The best cycling routes around City Of Durham
4.5
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1,595
riders
106
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Touring cycling routes around City Of Durham traverse a varied landscape, from the dramatic North Pennines in the west to the Durham Heritage Coast in the east. The region features extensive heather moorlands, magnesian limestone cliffs, and river valleys like the River Wear. Cyclists can explore dedicated trails, former railway paths, and scenic coastal routes. These routes often include sections through green spaces and woodlands, providing diverse terrain for touring cyclists.
Best touring cycling routes around City Of Durham
- The most popular touring cycling route is Durham to Seaham coastal loop, a 34.9 miles (56.1 km) trail that takes 3 hours 32 minutes to complete. This route offers varied terrain with coastal views.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is View of Lanchester Valley – Lanchester Valley Way loop from Durham, a moderate 25.5 miles (41.1 km) path. This route provides scenic views of the Lanchester Valley, often following a former railway line.
- Local touring cyclists also love the National Cycle Route – River Browney loop from Durham, a 25.0 miles (40.3 km) trail leading through riverside landscapes, often completed in about 2 hours 41 minutes.
- Touring cycling around City Of Durham is defined by varied landscapes including the North Pennines, the Durham Heritage Coast, and the River Wear valley. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate valley rides to more difficult coastal loops.
- The routes in City Of Durham are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 80 reviews. More than 1600 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore City Of Durham's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
5
riders
56.1km
03:32
500m
500m
This difficult 34.9-mile touring bicycle loop from Durham to Seaham offers coastal views, historical sites, and challenging terrain.
4.8
(9)
193
riders
41.1km
02:42
320m
320m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.4
(7)
96
riders
37.9km
02:28
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(5)
69
riders
23.3km
01:42
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
52
riders
52.9km
03:18
430m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around City Of Durham
Tips from the Community
A super nice view of the iconic series of bridges that spans the River Tyne, namely Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Tyne Bridge, Swing Bridge, High Level Bridge, Queen Elizabeth II Metro Bridge, King Edward VII Bridge, and Redheugh Bridge.
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Hard packed former railway, now a popular walkway for cyclists and walkers. A good route to Bishop Auckland and beyond. Can get busy on weekends.
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The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is an innovative tilting bridge for pedestrians and cyclists that has been connecting the Quaysides of Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne over the River Tyne since 2001. Designed by WilkinsonEyre and Gifford, it is the first bridge in the world to fully tilt to allow shipping passage, earning it the nickname "Blinking Eye Bridge." The bridge rotates to a 40° angle in just 4.5 minutes, allowing vessels up to 25 meters high to pass. At 126 meters long and weighing 850 tons, it is an engineering feat that forms part of the area's urban redevelopment and is an internationally acclaimed icon of modern British bridge building.
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The original Tyne Bridge in Newcastle was a medieval stone arch bridge built around 1250, similar to the old London Bridge, with houses and shops built onto the bridge itself. This bridge stood where the Swing Bridge now stands and was a vital link on the Great North Road between London and Scotland for centuries. In 1771, the bridge was largely destroyed by a massive flood, which caused half of the structure to collapse. Remnants of the old arches have since disappeared, but archaeological finds such as Roman coins and foundation remains point to earlier bridges on the same site, including a Roman bridge dating from around 120 AD that formed part of the Pons Aelius fort.
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The bridges on Newcastle Quayside form an iconic ensemble spanning the River Tyne, where history and modern architecture intersect. The Tyne Bridge, with its distinctive arch dating from 1928, is a symbol of the city and reminiscent of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Nearby is the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, a feat of engineering that tilts to allow ships to pass and is known as the "Winking Bridge." Along with other bridges like the High Level Bridge and the Swing Bridge, they tell the story of Newcastle's industrial past and urban renewal.
