A sample of our cycle routes

Birdoswald, Lanercost and Featherstone

Starting in Haltwhistle this ride heads up onto the military road then west greenhead and Gilsland then on to the site of Birdoswald Roman fort. Then on via Lanercost Priory (pictured right), founded in 1169, sacked by Robert Bruce and a resting place for the dying Edward I, to the pretty market town of Brampton in Cumbria. From here head to Talkin village and on via Hallbankgate to Halton-Lea-Gate after which turn towards the tiny village of Kellah. Carry on until the junction and head for Featherstone bridge and then the castle dating back to around the 13th century near which are the remnants of a WW2 POW camp. Then it’s back to Haltwhistle.

Distance approx. 33 miles.

Sycamore Gap and Langley Castle

Heading North to the military road this route turns East, then takes quiet roads North of the wall before reaching Steel Rigg car park with stunning views of Peel crag and crag lough. Then a short trip along the military road again to see sycamore gap and the world famous ‘Robin Hood tree’ (pictured right). On to the Stanegate road to reach an off-road stretch (avoidable) leading to Haydon Bridge. A short way off is the impressive Langley castle, now a hotel. Quiet roads lead to the tiny hamlet of Beltingham, with a Church dating back to the 15th century, an ancient Yew tree and the remnants of an Anglo-Saxon cross. After crossing the river South Tyne quiet roads lead back to Haltwhistle via Bardon Mill and Melkridge.

Distance approx. 27 miles

Haltwhistle and Hexham

Travel East to Melkridge on a minor road then cross the A69, ride uphill until a right turn can be made onto a bridleway past Cranberry Brow. A left then right takes you past a rare heather thatched cottage and the impressive Vindolanda Roman site and its museum to the Stanegate road. Follow this through Newbrough and Fourstones, crossing the River Tyne and take a quiet lane into Hexham. Take time to visit the Abbey, dating from the 7th century or the first purpose-built prison in England in the Old Gaol museum. Head South toward Langley passing the Stublick chimney, a relic from the lead mining days. Minor roads lead past Allen Banks nature reserve and Ridley Hall before climbing up onto the moors, passing a stone circle built in the early 80s before a fast descent to Plenmeller and return to Haltwhistle.

Distance approx. 41 miles

Lambley viaduct

From Haltwhistle, there is a pedestrian/cycle track on a disused railway line which goes all the way to Alston, the highest market town in England (about 15 miles with a short road section from Coanwood to just after Lambley village). About 5 miles along the track is the Lambley viaduct (pictured right). Built in stone in 1852 it stands over 30m tall and 260 m in length with 9 arches. Taking the track out to the viaduct and coming back through Coanwood and Featherstone, passing the castle and POW camp is a lovely, easy ride.

Distance approx. 12 miles

There are a great many routes and variations to take in all of the amazing scenery and sights of the area. Short or long, they can start and finish from a venue of your choice to allow you to visit the places that interest you within a distance you are comfortable with. Let us help you plan your perfect days out.