The best cycling routes around Hazlerigg

There are over 400 touring cycling routes available around Hazlerigg, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a wide selection, with more than 200 routes classified as easy, 150 as moderate, and over 60 for more experienced cyclists.

The terrain around Hazlerigg is quite varied, offering a mix of woodlands, meadows, and marshland. Many routes utilize paths along old wagonways, providing potentially traffic-free cycling. You can also expect some lowland heath areas, particularly within the Havannah Nature Reserve.

Yes, Hazlerigg offers several easy touring cycling routes suitable for families. These often feature gentle gradients and pass through green spaces. For example, the Weetslade Country Park loop from Hazlerigg is a popular choice, offering a pleasant ride through the park.

Many of the green spaces and paths around Hazlerigg are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific regulations for nature reserves like Havannah. Generally, if your dog is well-behaved and on a lead, you should be able to enjoy many of the touring cycling routes together.

You can explore diverse natural features such as the Havannah Nature Reserve, known for its woodlands, meadows, and unique lowland heath. Other notable natural spots include Weetslade Country Park, which offers the Weetslade Country Park Summit Viewpoint, and the Holywell Dene and Seaton Burn. You might also encounter historical elements like the route of an old wagonway.

Absolutely. While cycling, you can encounter several interesting man-made attractions and viewpoints. These include the impressive Northumberlandia (Lady of the North), the Past, Present and Future Monument on Weetslade Hill, and the historic Willington Dene Viaduct. Closer to Newcastle, you can also see the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge and Tyne Bridge.

The touring cycling routes in Hazlerigg are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 800 reviews. Cyclists often praise the accessibility to green spaces, the varied terrain, and the well-maintained paths, making it a popular destination with over 9,000 visitors using komoot to explore the area.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Hazlerigg are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular Weetslade Country Park loop from Hazlerigg and the Pink Lane Bakery loop from Hazlerigg, which are both easy and convenient.

Parking is generally available near popular starting points for cycling routes. For instance, if you plan to cycle around Weetslade Country Park, there are parking facilities nearby. For routes directly from Hazlerigg, local amenities and designated parking areas within the village or at nearby green spaces should be considered.

Hazlerigg is located north of Newcastle upon Tyne, and public transport options, including bus services, connect the village to the wider area. You can use these to reach Hazlerigg and then start your cycling adventure from there. Some routes, like the Vicar's Pele Tower – Prestwick Carr Nature Reserve loop, can even be accessed from locations like Newcastle International Airport, which has good public transport links.

While Hazlerigg itself has local amenities, several routes connect to nearby urban areas and villages where you can find cafes and pubs. For example, the Pink Lane Bakery Gosforth – Pink Lane Bakery loop from Hazlerigg and the Pink Lane Bakery – Gosforth Traders Café loop from Hazlerigg are designed to link Hazlerigg with places offering refreshments.

Generally, you do not need a permit for touring cycling on public paths and bridleways in the Hazlerigg area or wider Northumberland. However, always respect private land and specific regulations within nature reserves or protected areas. Stick to marked routes to ensure you are cycling legally and responsibly.