Cycling in Northumberland

Unknown · May 2007

Can anyone suggest some quiet, picturesque roads suitable for cycling within 20m of Newcastle? I'd like to try somewhere quiet having had enough of the roads around Geordieland and towards the coast.

Cheers

vernonlevy · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by i3oxxy

Can anyone suggest some quiet, picturesque roads suitable for cycling within 20m of Newcastle? I'd like to try somewhere quiet having had enough of the roads around Geordieland and towards the coast.

Cheers
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I think that Sustrans hav a map called Coast and Castles that might fit the bill.

jjojjascp · May 2007

I head out past rowlands gill and beyond. Some good hills.
failing that, try for seahouses area. Know what you mean about wearing down the local routes.....
Jas[:)]

It'll be cheaper in the long run......honest

Cunobelin · May 2007

The Coast and Castles is brilliant!

You can also "stage it" by catching the train to the startions along the route.

He that buys land buys many stones.
He that buys flesh buys many bones.
He that buys eggs buys many shells,
But he that buys good beer buys nothing else.
(Unattributed Trad.)

philip99a · May 2007

Two of us rode the Sustrans One (Coasts and Castles) route in late June last year; it was superb, easy riding and June was a perfect time to do it. But risking the wrath of many, the southerly fifth outside Newcastle was the less attractive part. In particular Blythe and Amble were both imo worth avoiding.

I'd suggest catching a train to Acklington, ride North up the Sustrans route, see some great coast and awesome castles, if you have time get a boat to the Farne Islands (unmissable if you have even the slightest interest in seabirds) then catch the train back home from wherever you get to! I feel jealous already.

If you don't fancy that, then this seems a pretty stimulating list:

http://www.bikely.com/listpaths/srchkey ... egion/5392

The NE is particularly poorly represented on this next site, but there are a couple of routes (scroll down). Both look fairly challenging:

http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/cycleman

Let us know what you decide!

Campag Super Nova; faster than a cannon ball

strofiwimple · May 2007

to answer philip- yep- you have my wrath! what a load of bollox, if u miss the stretch from tynemouth onwards you miss a great part of northumbrian history,while some off the landscape may not be particularly memorable there is some fantastic riding to be had tween tynemouth and the borders and some great scenery.
If you want twee picture postcard scenery only then by all means give it a miss but riding past the alcan site at lynemouth is to me part and parcel of the whole trip.

It is a fantastic ride but please do all of it.

forever on the magic roundabout

philip99a · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">there is some fantastic riding to be had tween tynemouth and the borders and some great scenery.
.... but riding past the alcan site at lynemouth is to me part and parcel of the whole trip.
It is a fantastic ride but please do all of it.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I agree; "great scenery tween tynemouth and the borders" but most of is is north of Amble. "while some off the landscape may not be particularly memorable" - you said it.

The Alcan site is just big; it's not scenic! None of this compares with Warkworth and its Castle the Farne Islands, Craster, Lindisfarne, Bamburgh Castle and Berwick on Tweed. That's scenic! I especially enjoyed Berwick.

But hey let's not argue. It's a beautiful part of the world and not too crowded either.

Campag Super Nova; faster than a cannon ball

Tourist Tony · May 2007

Try up around Rothbury and Elsdon.

If I had a stalker, I would hug it and kiss it and call it George...

strofiwimple · May 2007

Apologies Phillip, i think my choice of language was a bit strong but coming from the north east myself put me on the defensive [:)] i agree with your points about the scenery but i found that on the stretch from tynemouth onwards there was some great, very quiet cycleways where you can amble along and chinwag if you want to- we had no choice as on the day we did that stretch up to alnmouth there was a gale force wind from the north which had us down to walking pace at times.
There was also an excellent community cafe at lynemouth that served very reasonable food - its a few years since we did the ride so not sure if it is still there.

It is definitely one of the most enjoyable rides we have done with no big climbs to contend with if its a quiet pootle about your after, apologies again Phillip.

forever on the magic roundabout

dr smut · May 2007

Some good hilly loops to be had south of the tyne. Cycle or get the train along the Tyne to Wylam/ Stocksfield and pick a route over to Blanchland to the White Monk Tea rooms.

If you want something flatter try any of the lanes in the wedge between the A1 and the A69, avoiding the Military Road and the A696 wherever possible. Given that a cafe stop is essential head for Capheaton on the weekend, and Bolam, Belsay or if you are feeling very fit Elsdon. Nearer to Ncl the Cheese Farm cafe at MakeMeRich near Dinnington is a winner- ist about 10 miles from Ncl City Centre reached via Brunton Lane in Gosforth and thru Dinnington.

