Ingram Café & Breamish Valley Archaeology Exhibition
Ingram Café & Breamish Valley Archaeology Exhibition
Highlight • Historical Site
Ingram Café & Breamish Valley Archaeology Exhibition
Mountain biking
4.5
(19)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
November 3, 2018
Mountain biking
Really friendly staff and delicious home cooked food.
A perfect stop for anyone doing the Sandstone Way.
Tea rooms open daily (see winter and summer opening times). In the same building you'll find Ingram Visitor Centre, which includes the Breamish Valley Archaeology Exhibition.
More at northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/places-to-visit/the-cheviots/ingram
June 30, 2021
Mountain biking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Ingram Café & Breamish Valley Archaeology Exhibition
4.5
(4)
46
riders
81.7km
06:16
1,200m
1,200m
Embark on the Ingram & Rothbury loop, a difficult mountain biking adventure spanning 50.8 miles (81.7 km) with a substantial 3923 feet (1196 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging route, typically taking around 6 hours and 15 minutes, winds through Northumberland's Coquet Valley, offering diverse terrain from unpaved paths and singletracks to gravel sections and quiet country lanes. You'll navigate expansive woodlands, wild moorland, and river valleys, with steep gravel climbs near Rothbury and sections of loose rock. The Simonside Hills are a prominent feature, providing panoramic views and unique sandstone formations, often displaying a purple carpet of heather in late summer.
This demanding loop requires very good fitness and advanced riding skills; be prepared for continuous ascents and descents that can be more tiring than anticipated, with some sections possibly requiring you to push your bike. While the core Sandstone Way is generally well-waymarked, some variations on this route might demand additional navigational skills. The trail can also become boggy after wet weather, so check conditions before you go. Charming villages like Rothbury offer amenities for riders, making them good points for resupply or a break.
The Ingram & Rothbury loop is a popular choice among local mountain bikers and forms a significant part of the wider Sandstone Way, a 120-mile (193 km) route designed to connect numerous sandstone features across Northumberland. As you ride, keep an eye out for wildlife such as wild goats and red grouse. The area is also rich in history, with notable points of interest including the Lordenshaw Hillfort and ancient "cup and ring" stones near Simonside, adding a cultural layer to your ride through this picturesque landscape.
3.0
(1)
7
riders
43.7km
04:11
1,060m
1,060m
This difficult mountain biking route takes you to The Cheviot Summit, the highest point in Northumberland National Park. You will cover 27.1 miles (43.7 km) with a substantial 3475 feet (1059 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 10 minutes. The trail demands very good fitness and advanced riding skills, with some sections so steep you may need to push your bike. Expect a varied mix of singletrack, natural paths, and unpaved tracks, along with some road and asphalt segments. You will experience diverse scenery, from the open moorland and forest trails to the picturesque Harthope Burn and Usway Burn valleys.
When planning your visit, be aware that the remote setting means there are few easy escape routes. The Cheviot's summit plateau, while now featuring a millstone slabbed pathway, is still prone to wet conditions underfoot, so appropriate footwear is essential. The weather in this region can be unpredictable, often experiencing "four seasons in a day," requiring thorough preparation for changing conditions. Always check the forecast before you head out.
What makes this route particularly notable is reaching The Cheviot Summit, a significant landmark just two kilometers from the Scottish border. From its 2,674-foot (815m) high peak, clear days offer extensive panoramic views that can stretch as far as the Lake District and even Edinburgh. The trail also passes through the Breamish Valley, dotted with prehistoric hill forts, adding a historical dimension to the wild upland character of the area. This classic ride offers a true wilderness mountain biking experience.
62.7km
05:59
1,410m
1,410m
Embark on a challenging mountain biking adventure through the remote Cheviot Hills with the Alwinton & Windy Gyle loop from Ingram. This difficult route spans 38.9 miles (62.7 km), pushing you through long moorland climbs and exhilarating descents. You will gain a significant 4640 feet (1414 metres) in elevation, requiring nearly 6 hours of riding. The highlight is reaching the summit of Windy Gyle, where you can experience expansive vistas across the England-Scotland border.
Before you set out, be aware that this is a remote area, so amenities are scarce, especially at the Ingram starting point. Plan to carry all your supplies, including plenty of water and food for the nearly 6-hour duration. The weather in the Cheviots can change quickly; prepare for all conditions, even on a summer day. Some sections of the trail can be soft or rough under tire, so be ready to dismount and push your bike if needed.
This route offers a true sense of solitude within Northumberland National Park, making it a notable experience for advanced mountain bikers. The Alwinton & Windy Gyle loop is renowned for its immersive journey into an exposed landscape, far from crowds. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with the rugged beauty of the border region, offering a distinct challenge compared to other trails in the area.
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Informations
Elevation 130 m
NA
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Dog Friendly
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Heating
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Friday 12 June
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Max wind speed: 35.0 km/h
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