Introduction
Northumberland is a cyclist's paradise, offering everything from traffic-free family trails to challenging road climbs that'll test even experienced riders. With its dramatic coastline, rolling hills, ancient forests, and virtually empty roads, the county provides some of Britain's most spectacular cycling. Whether you're planning a leisurely riverside ride with the children or tackling the notorious Ryals on a road bike, Northumberland delivers unforgettable two-wheeled adventures.
The Coast & Castles Cycle Route: Northumberland's Signature Ride
The 200-mile Coast & Castles route is one of Britain's most scenic long-distance trails, and the Northumberland section is arguably its finest stretch. Starting from Newcastle, the route hugs the dramatic coastline northward, passing castle after castle before crossing into Scotland.
The section from Alnmouth to Bamburgh (approximately 20 miles) makes an outstanding day ride. You'll pedal past Craster's kippers, beneath the imposing silhouette of Dunstanburgh Castle, and through picture-perfect villages like Embleton and Beadnell. The route is mainly on quiet country lanes with just a few gentle climbs, suitable for families and leisure cyclists.
For a shorter taster, try the Warkworth to Alnmouth loop (8 miles), which follows the River Coquet inland before returning along minor roads. Park at Warkworth (near the castle) and enjoy riverside views, medieval bridges, and charming market town streets.
Practical Info: Download route maps from Sustrans. The route is well-signposted with blue Coast & Castles waymarkers. Bike hire available in Alnwick and Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Kielder Water & Forest Park: Traffic-Free Heaven
Kielder is Britain's largest working forest and offers over 70 miles of purpose-built cycling trails, from gentle lakeside paths to thrilling mountain bike singletracks. All routes are traffic-free, making this an ideal destination for families and those new to cycling.
The Lakeside Way (26 miles) circumnavigates Kielder Water on a largely flat, well-surfaced path. It's suitable for all abilities and offers spectacular views across England's largest man-made lake, with the chance to spot red squirrels, ospreys, and roe deer. Allow 3-4 hours at a leisurely pace, with plenty of stops at art installations along the route. Start at Tower Knowe Visitor Centre, where there's parking, café facilities, and bike hire.
For mountain bikers, the Lonesome Pine trail (red grade, 8 miles) delivers technical challenges through dense forest, whilst the Deadwater trail (black grade, 12 miles) is one of the most demanding in Northern England, featuring steep climbs, rock gardens, and fast descents.
Practical Info: Kielder is remote—bring spare tubes, tools, and plenty of food and water. The Bike Place at Tower Knowe hires bikes and offers servicing. Parking costs £3 for the day. The forest is open year-round, but trails can be muddy in winter.
The Sandstone Way: Gravel Riding Through History
This 120-mile route from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Hexham showcases Northumberland's rich heritage, following quiet country lanes, forest tracks, and bridleways through landscapes shaped by Romans, reivers, and industrial pioneers. It's perfect for gravel bikes or touring bikes with wider tyres.
The section from Rothbury to Elsdon (approximately 22 miles) takes you into the heart of the Cheviot Hills, passing through Coquetdale's stunning scenery. You'll climb steadily from Rothbury (allow time to explore this handsome market town) before descending into remote valleys dotted with sheep farms and ancient pele towers. The route includes some challenging climbs and rough tracks, but rewards you with panoramic views and a genuine sense of wilderness.
For a gentler introduction, try the Berwick to Norham section (12 miles), which follows the River Tweed through border country rich in history. You'll pass Norham Castle, where medieval sieges were commonplace during Anglo-Scottish conflicts.
Practical Info: The full route takes 3-5 days. Download GPX files from the official Sandstone Way website. Accommodation is limited in some sections—book ahead. OS Maps or similar navigation apps are essential.
Hadrian's Cycleway: Roman Roads and Rolling Hills
Following the line of Hadrian's Wall from the Tyne to Cumbria, this Sustrans route (National Cycle Route 72) combines sections of the famous wall with quiet market towns and dramatic countryside. The Northumberland section offers superb variety.
The stretch from Hexham to Chollerford (10 miles) is ideal for families, following the South Tyne valley on gentle, mainly traffic-free paths before joining quiet lanes past Chesters Roman Fort. You can extend this to Housesteads (adding another 12 miles) for the most spectacular section of the wall, though be prepared for some stiff climbs.
Experienced cyclists will relish the challenge of the Northumberland section's hillier stretches, particularly around Once Brewed, where the wall follows dramatic crags with precipitous drops. The climbs are tough but short, and the views are incomparable.
Practical Info: Start at Hexham, where there's parking, bike hire (Eco Cycle Adventures), and excellent cafés. Admission charges apply at some Roman sites, but much of the wall is freely accessible. The route can be very exposed—check weather forecasts and pack wind/waterproofs.
The Reivers Route: Coast-to-Coast Through the Borders
This challenging coast-to-coast route (173 miles) runs from Tynemouth on the North Sea to Whitehaven on the Irish Sea, passing through Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. Named after the notorious cattle-raiding reivers who terrorised these borderlands for centuries, it follows quiet roads, forest tracks, and cycle paths across some of northern England's wildest landscapes. It's designed for experienced cyclists comfortable with long climbs and fast descents on quiet but sometimes rough-surfaced roads.
