The best road cycling routes in North East England

Embark on the Tynemouth & Blyth loop from North Shields, an easy road cycling route perfect for all fitness levels. This 25.7-mile (41.4 km) journey, with a gentle elevation gain of 551 feet (168 metres), typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. You'll enjoy diverse scenery, from extensive coastal vistas passing iconic landmarks like St. Mary's Lighthouse to charming seaside towns. The terrain is mostly paved, offering a smooth ride, though some return segments might include compacted gravel, adding a touch of variety to your experience. You'll also get views across the River Tyne towards South Shields, blending urban and rural landscapes.

This accessible road cycling route is ideal for a relaxed ride, especially if you are new to distance cycling. As a popular local route, you will find numerous opportunities for breaks at cafes and other amenities along the way, making it convenient for refreshments or a quick stop. Its mostly flat profile ensures a comfortable experience, allowing you to focus on the scenic views.

The Tynemouth & Blyth loop is one of the most popular road cycling routes in North Tyneside, highly regarded by the local cycling community. It forms part of National Cycle Route 1, highlighting its importance within the national network. The route is particularly noted for its scenic coastal journey and the variety of seaside towns it passes through, offering a rich experience of the region's coastline.

This easy road cycling loop takes you along the Northumberland Coast, offering expansive sea views and sweeping crescent beaches. You will pass impressive landmarks like Bamburgh Castle and the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, both situated on volcanic outcrops. This 26.6-mile (42.8 km) route, with a gentle 638 feet (194 metres) of elevation gain, is largely well-paved and suitable for racebikes. Expect to complete the loop in about 1 hour and 51 minutes, enjoying the picturesque dunes and open countryside.

As an easy road ride, this loop is accessible to various fitness levels and is well-suited for racebikes due to its mostly well-paved surfaces. While the broader Northumberland area might have some unpaved sections on longer routes, this specific loop is designed for smooth cycling. It is a popular choice for exploring the region around Bamburgh, making it a great option for a relaxed coastal ride.

This route is highly regarded as one of the most popular road cycling options around Bamburgh, combining historical landmarks with natural beauty. You will enjoy constant views of the North Sea and the historic castles perched on volcanic outcrops. The loop is part of a larger network of quiet roads and coastal paths, providing a rewarding way to explore the heritage and diverse landscapes of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You'll find yourself immersed in the wild beauty of the Kielder & Wauchape Forest on this road cycling route, which takes you across the historic England–Scotland border. The trail offers a moderate challenge, covering 44.5 miles (71.6 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2736 feet (834 metres). Expect to spend around 3 hours and 16 minutes in the saddle, riding through vast pine woodlands and open moorland. As you pedal, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Northumbrian hillsides and the distant Cheviot Hills, often feeling like you have the road entirely to yourself. The experience is one of quiet solitude and expansive natural scenery, perfect for a focused ride.

When planning your visit, be aware that Kielder Forest is an active working plantation. This means you might encounter logging operations, which can sometimes lead to muddy or rutted sections on certain forest roads. While the route is designed for racebikes on mostly well-paved surfaces, some nearby trails, like parts of the Kielder Forest Drive, are predominantly gravel and may not suit narrow tires. Always check local conditions before you head out to ensure a smooth journey.

This route stands out for its unique journey across the historic England–Scotland Border, offering a tangible connection to the region's past as you cycle between Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. You'll ride along quiet roads, including those near the Liddel Water, experiencing landscapes where you can cycle for miles without seeing another soul. It's a rewarding challenge for cyclists with good fitness, combining distance with notable climbs through a truly remote and scenic environment.

Embark on the Sunderland and South Shields loop from Newcastle, a moderate road cycling route spanning 32.5 miles (52.3 km) with 949 feet (289 metres) of elevation gain. This journey typically takes around 2 hours and 24 minutes to complete. You will experience diverse scenery, from extensive coastal views to historical landmarks like Tynemouth Priory and Castle, and the Collingwood Monument. The terrain is predominantly paved, but be prepared for some unpaved sections and compacted gravel, particularly along the scenic 9-mile coastal stretch from South Shields to Roker.

Planning your ride, you should be aware that while much of the route uses dedicated cycleways and roads, some paths may be in disrepair or have obstacles, occasionally requiring you to move onto the street or dismount. Shared sections with pedestrians and narrow passages are also common. Consider Souter Lighthouse as a potential coffee stop or a visit to the National Trust site, offering a pleasant break along the way.

This route integrates sections of the National Cycle Network, including NCN1, and the Two Rivers Cycleway, highlighting its significance within the region's cycling infrastructure. You will pass by notable features such as the Marsden Cliffs and Beach, which offer excellent vistas, and the

Embark on the Hartside Fell & Moor House Nature Reserve loop from Barnard Castle, a difficult road cycling adventure spanning 86.1 miles (138.5 km) with a significant 5483 feet (1671 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging route typically takes around 6 hours and 41 minutes to complete, demanding very good fitness. You will cycle through the River Tees valley's charming farmland before ascending into the rugged moorland of the North Pennines, where panoramic views from higher elevations like Hartside Pass await. While most surfaces are well-paved, be prepared for some unpaved segments that might require you to push your bike.

