The best MTB trails around Hexham

There are over 35 mountain bike trails around Hexham, offering a variety of experiences. These include 8 easy routes, 28 moderate routes, and 2 difficult routes, catering to different skill levels.

Yes, Hexham offers several mountain bike trails suitable for beginners. There are 8 easy routes available, providing a gentle introduction to mountain biking in the area. While specific beginner routes are not listed in the top trails, you can find suitable options by filtering for 'easy' difficulty on komoot.

The terrain around Hexham is diverse, ranging from the rolling hills of Northumberland National Park to dense forest trails. You'll encounter sections of the Sandstone Way, which features a sandstone ridge, as well as varied landscapes near Hadrian's Wall and the extensive forests of Kielder Water & Forest Park. Expect a mix of public rights of way, unclassified county roads, and quiet roads.

Yes, Hexham offers challenging mountain bike trails for experienced riders. For instance, the Bellingham & Hexham loop on the Sandstone Way is a difficult 39.4-mile (63.4 km) route requiring very good fitness. Kielder Water & Forest Park, accessible from Hexham, also features rigorous red and black graded routes, including the 'Bloody Bush trail' and 'Deadwater trails' which ascend to 1,900 ft.

Yes, many mountain bike routes around Hexham are circular. Examples include the moderate View Towards Haydon Bridge – Newbrough Town Hall loop from Hexham and the Slaley Forest – Sandy Forest Downhill Trail loop from Whitley Chapel. The North Pennines, nearby, also offer circular routes combining on and off-road sections.

While mountain biking near Hexham, you can explore historical sites and natural beauty. Highlights include sections of Hadrian's Wall, such as the Black Carts Turret. You might also pass by historical sites like The Moot Hall, Hexham or Aydon Castle. Natural features include Langley Dam and the scenic landscapes of Northumberland National Park.

While many routes around Hexham are moderate to difficult, Kielder Water & Forest Park, a short distance away, offers excellent family-friendly options. The 27-mile 'Lakeside Way' at Kielder is particularly suitable for families, providing a traffic-free, off-road cycling experience.

Parking options vary depending on the specific trail starting point. Many trailheads, especially those in forest parks like Kielder or near popular villages, will have designated parking areas. For routes starting directly from Hexham, public car parks are available. It's advisable to check specific route details on komoot for parking information relevant to your chosen trail.

Hexham is well-connected by public transport, particularly by train, which can be useful for accessing trails. Some routes, like the Wylam Railway Bridge – Wylam railway station loop from Hexham, are designed with railway access in mind. For more detailed information on public transport links to specific trailheads, you can consult local transport services or the Northumberland County Council's cycling resources at northumberland.gov.uk.

The best time for mountain biking in Hexham is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and trails are drier. Summer offers longer daylight hours. While some trails may be accessible in winter, conditions can be challenging due to mud, ice, or snow, especially in higher elevations like the North Pennines or Kielder.

Many public rights of way and forest trails around Hexham are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially near livestock or wildlife. Areas like Slaley Forest and parts of Northumberland National Park generally welcome dogs. Always check local signage and be mindful of other trail users and the environment.

For mountain bike hire, particularly if you plan to explore Kielder Water & Forest Park, you'll find rental facilities directly within the park. Kielder offers a comprehensive network of trails and bike hire services to cater to visitors. For more information, you can check the Kielder website at visitkielder.com.

The mountain bike trails around Hexham are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 10 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the varied terrain, from the challenging sections of the Sandstone Way to the scenic forest loops, and the access to stunning natural landscapes like Northumberland National Park.

Yes, several forest areas near Hexham are popular for mountain biking. Slaley Forest offers singletrack options and routes like the 'Sandy Forest Downhill Trail loop'. Kielder Water & Forest Park, England's largest forest, is also a prime destination with over 100 miles of traffic-free, off-road cycling, including extensive singletrack and challenging routes.

Absolutely. The historic Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers mountain biking opportunities along its path. You can explore ancient ruins, charming villages, and panoramic views while riding. The Hadrian's Cycleway (National Cycle Route no. 72) runs roughly parallel to the wall, providing an easier, signposted route with Roman forts and milecastles nearby, allowing you to combine cycling with historical exploration.