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great spot to view art or to have food and drinks. free to enter
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The Cycle Hub is a socially engaged cycling café on Newcastle Quayside that promotes cycling through rentals, maintenance, and events. It offers panoramic views of the River Tyne, a café with fresh produce, a workshop for bike services, and organizes group tours in partnership with Saddle Skedaddle. There's also an electric vehicle charging station. As a multifunctional meeting place for cyclists, tourists, and local residents, it combines recreation, hospitality, and mobility with a social focus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in City Of Durham?
There are over 110 touring cycling routes available in City Of Durham, offering a wide range of options for cyclists of all abilities. These routes traverse diverse landscapes, from the dramatic North Pennines to the scenic Durham Heritage Coast.
What are the different difficulty levels for touring cycling routes in City Of Durham?
City Of Durham offers a variety of routes catering to different skill levels. You'll find approximately 10 easy routes, 44 moderate routes, and 56 difficult routes. The terrain varies from gentle riverside paths to challenging climbs over high moorlands in the North Pennines and coastal sections.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in City Of Durham?
Yes, City Of Durham has routes suitable for families. Look for routes designated as 'easy' or those that follow former railway lines, which often provide flatter, traffic-free paths. The region's green spaces and country parks, as well as easy trails along the serene River Wear, are also great options for a family outing.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes around City Of Durham?
Absolutely. Many touring cycling routes in City Of Durham are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Durham to Seaham coastal loop, the View of Lanchester Valley – Lanchester Valley Way loop from Durham, and the National Cycle Route – River Browney loop from Durham.
What natural features or scenic viewpoints can I expect to see on these routes?
Touring cycling in City Of Durham offers stunning natural beauty. You can expect to see the vast heather moorlands of the North Pennines, the dramatic magnesian limestone cliffs of the Durham Heritage Coast, and picturesque river valleys like the River Wear. Some routes offer views of impressive waterfalls like High Force and Low Force in Upper Teesdale, or scenic coastal vistas.
Are there historical landmarks or attractions along the touring cycling routes?
Yes, City Of Durham is rich in history and offers several landmarks. You might pass by the magnificent Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), or other historic sites like Finchale Priory and Lumley Castle. Many routes offer glimpses of the region's industrial heritage and its subsequent reclamation into beautiful landscapes.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in City Of Durham?
The best time for touring cycling in City Of Durham is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and the landscapes are in full bloom or displaying autumn colours. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Be prepared for varied weather, especially in the North Pennines.
Are there routes that follow former railway lines?
Yes, City Of Durham features several routes that utilize former railway lines, which are often converted into multi-use paths. These routes, like sections of the Lanchester Valley Way loop from Durham, typically offer gentler gradients and traffic-free cycling, making them popular for touring cyclists seeking a smoother ride.
How accessible are the touring cycling routes by public transport or car?
Many touring cycling routes in City Of Durham are accessible from urban centers like Durham city, which has good public transport links. For routes further afield, parking is generally available near trailheads or in nearby villages. It's advisable to check specific route details for parking information and public transport options to your chosen starting point.
What do other cyclists say about touring cycling in City Of Durham?
The touring cycling routes in City Of Durham are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from the challenging climbs and stunning views of the North Pennines to the serene riverside paths and dramatic coastal scenery. The variety of routes catering to different abilities is also frequently highlighted.
Are there any routes that offer coastal views?
Yes, the Durham Heritage Coast offers spectacular cliff scenery and breathtaking views over the North Sea. The Durham to Seaham coastal loop is a prime example, providing varied terrain with extensive coastal vistas and opportunities to explore golden beaches and diverse wildlife.
Are there routes that take me through forests or green spaces?
Absolutely. The region includes extensive green spaces and woodlands, such as Hamsterley Forest (known as the 'Durham Forest'), which provide excellent opportunities for cycling through nature. Routes often incorporate sections through these areas, offering shaded paths and a chance to enjoy the local flora and fauna.
Most popular routes around City Of Durham
Most popular attractions around City Of Durham
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