4.4
(71)
484
riders
64
rides
Mountain biking around Kimblesworth And Plawsworth provides routes through a landscape characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering rivers within the Wear Lowlands Character Area. The terrain includes areas of semi-rural character and reclaimed industrial land, offering diverse paths for cycling. Former railway lines and tramways contribute to potential multi-use paths, connecting natural beauty with local history.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
4.2
(5)
41
riders
56.8km
03:21
440m
440m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(5)
31
riders
44.6km
03:00
360m
360m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
30
riders
43.7km
02:41
360m
360m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
18
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
56.4km
03:41
440m
440m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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great for food and drink here, reasonably priced too
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Lumley Castle is a 14th-century castle in County Durham, England, that has been converted into a 73-bedroom hotel. It overlooks the River Wear and the Durham County Cricket Ground.
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Fantastically beautiful old hotel to spend the night
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here are good sections of fast single track just off the Consett Bypass road. Some parts have a hard compact gravel surface, in and out of woodland areas, then into open playing fields. It is nice to ride through here
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This is a narrow path through a wooded area of an industrial estate. It really needs some money spending on it. Nice ride beware of other users.
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The photo was taken on January 9th 2025. There had been a sudden winter freeze with considerable snow fall in the County Durham area. Temperatures were down to minus 5 through the night. The snow was frozen and deep in places. Riding proved to be very difficult, the vibration was erratic and constant due to uneven feet tracks in the ice, picking a ride line was difficult and demanding, at times the bike just went on it's own ride line. West of Anfield Plain got worse, up to 8 inches of frozen snow was lying.
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Always nice dropping down onto the marina to check out the docked boats. Sometimes seeing a bigger ship docked. Lovely on a summer day.
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There are over 60 mountain bike trails around Kimblesworth And Plawsworth. These routes offer a mix of easy, moderate, and a few difficult options, catering to various skill levels.
The terrain around Kimblesworth And Plawsworth features rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering rivers within the Wear Lowlands Character Area. You'll find a blend of semi-rural landscapes, reclaimed industrial land, and paths along former railway lines and tramways, offering diverse surfaces for mountain biking.
Yes, there are 29 easy mountain bike trails in the area. An excellent option for an easier ride is the Metal Cow Sculptures – Animal Carvings in Tree Stump loop from Chester-le-Street, which is 27.6 km long and offers a gentle introduction to the local trails.
Many of the mountain bike trails in the area are designed as loops, allowing for circular routes. For example, the Cycle Path to Lanchester – Animal Carvings in Tree Stump loop from Durham is a moderate 56.7 km circular path that includes sections along a dedicated cycle path.
The area offers several notable landmarks. You could explore near the historic Causey Arch, the world's oldest surviving single-span railway bridge. Further afield, but within reach, are the magnificent Penshaw Monument with its panoramic views, and the iconic Angel of the North.
Yes, the region's history of industrial development means that some mountain bike routes incorporate repurposed former railway lines and tramways. These often provide relatively flat and scenic paths, connecting natural beauty with local heritage.
The mountain bike trails around Kimblesworth And Plawsworth are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 70 reviews. Users often praise the varied terrain and the blend of natural landscapes with historical elements.
For experienced riders looking for a longer challenge, the Comet Relic MTB Trails – Bob Stokoe Statue loop from Chester-le-Street covers 57.9 km and is rated moderate. Another substantial option is the Lanchester Valley Path – River Browney loop from Durham, which is 43.7 km long.
While specific dog-friendly designations for each trail are not always noted, many of the semi-rural and forested paths in the Kimblesworth and Plawsworth area are generally suitable for well-behaved dogs on a lead. Always be mindful of livestock and local regulations, especially in agricultural areas.
The rolling hills and forested areas of Kimblesworth and Plawsworth are enjoyable throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions on some trails during wetter periods.
Yes, some routes in the area incorporate paths along the River Wear, providing scenic views. The Comet Relic MTB Trails – View of River Wear Docks loop from Houghton-le-Spring is one such trail, leading through varied landscapes and offering glimpses of the river.
While specific cafes or pubs directly on the trails are not listed, the villages within the parish, such as Plawsworth, Nettlesworth, and Kimblesworth, offer local amenities. Additionally, being close to Durham City provides numerous options for refreshments before or after your ride.


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