The best MTB trails around Burnhope

There are over 50 mountain bike trails in the Burnhope area, offering a variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.

The mountain bike trails around Burnhope feature a diverse landscape, including river valleys, former railway lines, and rural paths. You'll find a mix of open countryside and routes connecting to nearby towns, with generally gentle ascents and descents.

Yes, Burnhope offers a good selection of trails for beginners. Approximately 21 of the routes are rated as easy. An example of an easy route is the River Deerness – Sunderland Bridge loop from Bearpark, which follows the scenic River Deerness.

For more experienced riders, Burnhope provides a number of moderate to difficult trails. There are 30 moderate routes and 4 difficult routes. The Comet Relic MTB Trails – Bob Stokoe Statue loop from Chester-le-Street is a moderate 36-mile path that incorporates varied terrain and historical points of interest.

Many of the easy and moderate routes in Burnhope are suitable for families, especially those that follow former railway lines or river paths, which tend to have gentler gradients. These routes often provide a safe and enjoyable experience for riders of varying ages and abilities.

Trail lengths in Burnhope vary significantly. You can find shorter rides, such as the River Deerness – Sunderland Bridge loop from Bearpark at 14.3 miles (23.1 km), to longer excursions like the Cycle Path to Lanchester – Old Railway Station and Bridge loop from Esh, which is over 32 miles (52 km).

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in the Burnhope area are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Metal Cow Sculptures – Animal Carvings in Tree Stump loop from Chester-le-Street and the Animal Carvings in Tree Stump – Old Railway Station and Bridge loop from Stanley.

While mountain biking near Burnhope, you can encounter several interesting sights. These include the historic Causey Arch, the impressive Angel of the North, and the scenic Hownsgill Viaduct. Some routes also pass by unique art installations like the Metal Cow Sculptures.

The mountain bike trails around Burnhope are highly rated by the komoot community, holding an average score of 4.5 stars from over 70 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the mix of river paths and converted railway lines, and the options available for different ability levels.

Yes, the Burnhope area is known for its trails that utilize former railway lines, which often provide relatively flat and well-maintained paths. These routes are excellent for steady rides and connecting different parts of the countryside.

While specific named viewpoints might vary by route, the open countryside and elevated sections of some trails offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. For example, the Gibside Estate and Stone Spiral, Low Burnhall Woods are nearby highlights that offer scenic vistas.