Tips
October 24, 2018
Mountain biking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Cragside Carriage Drive
4.6
(18)
66
riders
31.8km
02:52
560m
560m
Embark on a mountain biking adventure through the Simonside & Whitefield Hill loop from Rothbury, a moderate route that spans 19.7 miles (31.8 km) with an elevation gain of 1844 feet (562 metres). You will experience a diverse landscape, from fast forestry roads to challenging rocky singletrack climbs and sections of peat bog. As you reach the summit of Simonside, you are rewarded with a sweeping 360-degree panorama, offering views of the Cheviot Hills, the Coquet valley, and even the distant North Sea. This ride, estimated to take around 2 hours and 52 minutes, promises a varied and engaging experience for those with good fitness.
Planning your visit requires you to be prepared for a demanding ride, as some sections may even require you to push your bike. The flagged path along the top of Simonside, while scenic, is a challenging haul up and can become difficult if icy. Be aware that the main footpath along the Simonside ridge is popular with walkers; cycling on it, especially on weekends, is generally discouraged by National Park rangers. Ensure you have advanced riding skills to tackle the varied terrain effectively.
This route takes you through the beautiful Northumberland National Park, known for its distinctive sandstone formations that add character to the landscape. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as red grouse and wild goats, as you navigate the trails. The heather moors are particularly vibrant and beautiful when they are in full bloom during late summer and early autumn, offering a spectacular backdrop to your ride.
4.5
(4)
46
riders
81.7km
06:16
1,200m
1,200m
Embark on the Ingram & Rothbury loop, a difficult mountain biking adventure spanning 50.8 miles (81.7 km) with a substantial 3923 feet (1196 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging route, typically taking around 6 hours and 15 minutes, winds through Northumberland's Coquet Valley, offering diverse terrain from unpaved paths and singletracks to gravel sections and quiet country lanes. You'll navigate expansive woodlands, wild moorland, and river valleys, with steep gravel climbs near Rothbury and sections of loose rock. The Simonside Hills are a prominent feature, providing panoramic views and unique sandstone formations, often displaying a purple carpet of heather in late summer.
This demanding loop requires very good fitness and advanced riding skills; be prepared for continuous ascents and descents that can be more tiring than anticipated, with some sections possibly requiring you to push your bike. While the core Sandstone Way is generally well-waymarked, some variations on this route might demand additional navigational skills. The trail can also become boggy after wet weather, so check conditions before you go. Charming villages like Rothbury offer amenities for riders, making them good points for resupply or a break.
The Ingram & Rothbury loop is a popular choice among local mountain bikers and forms a significant part of the wider Sandstone Way, a 120-mile (193 km) route designed to connect numerous sandstone features across Northumberland. As you ride, keep an eye out for wildlife such as wild goats and red grouse. The area is also rich in history, with notable points of interest including the Lordenshaw Hillfort and ancient "cup and ring" stones near Simonside, adding a cultural layer to your ride through this picturesque landscape.
3.5
(4)
14
riders
13.1km
01:09
250m
250m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Details
Informations
Distance 1.86 km
Uphill 50 m
Downhill 120 m
Weather
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Wednesday 10 June
16°C
6°C
71 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
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