The best gravel rides around Matfen
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riders
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Gravel biking around Matfen offers routes through the varied landscape of Northumberland, characterized by river valleys, wooded sections, and open countryside. The region features a mix of terrain, including converted railway paths and tracks alongside rivers like the Tyne. Elevation changes are present, ranging from gentle gradients to more challenging climbs across rolling hills and unpaved sections. This area, known as "Roman Wall country," provides diverse gravel cycling routes suitable for various abilities.
Best gravel bike trails around Matfen
- The…
Last updated: May 6, 2026
3
riders
65.6km
04:28
800m
800m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
21.2km
01:18
190m
190m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Matfen
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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good gravel track, often has walkers on it
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Good track gets you down to Throckley. As above, often a lot of standing water, or deadly ice mini lakes in winter
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Dunston Staithes is an impressive 526-meter-long wooden structure on the River Tyne in Gateshead, England, built in 1893 by the North Eastern Railway to efficiently load coal onto ships for export worldwide. Constructed of North American pitch pine, the structure was once the heart of the region's coal industry, processing up to 140,000 tons of coal per week in the 1920s. After closing in 1980, it fell into disrepair but reopened in 1990 as a heritage site during the Gateshead Garden Festival. Despite repeated fire damage and restoration, it remains a listed building and a rare example of industrial architecture.
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George Stephenson's birthplace is a simple stone worker's cottage on the north bank of the River Tyne in Wylam, built circa 1760 to house mining families, and where the future railway pioneer was born in 1781. A Grade II* listed building owned by the National Trust, it is now a historic house museum with original furnishings and displays about Stephenson's childhood and early locomotives, and is opened to visitors by costume guides who wish to experience the living conditions of a Georgian mining family.
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To understand why this rather modest-looking house remains an attractive destination for visitors to Wylam to this day, we must go back several centuries in history. To be precise, to June 9, 1781. On that day, a baby named George Stephenson was born here – of course, no one at the time could have imagined that this man would later become an engineer and a famous railway pioneer beyond the borders of the British Isles. A picture of his famous locomotive, the "Rocket," can be found at the following link on Wikipedia =>> https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Stephenson#/media/Datei:Stephenson's_Rocket.jpg
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look out for the old railway that was a cable pull type from the 1700s
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Matfen?
There are 6 gravel bike trails documented around Matfen, offering a range of difficulties from easy to difficult. These routes explore the varied landscape of Northumberland, including river valleys and former railway lines.
Are there gravel bike trails suitable for beginners in Matfen?
Yes, there is an easy gravel bike trail available. The Wylam Bridge – Keelman's Way loop from Wylam is a good option for beginners, covering 19.6 km with minimal elevation gain.
What options are there for experienced gravel bikers in Matfen?
For experienced riders, there are 3 difficult routes. One challenging option is the Keelman's Way – Tyne Bridge loop from Wylam, which spans 65.6 km and features significant elevation changes, exploring the Tyne Valley.
Are there family-friendly gravel biking routes near Matfen?
Family-friendly options often involve less challenging terrain. The Wylam Bridge – Keelman's Way loop from Wylam is an easy route that could be suitable for families looking for a gentler ride along riverside paths.
Can I find circular gravel bike routes around Matfen?
All the gravel bike routes listed around Matfen are circular loops. For example, the Hagg Bank Bridge – Wylam Railway Bridge loop from Wylam is a moderate 21.2 km loop that follows river valleys and former railway lines.
Where can I park when gravel biking in Matfen?
While specific parking details for each trailhead are best checked on individual route pages, Matfen village and nearby towns like Wylam and Stocksfield typically offer public parking facilities. Look for designated car parks or on-street parking where permitted.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Matfen's gravel bike trails?
The terrain around Matfen is diverse, featuring a mix of converted railway paths, tracks alongside rivers like the Tyne and Derwent, wooded sections, and open countryside. You'll encounter both gentle gradients and more challenging climbs, reflecting the varied Northumberland landscape.
What are some notable viewpoints or natural attractions along the gravel routes?
The region offers several natural attractions. You might encounter highlights like Colt Crag Reservoir or Bolam Lake. Further afield, natural monuments such as Salters Nick Gorge or Sycamore Gap on Hadrian's Wall offer scenic stops, though these may require a detour from the immediate Matfen routes.
Are there cafes or pubs near the gravel trails in Matfen?
Matfen and the surrounding villages like Wylam and Stocksfield have local pubs and cafes where you can refuel. These establishments are often popular with cyclists and offer a chance to experience local hospitality. Specific options can be found by checking local listings for the villages along your chosen route.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy the most about gravel biking in Matfen?
The komoot community rates the Matfen area with an average score of 3.5 stars. Riders often appreciate the mix of riverside paths, historic bridges, and converted railway lines that define the routes, providing a blend of natural beauty and accessible cycling infrastructure.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Matfen?
Gravel biking in Matfen is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter rides can be picturesque, though some paths might be muddy or require more robust gear due to weather conditions.
How long do the gravel bike routes around Matfen typically take to complete?
The duration varies significantly by route and your pace. For instance, a moderate route like the Wylam Bridge – Hagg Bank Bridge loop from Stocksfield (33.1 km) can take around 2 hours 35 minutes, while a more difficult and longer route could take over 7 hours.
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