Alston Cobbles on Front Street – Alltwen Road Climb loop from Wearhead

Alston Cobbles on Front Street – Alltwen Road Climb loop from Wearhead

Hard

5.0

(1)

riders

Alston Cobbles on Front Street – Alltwen Road Climb loop from Wearhead

03:30

69.9km

1,130m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 2, 2026

Tips

The surface for a segment of your route may not be suitable

Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.

After 17.4 km for 80 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

8.03 km

Killhope Cross

Mountain Pass

17.4 km

Alston Cobbles on Front Street

Highlight • Structure

About a 30m section of cobbles is being replaced in front of the market square on Front Street. The council have used a couple of different patterns for a trial period and now they are resurfacing and replacing the cobbles more permanently. This work was finished in late 2021 so you can now ride the section.

Tip by

17.6 km

Saddlers Bakery & Bistro

Highlight • Cafe

Good to explore instead of racing through, plenty places for refreshment.
Alston claims to be the highest market settlement in England, being about 1000 feet above sea level. It is also remote, about 20 miles from the nearest town. From every direction Alston is approached over a broad, heather-clad Pennine landscape which has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Set on the upper reaches of the River South Tyne, it lies within the Eden district of Cumbria.
visitcumbria.com/evnp/alston

Tip by

17.9 km

South Tynedale Railway

Highlight • Historical Site

This narrow gauge railway winds from Alston into the South Tyne Valley in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Powered by steam, diesel, and electric, the locomotives have a fascinating history and look fabulous. An all-day ticket costs £10 for adults, £5 for children, and a £25 for a family. Single rides are available, too. For more information, visit: south-tynedale-railway.org.uk.

Tip by

58.1 km

View Towards Allenheads

Highlight • Viewpoint

View from Sparty Lea

Tip by

62.6 km

Alltwen Road Climb

Highlight • Forest

Long drag up through the forest out of Allenheads but then the summit with a long descent.

Tip by

63.0 km

The Hemmel Café & Craft Shop, Allenheads

Highlight • Cafe

Great breakfast.
Owner couldn't do enough to help.
Bike friendly.

Tip by

67.0 km

Alum & Furnace Climb

Highlight • Climb

The climb out is not steep & is scenic enough to forget, then at the border you reach the very fast descent down to Allenheads!

Tip by

68.3 km

View of the Climb Out from Wearhead

Highlight • Climb

When leaving Wearhead the main road splits, go left for the longer quieter hairpin climb out, then only a few miles later will be the flatter roads followed by a fast descent to Allenheads.

Tip by

69.9 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

40.3 km

29.6 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

69.3 km

540 m