4.7
(60)
3,592
riders
155
rides
Road cycling around Cornsay features a landscape characterized by rolling hills, river valleys, and open countryside in County Durham. The routes often include ascents and descents, with some significant climbs exceeding 400 meters in elevation. The area provides a mix of quiet country roads and paths alongside natural features like the River Browney and the Waskerley Way. This terrain offers varied conditions for road cyclists.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
39
riders
51.6km
02:31
490m
490m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(2)
60
riders
42.5km
02:01
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Sign up for free
18
riders
53.6km
02:40
710m
710m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
12
riders
30.8km
01:34
430m
430m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
23.0km
01:04
240m
240m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The castle was built in 1798 with additions made in 1823. In 1941 the castle became a school for boys and then in 1980 it was converted into apartments.
0
0
Great off-road route with an extremely gentle slope in a westerly direction!
0
0
Perth Bank road from Lanchester up towards Burnhope is a great road climb. It features in the top 100 climbs list. It's 1.8km and ascends 141m with an average gradient of 8% but a punishing max gradient of 20%.
0
0
Plenty of examples of tree coppicing, paths very muddy at this time of year. Managed to spot a pair of what I thought were blackcaps
1
0
There are over 150 road cycling routes in the Cornsay area, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. This includes routes through rolling hills, river valleys, and open countryside.
Yes, Cornsay offers over 30 easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. An example is the Peth Bank Road Climb – Peth Bank Climb loop from Lanchester, which is a shorter route with manageable elevation.
For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Cornsay features 14 difficult routes with significant elevation gains. The Waskerley Way – Weardale Descent to Stanhope loop from Esh is a notable option, covering over 53 km with more than 700 meters of ascent.
Many of the road cycling routes in Cornsay are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Brotherlee – View of St John's Chapel loop from Tow Law is a popular circular route offering scenic views.
Road cycling routes around Cornsay showcase the diverse landscape of County Durham, featuring rolling hills, picturesque river valleys, and expansive open countryside. You'll often find yourself cycling through quiet rural roads with views of natural features like the River Browney and the historic Waskerley Way.
While cycling, you can explore various points of interest. The Waskerley Way itself is a popular cycling path, and nearby attractions include the impressive Hownsgill Viaduct. Further afield, you might consider visiting the historic Durham Cathedral or Durham Castle.
The road cycling routes in Cornsay are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the varied terrain, the quiet country roads, and the beautiful views of the County Durham landscape.
Yes, some routes incorporate convenient stopping points. The Broompark Picnic Area – River Browney loop from Waterhouses, for example, follows the River Browney and passes directly through the Broompark Picnic Area, ideal for a break.
The spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the most favorable conditions for road cycling in Cornsay, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. The vibrant greenery of spring and the autumn colors add to the scenic beauty of the rides.
Many of Cornsay's road cycling routes utilize quiet country roads and paths, especially those venturing into the open countryside and river valleys. Routes like the Waterhouses Road loop from Esh offer a chance to experience the region's tranquility away from busier areas.
Road cycling routes around Cornsay vary significantly in length. You can find shorter loops of under 10 km, as well as longer, more challenging rides exceeding 50 km, such as the Brotherlee – View of St John's Chapel loop from Tow Law which is over 53 km.


Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.