Additionally, there are seven
excellent road bike routes in tucked-away parts of Northumberland
mostly following amazingly quiet roads.
The first fifteen routes are probably the
best of their grade and type in Northumberland, followed
by eleven fabulous routes that span the wider region and differing quite
markedly. Route 31 straddles into Cumbria and the last pair are two and
three-day versions of the author’s favourite Gravel Bike Tour of the
Three Northumberland Dales.
All the off-road routes follow a mix
of tracks, bridleways, old ‘roads’, historical byways,
several waggonways and a few permissive paths interlinked by
lightly-trafficked country lanes.
The rides are generally between 40 km and
70 km long (25 miles and 40 miles) graded from easy through
moderate to difficult with the odd very difficult section. The routes
are mainly suitable for intermediate to competent cyclists with a few
easier loops which mostly follow disused railway tracks.
The concise maps and accompanying texts
are the key to getting the very best out of your cycle rides. You’ll
discover new areas, hidden nooks and crannies and visit places you
didn’t know existed. Undoubtedly, Northumberland & Beyond is a
fascinating area to explore awheel!
