The best cycling routes around Hexhamshire
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Touring cycling around Hexhamshire offers diverse landscapes, from the rugged Pennines to the serene Tyne Valley. The region features a mix of moorland, rolling hills, and forests like Slaley Forest, providing varied terrain for cyclists. Routes include both narrow, gravelly single-track roads and broader, well-surfaced paths, often with expansive views. Hexhamshire borders the Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, ensuring picturesque environments for exploration.
Best touring cycling routes around Hexhamshire
- The most popular touring…
Last updated: April 27, 2026
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riders
44.0km
03:38
690m
690m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
20
riders
13.5km
00:46
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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12
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Slaley forest, lovely walks through the trees, and out on to the surrounding fells with fantastic views .
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Some great tracks and a mix of single and double. Some can be abused by motocrossers or 4WD so some of them are badly rutted
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Can be pretty rutted after rain and motocrossers churning up the surface
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North west and South west directions are decent stony tracks, leading to roads down to the Allen valley. SouthEast gets you to the ridable bit of Long Drag and down to Riddlehamhope.
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St. Andrew’s Church in Corbridge is one of the oldest and most historic churches in Northumberland, with roots dating back to 674 AD, when St. Wilfrid founded a monastery here. Although the original timber-framed building has disappeared, the current church still incorporates Roman stonework from the nearby Corstopitum Fort, including an impressive tower arch dating from around 150 AD. Saxon and Norman elements include a Saxon window, a Norman zigzag doorway, and a 13th-century chancel. Vicar’s Pele Tower: a 14th-century fortified tower house built with Roman stone, once a refuge from Scottish raids. King’s Oven: a communal bread oven dating from 1310, still visible on the site. Memorial Gate: commemorates 108 local men who died in WWI.
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The Beaufront Castle Gatehouse is the gateway to the impressive Beaufront Castle, a Grade I listed manor house in Northumberland, near Hexham. Although the castle itself was built between 1836 and 1841 in the Castellated Gothic Revival style by architect John Dobson, the complex contains older elements such as a clock tower with a bell dating from 1694 and parts of a 17th-century house belonging to the Errington family. The gatehouse is believed to be part of this historic structure and served as both ceremonial and functional access to the estate. It stands on a site where a pele tower—a fortified tower house that was later incorporated into the manor house—was mentioned as early as 1415.
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Hexham Moot Hall is an impressive medieval gatehouse dating from around 1379, situated on the east side of the Market Place. It was built by order of the Archbishop of York, Alexander Neville, as a gateway to the walled complex surrounding the Old Gaol. A Grade I listed building, it is one of the best-preserved medieval courthouses in Northern England. It comprises a four-story tower with a vaulted doorway on the ground floor and a courtroom on the first floor. The tower features Gothic windows, a machicolated parapet, and a three-story annex with a stepped gable. It served as the Hexhamshire Courthouse until 1572, and then for the midsummer quarter sessions until 1838.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Hexhamshire?
Hexhamshire offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 200 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 22 easy, 102 moderate, and 90 difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Hexhamshire has 22 easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the Beaufront Castle Gatehouse – Hexham Old Gaol loop from Hexham. This 8.5-mile (13.6 km) path explores historical landmarks and offers a gentle ride around Hexham, ideal for a relaxed outing.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while cycling in Hexhamshire?
Touring cyclists in Hexhamshire will experience diverse landscapes, from the rugged beauty of the Pennines with its moorland and rolling hills, to the serene vistas of the Tyne Valley. You'll also find routes through forests like Slaley Forest, and the region borders the Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering picturesque environments throughout your ride.
Are there any long-distance or challenging touring cycling routes in Hexhamshire?
For those seeking a challenge, Hexhamshire features 90 difficult touring cycling routes. The Ruffside – The Lord Crewe Arms & Gardens loop from Whitley Chapel is a demanding 27.3-mile (44.0 km) trail with significant elevation gain, navigating varied landscapes. Another challenging option is the Moorland Crossroads Signpost – Whitley Chapel Church loop from Whitley Chapel, covering 33.2 miles (53.4 km) with substantial climbs.
What historical sites or landmarks can I visit along the cycling routes?
Hexhamshire is rich in history. Many routes pass by or near significant landmarks. You can explore sites like Roman Vindolanda Fort and Museum, sections of Hadrian's Wall, or the impressive Hexham Abbey. The Beaufront Castle Gatehouse – Hexham Old Gaol loop from Hexham specifically highlights historical attractions in the town.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Hexhamshire are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Sandy Forest Downhill Trail – Slaley Forest loop from Springhouse Caravan Park, which takes you through Slaley Forest, and the Derwent Reservoir – The Lord Crewe Arms & Gardens loop from Whitley Chapel, offering scenic views around the reservoir.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Hexhamshire?
The touring cycling routes in Hexhamshire are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from challenging moorland climbs to gentle riverside paths, and the stunning natural beauty of the Northumberland landscape.
Can I find routes that pass through forests or offer woodland cycling?
Absolutely. Hexhamshire features beautiful forests that are perfect for cycling. The Sandy Forest Downhill Trail – Slaley Forest loop from Springhouse Caravan Park is a popular moderate route that leads directly through Slaley Forest, offering a refreshing woodland experience.
Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots to look out for?
Hexhamshire is full of scenic spots. The Tyne Valley offers expansive views, and routes like the 'Newbrough and Haydon Bridge loop' (mentioned in regional research) provide panoramic vistas. The Chollerford Bridge Over the River North Tyne is a picturesque spot, and the region's moorlands often provide dramatic, far-reaching views.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Hexhamshire?
The best time for touring cycling in Hexhamshire is generally from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder and more predictable, making for more enjoyable rides. The landscapes are vibrant, and services for cyclists are readily available. Winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear and caution due to colder temperatures and potentially challenging conditions.
Are there any specific long-distance cycling trails that pass through Hexhamshire?
Yes, Hexhamshire is part of significant long-distance cycling networks. The 120-mile Sandstone Way mountain biking route connects Berwick-upon-Tweed and Hexham, showcasing diverse landscapes. Additionally, the National Cycle Route 68, also known as the Pennine Cycle Way, passes through Stonehaugh within Hexhamshire, offering extensive touring opportunities.
Where can I find more information about Hexham, the main town in the area?
For more details about the town of Hexham itself, including local amenities and attractions, you can visit the official tourism website: visitnorthumberland.com. Hexham serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding cycling routes.
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