Something for the freewheelers
From exploring the depths of Kielder’s rigorous red and black trails, to the classic Northumberland National Park routes, we have an abundance of year-round mountain biking opportunities. From beginner mountain bikers to expert explorers, you will find the route that’s right for you.
Homing specialist trails for all abilities is *Kielder Water & Forest Park, which has an extensive network of off-road trails. Its rigorous red and black trails take you into Forestry England’s off road routes, including the Bloody Bush trail, the Lonesome Pine or the Deadwater trails to take in the plummeting, 1900 ft summit of Deadwater Fell.
* Please check the Visit Kielder and Forestry Commission websites for the latest on openings/closures.
Northumberland is also home to superb classic mountain bike routes, particularly in Northumberland National Park. The Sandstone Way is a 120 mile (193km) waymarked mountain bike route between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Hexham, following the Sandstone Ridge through the heart of North Northumberland's countryside and linking numerous sandstone features, crags and outcrops. Joining the Northumberland Coast National Landscape with Northumberland National Park, it's one of the most scenic rides in England.
The route mixes easy-to-ride tracks, bridleways and quiet lanes with some more challenging sections, passing through Wooler, Rothbury and Bellingham, each a good place to refuel or stay the night. Most riders take two to four days, and ten optional loops on the official Sandstone Way map make great day rides. Both ends are served by rail, and the Sandstoners community on the Sandstone Way Facebook page is full of tips on conditions.
One thing you can count on – whichever route or route combination you choose, you will find an amazing mix of varied and continually changing landscapes and countryside.
