The best gravel rides in Northumberland

Northumberland offers a diverse range of gravel biking terrain. You'll find everything from the rolling hills and moorlands of the North Pennines and Cheviot Hills to the extensive forest roads within Kielder Forest Park. The region also features gently rolling hills with drystone-walled fields in the Tyne Valley and a scenic 65-mile coastline with quiet roads and sandy beaches. This variety ensures a mix of challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and serene routes.

Yes, Northumberland has options for various skill levels. While many routes are moderate to difficult, there are easier sections, particularly within Kielder Forest Park. For example, the Kielder Water loop from Kielder Castle — Kielder Forest is a moderate 23.5-mile trail that explores the forest roads around Kielder Water, offering a good introduction to gravel biking in the area.

The duration of gravel bike trails in Northumberland varies significantly. Shorter, moderate routes like the Kielder Viaduct – Kielder Castle loop from Kielder can be completed in about 1 hour 14 minutes, covering around 9.9 miles. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Lakeside Way – Kielder Viaduct loop from Dally Castle, span over 44 miles and can take upwards of 5 hours 30 minutes, depending on your pace and stops.

Northumberland is an exceptional gravel biking destination due to its diverse and remote landscapes, rich history, and extensive network of trails. It's England's least densely populated county, meaning many roads are lightly trafficked. You can explore vast forests, dramatic moorlands, historic sites like Hadrian's Wall, and a stunning coastline, all offering varied gravel surfaces and breathtaking scenery.

Absolutely. Kielder Forest Park is particularly well-suited for families, offering hundreds of miles of forest roads and promoted routes. The 26-mile Lakeside Way around Kielder Water, for instance, provides a relatively flat and scenic ride suitable for families, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty and spot wildlife like red squirrels and ospreys.

Many trails in Northumberland, especially those on public bridleways and forest roads, are dog-friendly, provided your dog is well-behaved and kept under control, ideally on a lead, especially around livestock or wildlife. Always check specific trail regulations or local signage, particularly within Northumberland National Park or Kielder Forest Park, to ensure dogs are permitted on your chosen route.

Northumberland's gravel routes pass by many significant landmarks and natural features. You can cycle along sections of Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore ancient byways. Within Kielder Forest Park, you'll encounter Europe's largest man-made lake, Kielder Water. Other highlights include the dramatic moorlands of the Cheviot Hills, coastal castles like Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh, and natural monuments such as Simonside Summit and Steel Rigg and Hadrian's Wall.

Spring and autumn are often considered the best times for gravel biking in Northumberland, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Winter can be challenging due to colder temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and potentially muddy or icy conditions, especially on higher ground, but offers a unique, rugged experience for prepared riders.

Yes, Northumberland's varied landscape includes several beautiful gorges and waterfalls that can be explored in conjunction with gravel biking. While not always directly on gravel routes, you can find highlights like Hethpool Linn Waterfall, Swine Den and Cullernose Point, and Salters Nick Gorge. These natural attractions offer scenic detours or points of interest near many of the region's trails.

The komoot community highly rates gravel biking in Northumberland, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 130 reviews. Riders often praise the region's extensive network of quiet forest roads and remote moorland bridleways, the stunning natural beauty, and the sense of adventure offered by its diverse terrain. The opportunity to spot wildlife and explore historic sites also frequently receives positive mentions.

Yes, Northumberland is home to several renowned long-distance routes ideal for gravel biking. The Sandstone Way is a 120-mile (193km) bridleway and byway route between Hexham and Berwick-upon-Tweed, offering challenging and scenic terrain. Other notable routes include sections of Hadrian's Cycleway (Route 72) and the Reivers Cycle Route, which feature extensive forestry roads and remote gravel sections.

Parking is generally available at key access points for many gravel biking routes, particularly in popular areas like Kielder Forest Park and around trailheads for long-distance routes. Look for designated car parks at visitor centers, forest entrances, or near villages that serve as starting points for rides. Some smaller, more remote trails might have limited roadside parking, so it's always advisable to plan your start point in advance.

While some larger towns and villages in Northumberland are served by public transport, direct access to many remote gravel trails can be challenging. Buses often connect major hubs, but services to rural trailheads might be infrequent or require transfers. Bringing bikes on public transport can also have restrictions. Planning your route to start and end in a town with good public transport links, or using a car for the initial journey, is often the most practical approach.