the past five years, cycling has grown in popularity across Britain, becoming a beloved activity for recreation, commuting, and adventure. From MAMILs (middle-aged men in Lycra) racing along the tarmac to families and clubs enjoying leisurely rides, cycling has transformed into an inclusive hobby that benefits both our health and the environment.

This surge in interest has fuelled the growth of the cycling industry, with bike shops, tour companies, and hire services thriving. More holidaymakers are now choosing to explore the UK on two wheels, embracing mountain trails, woodland tracks, and peaceful country lanes. Cycling offers a fun and eco-friendly way to discover new places, and Northumberland, with its varied and dramatic landscapes, stands out as an ideal destination.

Boasting some of the UK’s most scenic routes, Northumberland offers challenges for experienced riders and rewards them with unparalleled coastal and countryside views. Whether you’re tackling long-distance trails or breaking them into manageable sections, these routes are perfect for those who relish covering 50 miles or more in a day. So, grab your bike and experience the magic of cycling in Northumberland!

Road cycling in Northumberland

"There is nothing, absolutely nothing, quite so worthwhile as simply messing about on bicycles." - Tom Kunich

The Pennine Cycleway: The most stunning cycle route in Northumberland

This picturesque cycle route runs from Derby (Derbyshire) to Berwick-upon-Tweed (350 miles), passing through the counties of Derbyshire, West Yorkshire, Cumbria and then entering Northumberland via the South Tyne Valley. Crossing over Hadrian’s Wall and then passing through Kielder Forest and Northumberland National Park, this route takes in some of the county’s most stunning scenery.

The trail is mostly off-road and largely made up of purpose-built canals, riversides, disused railway lines, minor roads and urban cycle paths. Over 60% of it is traffic free! Rather than cycling the whole route, why not pick up the route along the way?

Suitable for: Gravel bikes, tour bikes, cyclocross bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes

Suggested start: Cawburn

Suggested end: Wooler

Estimated length: 60 miles

Coast and Castles cycle route: The ultimate Northumberland adventure 

This is a relatively flat cycle route taking in some of England’s most impressive castles on a beautiful coastal ride you will never forget. The route runs between Tynemouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed (200 miles), entering Northumberland itself at Seaton Sluice. It is called Coast & Castles after the 100 or so miles of shoreline it follows, threaded through Northumbrian fishing villages, past vast sandy beaches. Now there is an alternative route continuing north along the coast instead of cutting inland via the Scottish Borders. The coastline is dotted with ancient castles such as Warkworth, Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Lindisfarne.

Passing through these coastal villages, you will taste some of the Northumbrian culture and enjoy coffee stops at some of the welcoming cafes to re-fuel, perhaps with a bit of cake too. You will certainly burn off the calories!

Suitable for: Gravel bikes, tour bikes, cyclocross bikes, road bikes and e-bikes

Suggested start: Tynemouth

Suggested end: Holy Island

Estimated length: 64 miles

Cycle hire in Northumberland

There are many establishments throughout Northumberland that are ready to help you find the perfect set of wheels to carry you through your adventure with style and ease. Some of you might have your own bikes, but a lot of people love the ease of hiring a bike to take the hassle out of travelling with it. Here are our recommendations:

• Berwick Cycles. 17A Bridge St, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1ES | Tel: 01289 331476 
• Pedal Power Cycling. Coquet Enterprise Park, 6, Morpeth NE65 0PE | Tel: 07790 596782 
• Valley Cycles. Teal Ave, South Beach, Blyth NE24 3PT | Tel: 07411 664854
• The Bike Shop. Willowburn Industrial Estate, Unit 4, Alnwick NE66 2PF | Tel: 07599 350000 
• The Bike Place in Kielder. Kielder Cycle Centre, Kielder, Hexham NE48 1ER | Tel: 01434 250457 
• The Bike Place Ltd. The Stone Barn Kielder Waterside, Hexham NE48 1BT | Tel: 01434 250144

Mountain cycling in Northumberland

"May your trails be crooked, winding, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds." - Edward Abbey

The Sandstone Way: Northumberland’s Ultimate Mountain Cycling Route

This is a new 120-mile mountain biking route between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Hexham. It links, and is named after, the numerous sandstone features, crags and outcrops which are characteristic of the region. The route traverses through an amazing ever-changing landscape which is rich in history, geological features and iconic scenery. The route links the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with Northumberland National Park, making it one of the most scenic rides in England.

The Sandstone Way has been designed for mountain bikers with most of it being off-road and safely crosses a constant flow of rivers, four main roads and two railway lines. It just about covers the whole length of Northumberland! You might not be able to do the whole thing in a day, so why not just do a section of it? Find out more.

Suitable for: Mountain bikes, gravel bikes, e-bikes (mountain)

Suggested start: Rothbury

Suggested end: Holburn

Estimated length: 40 miles

Kielder Forest Mountain Cycling: Explore Northumberland’s Premier Trails 

This is one of England’s premier mountain biking areas with 13 way-marked trails which vary from easy to demanding. This is an area for the whole family if biking is what you are in to! The 27-mile Lakeside Way is a newer path around the lake, giving access to stunning views and abundant wildlife. Numerous shorter routes are also available, so you can try out a few in a day!

The Deadwater Trails in Kielder Forest are among the best single-track trails in England, offering some of the finest views in the county which will keep you coming back for more! The Red Trail is the highest in England, climbing to 1,900ft (580m) – take on a challenge during your break and get amazing photos of the view. Or try the extremely challenging Black Trail – go on, you can relax in your cottage later!

Other places to take the mountain bike:

• Hexhamshire Common – south-west of Hexham
• Cheviot Hills – south-west of Wooler
• Simonside Forest
• Harwood Forest
• Thrunton Woods

Essential kit for cycling in Northumberland: Be Prepared!

It's a good idea to be prepared for any ride, whether you’re planning a short spin, a long run, or an endurance ride—especially when cycling in Northumberland, where the diverse terrain can add extra challenges. Hopefully, this list will help you feel that little bit more prepared for your next adventure! 

• Helmet
• Padded gloves
• Buff and high-vis waterproof
• Sunglasses
• Repair kit – multi-tool, puncture kit
• High energy snacks – protein bars, sugary treats. Provide for the amount of time you will be out
• Water bottle
• GPS Garmin/Strava if you want to calculate your distance and time
• Pump
• First aid kit – plasters, bandages, painkillers
• Map
• Padded shorts and breathable clothing. Try and wear high-vis clothing as much as possible for road safety
• Comfy shoes, clipped shoes or trainers

Cycling holidays in Northumberland

If these routes look like something you would want to undertake on your holiday to Northumberland why not check out our Northumberland cottages? We have coastal cottages that would suit as a great base for you take on the Coast and Castles cycle route, and Kielder cottages that would be the perfect option for mountain biking adventures. For those of you who want to make sure you have a special place to return to after days out working the legs, browse our luxury collection and our Northumberland cottages with hot tubs too!