Lucky Luke · May 2007

Spent a week in Rothbury last autumn . Recommended . No shortage of good routes on quiet roads . Beautiful cycling country .

Luke

Ashley_R · May 2007

Cycled from Edinburgh down to Morpeth the other year, beautiful cycling area, plenty of hills if you want a challenge not too far inland, otherwise IMO some the most picturesque coastline in Britain

You can lead an elephant to water but a pencil must be lead

FOGcp · May 2007

My better half is a northumbrian and we are off there next week to ride the deserted roads around the edge of the Cheviots near Alwinton, Rothbury and back roads up to Wooler. Somebody mentioned Elsdon which as well as great routes and a pretty village also has a cracking cafe popular with cyclists.

Tourist Tony · May 2007

Look out for the gibbet at Elsdon. It's a classic moorland area--high up, looks flat, but....

If I had a stalker, I would hug it and kiss it and call it George...or Dick

philip99a · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by strofiwimple

Apologies Phillip,....., apologies again Phillip.

forever on the magic roundabout
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Wow is this the politest forum on the web (sometimes)??

Mr strofiwimple you have no need to apologise, I think of thgis only as a discussion. The sight of Bamburgh castle in the distance is bl**dy wonderful, as is the RTyne foottunnel, all the lovely people we met, the sea birds I could go on. But we're getting a bit off-topic.

Campag Super Nova; faster than a cannon ball

Cunobelin · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">you miss a great part of northumbrian history<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Was thinking of a flippant remark about historic burnt out cars, but that would be unfair.

There are a few sites along this section worth visiting, as well as things like the "stuffed dog" pub.
Sometimes these sections are a "neccessary evil", but no worese than many and in particular this one is better than most.

He that buys land buys many stones.
He that buys flesh buys many bones.
He that buys eggs buys many shells,
But he that buys good beer buys nothing else.
(Unattributed Trad.)

jongooligan · May 2007

Lots of cyclists drive to Ponteland Leisure Centre - the management don't seem to mind cyclists leaving their cars all day. From there you have access to thousands of miles of quiet lanes in beautiful scenery without the hassle of riding through the city traffic.

Try to find the tea room at Hedchester - it must be the most remote cafe in the country.

Unknown · May 2007

Just want to say thanks for all the excellent suggestions, think I'll start off at Ponteland this week and take my pick thereafter.

Slightly off topic here, but does anyone know of any group rides suitable for novices in Newcastle? Furthest I've been in one go so far is 26 miles averaging about 15mph - I was caned afterwards and I'm a bit worried I'd hold up a club run.

jongooligan · May 2007

Try TyneBikes for non competitive group rides.

Tunnycp · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by i3oxxy

Just want to say thanks for all the excellent suggestions, think I'll start off at Ponteland this week and take my pick thereafter.

Slightly off topic here, but does anyone know of any group rides suitable for novices in Newcastle? Furthest I've been in one go so far is 26 miles averaging about 15mph - I was caned afterwards and I'm a bit worried I'd hold up a club run.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Hello I3oxxy

I cycle that Ponteland area all of the time at around 13-14 mph if you ever want a bit of company. I live nearer the coast but am often inland around Ponteland, Belsay ,Whalton etc.
If you wanted to meet up in Ponteland or anywhere nearby let me know.My e mail is on my profile.
Cheers.

Ian

CliveM · May 2007

Hello i3oxxy
I cycle out of Ponteland with a CTC group every Tuesday. Most of us are retired (hence Tuesday!) and cycle around 40 miles with an average speed not much more than 10mph! The leader knows the local area well and we have some beautiful rides, with a pub stop for lunch. If you want to know more, let me know. My email is on my profile.
Clive

CliveM

Fnaar · May 2007

Take bike on train to Morpeth, (may need to book on GNER?), then Morpeth-Pigdon-Netherwitton-Forestburn Gate, past Simonside, over Billsmoor to Elsdon (stop for tea and cake at caff), up to the gibbet then straight-ish lovely run back to Morpeth A splendid ride, quiet roads, lots of wildlife, a few challenging hills, much happiness! [:D] 47ish miles.

More tea, vicar? [:D]

Tim Farr · May 2007

Like others have implied, after Ponteland the countryside is empty of people; which means empty roads. It's fantastic cycling country. My daughter, hubbie and gran kids live in Gosforth so I always take the bike when we visit.

