The best road cycling routes around Allendale

Allendale, situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers diverse road cycling terrain. You'll encounter quiet country roads, panoramic moorlands, tranquil valleys, and ancient woodlands. The region is known for its challenging gradients, with climbs over areas like Wolfcleugh Common and Cowberry Hill, and you might also spot remnants of its mining heritage, such as old flues and chimneys.

There are over 20 road cycling routes around Allendale available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult options, ensuring there's something for every road cyclist.

Yes, Allendale offers significant challenges for experienced road cyclists. Routes often feature demanding gradients, with some sections reaching 1 in 7. For instance, the difficult 41.5-mile route, Alston Cobbles on Front Street – Alltwen Road Climb loop from Allendale, includes substantial climbs and features like the historic Alston Cobbles.

The road cycling routes around Allendale are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 4 reviews. More than 400 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the stunning scenery and challenging gradients.

Yes, you can find several long-distance road cycling routes. One notable option is the Alston Cobbles on Front Street – Alltwen Road Climb loop from Allendale, which spans 41.5 miles (66.8 km) and is considered difficult due to its significant elevation gain.

Many of the road cycling routes around Allendale are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Hexham Abbey – View of Haydon Bridge loop from Allendale, a moderate 25.2-mile (40.6 km) trail offering varied terrain and scenic views.

While cycling, you'll experience the panoramic views across moorlands and tranquil valleys characteristic of the North Pennines AONB. You might also encounter historical mining remnants. For specific landmarks, consider routes that pass near attractions like Sycamore Gap (Robin Hood Tree) or Steel Rigg and Hadrian's Wall, which are within the broader region.

Yes, the Allendale area is home to several beautiful waterfalls. While not directly on every road cycling route, you can find highlights like Ashgill Force and Slitt Wood Waterfalls nearby, offering scenic detours or post-ride exploration.

Absolutely. A popular moderate route is the Coalcleugh Route 7 Junction – Alum & Furnace Climb loop from Allendale. This 28.8-mile (46.3 km) trail leads through the challenging yet scenic landscape of the North Pennines, typically completed in about 2 hours 38 minutes.

The North Pennines region is best enjoyed for road cycling during the warmer, drier months, typically from late spring through early autumn. This period offers more predictable weather, better road conditions, and the full beauty of the moorlands and valleys.

Yes, several routes will take you through or near historic areas. For example, the Cobbled Street in Hexham – Newbrough Town Hall loop from Allendale is a moderate 54.7-mile (88 km) route that passes through Hexham, known for its historic abbey and charming streets, and other local villages.

Road cycling routes in Allendale, particularly within the North Pennines AONB, feature significant elevation gains. Even moderate routes can involve several hundred meters of climbing, while difficult routes like the Alston Cobbles on Front Street – Alltwen Road Climb loop from Allendale can have over 1000 meters of ascent, making for a challenging ride.