The best MTB trails around Longhirst

There are 7 mountain bike trails available around Longhirst, offering a variety of experiences. These include 3 easy routes and 4 moderate routes, ensuring options for different skill levels.

Yes, Longhirst offers several easy mountain bike routes perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the Eve Black Way Bicycle Monument – Farm Track loop from Bedlington, which is 18.5 miles (29.7 km) long and suitable for all fitness and skill levels, traversing gentle farm tracks.

Moderate trails around Longhirst often feature notable elevation gains and varied terrain. For example, the Mitford Castle and Church – Muddy Rural Path loop from Morpeth is 22.2 miles (35.7 km) long with an elevation gain of over 320 meters, requiring good fitness and advanced riding skills for some sections.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Longhirst are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The Bridge Over the River loop from Morpeth is an easy 29.3 km circular route, ideal for exploring the local scenery.

Mountain biking around Longhirst takes you through diverse landscapes, including woodlands, open fields, and gentle hills. You'll also encounter winding streams like Brocks Burn and Longhirst Burn. The region's proximity to the coast means some routes, like the Druridge Bay Country Park – Druridge Bay loop from Lynemouth, offer coastal views and country park areas.

Yes, the Longhirst area is rich in landmarks. You can cycle near historical sites like Bothal Castle, an impressive 14th-century building, or the Mitford Castle Ruins. Natural attractions include Druridge Bay Country Park with its sandy coastline and lakes, and Queen Elizabeth II Country Park Lake, a nature reserve popular for wildlife.

The mountain bike trails in Longhirst are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Riders often praise the varied terrain, from easy farm tracks to more challenging routes with elevation, and the beautiful mix of woodlands, fields, and coastal proximity that define the region.

For a longer ride, consider the A189 Cycleway – Park Pathway loop from Bedlington. This moderate route spans over 43 kilometers (26.9 miles) and offers a substantial ride through varied landscapes, including park pathways.

The Longhirst area, with its mix of woodlands and open fields, is enjoyable for mountain biking across many seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Be mindful that some rural paths can become muddy after heavy rain, especially in wetter months.

While specific viewpoints are not always directly on the trails, the region offers opportunities for expansive views. The gentle hills and open landscapes mean you'll often have picturesque vistas of the surrounding countryside. For panoramic views, a walk up to Colliers Hill, though not directly on a bike trail, rewards with expansive sights of fields, forests, and settlements.

While Longhirst itself is a quiet village, the wider Northumberland region has public transport options. For detailed information on cycling and public transport connections to specific trailheads, it's advisable to check local transport schedules or resources provided by Northumberland County Council.

Longhirst is a rural area, but nearby towns like Morpeth and Bedlington, which serve as starting points for some routes, offer cafes, pubs, and other amenities. It's a good idea to plan your route and check for facilities in these towns before or after your ride.