The section from Wooler to Kirk Yetholm (18 miles) takes you into the Cheviot foothills via the spectacular valley of the River Till. You'll climb steeply to the village of Yetholm Mains before a thrilling descent into Kirk Yetholm, the northern terminus of the Pennine Way. The landscape is wild and remote, with more sheep than people.
For the ultimate Northumberland cycling challenge, tackle the loop from Bellingham via Kielder, Byrness, and the Carter Bar back to Bellingham (approximately 60 miles). This includes the notorious climb to Carter Bar on the A68, which rises to 418 metres with gradients hitting 10%. The descent into Scotland is exhilarating, but save energy—you've still got to get back.
Practical Info: Download the route from Cycle Northumberland or Komoot. Mobile signal can be patchy in remote areas. Carry spare tubes, tools, and emergency food. Weather changes rapidly at altitude—always pack a waterproof jacket.
Family-Friendly Routes: Gentle Trails for All Ages
The Tyne Riverside Path (20 miles from Wylam to Newcastle) is perfect for young families, following the river on a flat, largely traffic-free path. Start at Wylam, where George Stephenson's cottage makes an interesting stop, and cycle as far as energy levels allow before turning back. The section from Wylam to Prudhoe (7 miles return) is ideal for beginners.
Druridge Bay Country Park offers 3 miles of flat, surfaced paths around a freshwater lake just back from Northumberland's stunning coastline. Perfect for toddlers on balance bikes or families wanting a short ride combined with beach time. The park has excellent facilities including toilets, café, and picnic areas.
Wallington Hall Estate (National Trust) near Cambo features 5 miles of estate roads and tracks through beautiful parkland, suitable for confident children. Combine cycling with a visit to the hall and gardens. National Trust members get free parking; non-members pay around £6.
Road Cycling Challenges: Hills That Hurt
For road cyclists seeking serious climbs, Northumberland delivers:
The Ryals (Breamish Valley): Often cited as Northumberland's hardest climb, this relentless ascent gains 220 metres in just 2km, with sections hitting 20% gradient. The views from the top across the Cheviot Hills are stunning—on days when you can catch your breath enough to appreciate them.
Crawleyside (near Stanhope, County Durham): A gruelling 4.3km (2.7-mile) climb on the B6278 with an average gradient of 6% and a maximum of 20%. Technically just across the border in County Durham, it's a classic North East challenge and was the venue for the 1984 National Hill Climb Championship.
Rothbury to Thropton via the Forest Drive: A rolling 12-mile loop with several punchy climbs through Cragside Estate and Thrum Mill. Beautiful scenery and quiet roads make this a local favourite.
Essential Cycling Tips for Northumberland
Weather Preparedness: Northumberland's weather changes rapidly, especially in the hills. Always carry waterproofs, even on sunny days. Wind can be fierce on coastal routes—check forecasts and plan accordingly.
Wildlife Awareness: During lambing season (March-May), keep dogs under close control and close all gates. Watch for wandering Cheviot sheep on moorland roads.
Remote Areas: Mobile signal is patchy in the hills and forests. Tell someone your route and expected return time. Carry basic tools, spare tubes, and a pump.
Bike Hire: Available at Kielder (The Bike Place), Alnwick (The Bike Shop Alnwick), Hexham (Eco Cycle Adventures), and Berwick-upon-Tweed (Berwick Cycles).
Best Times: Spring and early summer offer long daylight hours and (relatively) settled weather. Autumn brings spectacular colours but shorter days. Winter cycling is perfectly feasible but requires good lights and warm kit.
Quick Route Planner
Beginners/Families: Druridge Bay (3 miles), Tyne Riverside Wylam-Prudhoe (7 miles), Kielder Lakeside West section (6 miles)
Intermediate: Coast & Castles Alnmouth-Bamburgh (20 miles), Hadrian's Cycleway Hexham-Chollerford (10 miles), Wallington Estate loop (12 miles)
Experienced/Challenging: Sandstone Way Rothbury-Elsdon (22 miles), Reivers Route Wooler-Kirk Yetholm (18 miles), Bellingham-Carter Bar loop (60 miles)
Mountain Biking: Kielder Lakeside Way (26 miles, easy), Lonesome Pine (8 miles, moderate), Deadwater (12 miles, difficult)
Northumberland's cycling routes offer something truly special: quiet roads, dramatic scenery, and that wonderful sense of space that's increasingly rare in modern Britain. Whether you're spinning gently along the coast or grinding up the Ryals, you'll find that two wheels is one of the very best ways to experience this magnificent county.
Sources & Useful Links
- Kielder Water & Forest Park — Cycling — Mountain bike trails and hire
- Hadrian's Cycleway (NCN Route 72) — Coast-to-coast cycling route
- Sandstone Way — Long-distance mountain bike route
- The Bike Place, Kielder — Bike hire and repairs
- Northumberland County Council — Cycling — Cycle routes and infrastructure
- Sustrans — National Cycle Network routes