But why is it there are no significant commuting villages west of Ponteland. The more usual scenario elsewhere in the UK is for villages to be swamped with new build for commuters. Strangely that seems to end at Ponteland. In fact after Ponteland the next stop is Bellingham, and the next Carlisle!

Locals, can you solve this mystery?

T Farr

rustynut · May 2007

If it's of any interest, you can get a free map of Northumbria called "Northumbria's Cycling Kingdom". This is a map & guide to 220 miles of waymarked cycle routes, but shows also A & B, minor roads. It extends from Newcastle upon tyne to Berwick upon Tweed and ofcause shows all the coastline. These maps are based on Sustrans maps and the NCN routes are shown too. If you want a copy, tel: Northumbria Tourist Board on 0191 375 3009

Website www.visitnorthumbria.com
http://www.newcastlegateshead.com/1792/ ... ntres.html

jjojjascp · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Tim Farr

Like others have implied, after Ponteland the countryside is empty of people; which means empty roads. It's fantastic cycling country. My daughter, hubbie and gran kids live in Gosforth so I always take the bike when we visit.

But why is it there are no significant commuting villages west of Ponteland. The more usual scenario elsewhere in the UK is for villages to be swamped with new build for commuters. Strangely that seems to end at Ponteland. In fact after Ponteland the next stop is Bellingham, and the next Carlisle!

Locals, can you solve this mystery?

T Farr
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
nope..........
Maybe because the land is hard to get hold of (which it is)...or, there simply isn't enough people/cash to demand being more than 50 minutes drive from the centre of Newcastle? ........unless you drive in at 08:30 like most wage slaves[:D][:p]
A lot of people come in from the other sides.... approach from the east is a pain (did it for 5 years) and from the south (occasionally do it now on the bike) is little better. The city being on on a river with limited access via significant roads surely must make some issues for people?

not sure though...just guessing[8)]

It'll be cheaper in the long run......honest

Jack Russell · May 2007

This site has some good maps of rides in the north east. I would advise taking compass and Landranger map with you as it is easy to get lost, well for me anyway. The last time I stopped at a house where someone was working in the garden and asked them to show me where I was on a map they could not.
http://www.bikeroutes.org.uk/

John

Tunnycp · May 2007

My ride today had me in admiration of how good the riding can be in Northumberland.No surprise to me but as the thread is still here I thought post a quick run down of todays ride.Might give a few others some ideas.

I set off from Seaton Delaval at 11am heading west through Seghill,
Dudley,Seaton Burn ,Wideopen ,Dinnington ,Ponteland (largely town riding to this point)For the first time in 5 days I had good weather for my daily ride ,yes even sunshine !!
From Ponteland I began to hit the country roads.Really enjoyable immediatly.Dalton,Stamfordham,Matfen before turning North and climbing up to Ryal perched on the brow of the hills.A fast decent
43.3mph heading west with fantastic views all around.Very very green in every direction.Looked great in the May sunshine.
Continued West to Colwell and Barresford before a lovely decent into the North Tyne Valley at Wark.I crossed the skinny(but long) bridge to the village where I took a break at the half way mark.
After a 15 min drink and snack break I was off again heading for home. Into the wind and immediatly uphill climbing for a couple of miles out of Wark and up through Birtly and out on to the hilltops.Constantly up and down here, quite enrgy sapping as I made my way over the moors and hills to Great Bavington , ace roads!!!!I continued east through Capheaton and dropped down to Belsay .Some very poor road surfaces around Capheaton. I was tiring by now.Since Wark I'd been climbing a lot and it was into a niggly headwind.From Belsay headed SE Ogle ,Kirkley ,Berwick Hill , Dinnington ,Seaton Burn,Seghill and at last Seaton Delaval. Home sweet home .I was bushed ! 6pm.
I was more tired than normal ,warm weather ,muchos climbing , probably not enough food and drink but another 80 miles in the bag.
Boosted May to 783 miles.

Despite my tough run home I loved my latest day on the bike and can really recommend Northumberland for riding , especially once you're out of the towns. Throughout all of the country sections I was passed by cars only occassionally. Heaven !!
Roll on the weekend.

Happy cycling .
Tun

melliff · June 2007

I did the Coast & Castles last week and I've put the route on bikely.com here:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Co ... tles-NCN-1

Martin.

Cycling in Northumberland

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