Cycling in and around Northumberland

Northumberland boasts some of the most breathtaking routes in the country, which help you to explore the county's diverse coastal and countryside scenery.

 Coast & castles cycle route 

The coast and castles route (NCN1) runs along the Northumberland coast between Tynemouth and Berwick upon Tweed, entering the county at Seaton Sluice. The route is scenic and relatively flat.  It takes in many attractions, including:

• The castles at Warkworth, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh

• Druridge Bay Country Park

• Lindisfarne

• Woodhorn Museum. 

For more information,  Visit the Sustrans website. 

The coast and castles route also forms part of the North Sea Cycle Route. 

Hadrian’s Cycleway 

This 170 mile coast-to-coast route (NCN72) between the Cumbrian coast and the North Sea follows the line of Hadrian's Wall, taking in numerous Roman sites, forts and museums. 

In Northumberland, the route runs along the picturesque Tyne Valley between Gilsland and Wylam. 

• For more information,  Visit the Sustrans website.

• The Hadrian's Wall website has further details and information about the area. 

Pennine cycleway 

The Pennine cycleway (NCN68) runs from Derby to Berwick upon Tweed. It enters Northumberland via the South Tyne Valley. The route takes in some of Northumberland's most stunning scenery. 

After leaving the North Pennines at Haltwhistle, the route crosses Hadrian's Wall before passing through Kielder Forest and Northumberland National Park. 

The route continues through the southern Cheviot Hills and ends at the historic border town of Berwick. 

  

Hadrian's cycleway

This 150-mile coast-to-coast route between the Cumbrian coast and the North Sea follows the line of Hadrian's Wall. It takes in numerous Roman sites, forts and museums.

In Northumberland, the route runs along the picturesque Tyne Valley between Gilsland and Wylam.

• For more information, visit the Hadrian's cycleway website.

• The Hadrian's Wall website has further details and information about the area.

Pennine cycleway

The Pennine cycleway runs from Derby to Berwick upon Tweed, entering Northumberland via the South Tyne Valley. The route takes in some of Northumberland's most stunning scenery.

After leaving the North Pennines at Haltwhistle, the route crosses Hadrian's Wall before passing through Kielder Forest and Northumberland National Park. The route continues through the southern Cheviot Hills and ends at the historic border town of Berwick.

Reivers cycle route

This challenging route runs from Tynemouth to Whitehaven via Kielder Water and the northern fringes of the Lake District. It enters Northumberland at Ponteland before heading north west to Kielder via Bellingham.

For more information, visit the Sustrans website.

Cycling at Kielder

The Kielder Forest area is one of England's premier mountain biking areas, with 13 way-marked trails which vary from easy to demanding. The 27-mile Lakeside Way is a new path around the lake, giving access to stunning views and abundant wildlife. Numerous shorter routes are also available.

More details are available from the visitor centres or the Visit Kielder website.

Cycle hubs

Cycle hubs were trialed in Haltwhistle and Wooler some time ago. The Wooler project continued after the trial. This project has gone from strength to strength with the support of Glendale Gateway Trust. There is an annual calendar of events with their flagship event being the Wooler Wheel.

Cycle route maps

View the maps of our cycle routes here:

• The South East Northumberland Cycle Map is a detailed route map covering:

  • Morpeth

  • Ashington

  • Newbiggin

  • Bedlington

  • Cramlington

  • Blyth

  • Seaton Delaval

  •  compatible with five other maps covering Tyne and Wear

• Email us to request a printed copy of the South East Northumberland map.

• Cycle touring in Northumberland 

• Sandstone Way Cycle Map

• Online shop for Sustrans maps

• View an interactive map of NCN routes

• North Pennines AONB

• Northumberland Coastal Routes

 

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