The best traffic-free bike rides around Hexhamshire

There are 10 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Hexhamshire featured in this guide. These routes are designed to offer peaceful rides away from busy roads, ranging from moderate to difficult in challenge.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Hexhamshire, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 100 ratings. Cyclists often praise the region's varied landscapes, the historical attractions along the routes, and the opportunity for peaceful rides away from traffic.

Hexhamshire offers a diverse topography, from rolling hills and moorland to forests like Slaley Forest and river valleys. While some routes follow disused railway lines, many involve varied surfaces and elevation changes. The routes in this guide are predominantly moderate (7 routes) to difficult (3 routes), indicating a good level of fitness is often required, especially for the more challenging climbs.

While many routes in this guide are moderate to difficult, Hexhamshire does offer options suitable for families. The Kielder Lakeside Way, though not directly in this guide, is a notable traffic-free path encircling Kielder Water, suitable for all ages and abilities. For routes within this guide, consider those with shorter distances and less elevation, keeping in mind the 'moderate' difficulty rating.

Many of Hexhamshire's quiet country lanes and dedicated cycle paths are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and kept on a lead where necessary, especially near livestock or in populated areas. Always check local signage and respect wildlife. The South Tyne Trail, following a disused railway line, is an example of a path that could be suitable.

Hexhamshire is rich in history. While cycling, you can encounter sites like Hexham Abbey, a medieval masterpiece (Hexham Abbey). The region is also close to Hadrian's Wall, with Roman sites such as Roman Vindolanda Fort and Museum (Roman Vindolanda Fort and Museum) and St Oswald's Church, Heavenfield (St Oswald's Church, Heavenfield) nearby. The route "Whitley Chapel Church – Hexham Abbey loop from Whitley Chapel" (Whitley Chapel Church – Hexham Abbey loop from Whitley Chapel) offers a chance to visit Hexham Abbey.

Absolutely. Hexhamshire's diverse landscape provides numerous scenic spots. You might encounter natural monuments like Sycamore Gap and Milecastle 39 on Hadrian's Wall (Sycamore Gap and Milecastle 39 on Hadrian's Wall) or enjoy views of Kielder Mires SSSI (View of Kielder Mires SSSI). The region also features the River Allen (River Allen) and Slitt Wood Waterfalls (Slitt Wood Waterfalls). Routes often provide panoramic views of the Tyne Valley and surrounding moorlands.

Parking is generally available in Hexham and other smaller villages that serve as starting points for routes. For example, routes starting from Whitley Chapel, such as "Ruffside – The Lord Crewe Arms & Gardens loop from Whitley Chapel" (Ruffside – The Lord Crewe Arms & Gardens loop from Whitley Chapel), would typically have parking options in or near the village. Always check specific route details for recommended parking areas.

Hexham is well-connected by public transport, including train services on the Tyne Valley Line and bus routes. From Hexham, you can often cycle to the start of many routes or use local bus services to reach smaller villages like Whitley Chapel. It's advisable to check public transport schedules and bike carriage policies in advance, especially for rural services.

Yes, Hexhamshire's villages and towns offer various refreshment stops. The route "Ruffside – The Lord Crewe Arms & Gardens loop from Whitley Chapel" (Ruffside – The Lord Crewe Arms & Gardens loop from Whitley Chapel) specifically mentions The Lord Crewe Arms & Gardens, a historic pub and hotel. Many other routes will pass through or near villages with cafes and pubs, providing opportunities for a break and local hospitality.

For those seeking a challenge, Hexhamshire offers several difficult routes with significant elevation gain. The "Ruffside – The Lord Crewe Arms & Gardens loop from Whitley Chapel" (Ruffside – The Lord Crewe Arms & Gardens loop from Whitley Chapel) is a demanding 44 km route with over 690m of ascent. Another challenging option is the "Moorland Crossroads Signpost – Whitley Chapel Church loop from Whitley Chapel" (Moorland Crossroads Signpost – Whitley Chapel Church loop from Whitley Chapel), covering 33 km with similar elevation.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location without retracing your path. Examples include the "Derwent Reservoir – The Lord Crewe Arms & Gardens loop from Whitley Chapel" (Derwent Reservoir – The Lord Crewe Arms & Gardens loop from Whitley Chapel) and the "Slaley Forest – Whitley Chapel Church loop from Whitley Chapel" (Slaley Forest – Whitley Chapel Church loop from Whitley Chapel), offering varied distances and difficulties.