Ingram & Rothbury loop on the Sandstone Way

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.