This popular loop is a hard road ride, so ensure you have the necessary fitness and experience before setting out. The trail features sustained climbs, including the long, continuous Hartside Pass with an average gradient of about 5%. Descending can be speedy, and some areas have sharp bends, so exercise caution. Autumn offers particularly beautiful colors across the landscape, making it an ideal time to experience the trail's varied scenery.

This route stands out as the most popular road cycling trail starting from Barnard Castle, celebrated for its demanding nature and the remote, diverse landscapes it traverses. It offers a unique opportunity to explore significant parts of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Moor House Nature Reserve, a key feature, showcases a wide array of upland habitats, including hay meadows, juniper woods, limestone grasslands, and blanket bog, providing a deeply immersive cycling experience through a beautiful and historically rich region.

Embark on the Dunstanburgh & Bamburgh Castle coastal loop from Alnwick for a road cycling adventure along Northumberland's stunning shoreline. This moderate route spans 38.8 miles (62.5 km), featuring a total elevation gain of 1421 feet (433 metres), and you can expect to complete it in about 2 hours and 45 minutes. As you pedal, you will encounter dramatic coastal vistas, passing by the iconic Bamburgh Castle and catching glimpses of Dunstanburgh Castle's striking silhouette from the beach. The journey offers a blend of expansive sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and quaint fishing villages like Craster, providing a rich visual experience.

Planning your visit is straightforward; you can typically find parking in Alnwick to start your ride. The route is primarily on well-paved surfaces, making it suitable for road cyclists. While it is rated moderate, it remains accessible if you have a good fitness level. Consider starting your ride early to enjoy the coastal scenery in calmer conditions and to allow ample time for any stops you might wish to make along the way.

This route uniquely combines Northumberland's rich history with its natural beauty, showcasing some of the best coastal landscapes the region has to offer. You will experience a journey that highlights impressive landmarks and the serene atmosphere of the coastline. The blend of historic castles and the raw beauty of the North Sea creates a memorable road cycling experience, allowing you to connect with both the past and the present of this distinctive area.

The Blanchland & Allendale loop from Hexham is a difficult road cycling route that challenges you with significant climbs and diverse terrain across the Northumberland countryside. This 40.5-mile (65.2 km) ride features a substantial elevation gain of 3464 feet (1056 metres) and typically takes around 3 hours and 24 minutes to complete, demanding very good fitness. You will encounter stunning views of rolling hills, river valleys, and grouse moors, especially as you climb onto Redburn Common from Allenheads. The route largely consists of well-paved surfaces, though some segments may be unpaved and difficult due to the substantial elevation gain.

Prepare for several challenging ascents, including the steep hairpin bend on the way to Redburn Common and the climb over Wolfcleugh Common, which features a section with a 1 in 10 gradient. Another arduous climb awaits over Muggleswick Common, a long, straight road to Hisehope Head where prevailing west winds can add to the difficulty. This loop is highly regarded among local road cyclists in the Hexham area, known for its quality cycling experience.

As you ride, you will pass through picturesque locations such as the village of Blanchland, considered one of Northumberland's most interesting villages, and Allendale. The route also skirts the scenic Derwent Reservoir, adding to the diverse landscape. These historical features and charming villages enhance the appeal of this challenging ride, making it a memorable journey through the region.

Embark on an easy road cycling adventure with the Embleton and Rennington loop, a popular route along the Northumberland Coast. This enjoyable ride covers 24.9 miles (40.1 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 957 feet (292 metres), taking about 1 hour and 44 minutes to complete. You will cycle on mostly well-paved asphalt surfaces, enjoying scenic views of the coastline, including the Aln Estuary and sandy beaches. The route offers beautiful vistas of unspoiled villages and rural landscapes, making it suitable for various fitness levels.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the starting point for this loop is conveniently accessible by public transport. This makes it an excellent option if you prefer not to drive to the trailhead. The route is generally considered easy, so you can enjoy it at your own pace without needing extensive preparation. Always check local conditions before you head out, especially regarding weather along the coast.

This Embleton and Rennington loop stands out as the most popular road cycling route around Alnmouth, known for its accessibility and relatively easy nature. It is part of a region renowned for its stunning beaches and dramatic vistas. The area provides a network of cycling options, often passing through historic areas and quiet country lanes, offering diverse experiences for cyclists.

Embark on a moderate road cycling adventure through the North York Moors National Park, starting and ending in Guisborough. This 27.7 miles (44.6 km) loop offers expansive views across open moorland, with a total elevation gain of 1894 feet (577 metres). You can expect to complete the ride in about 2 hours and 10 minutes, enjoying the diverse landscape. Along the way, you will catch a fantastic glimpse of the distinctive Roseberry Topping and pass by the tranquil waters of Lockwood Beck Reservoir.

Prepare for an undulating ride with significant elevation changes as you navigate the North York Moors. Exposed moorland areas can make the ride tough in bad weather, so always check the forecast before you set out. Consider bringing suitable gearing for steep gradients, as some sections may require good fitness to tackle the climbs. This route is designed for racebike enthusiasts ready for varied conditions.

This loop provides a rewarding challenge for cyclists keen to explore the natural beauty of the North York Moors National Park. It allows you to experience the vast horizons and unique topography of the region, making it a notable route for discovering the park's diverse scenery. The journey offers a comprehensive tour of the area's characteristic features, all within a manageable duration.