Windy Gyle & Harbottle loop from Byrness — Northumberland National Park

05:47

67.7km

1,310m

Mountain biking

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 31, 2024

Tips

Includes a very steep uphill segment

You may need to push your bike.

After 21.9 km for 711 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

22.6 km

Summit of Windy Gyle

Highlight • Viewpoint

Windy Gyle might be overshadowed by the mighty Cheviot but it’s one of the jewels of this range. Standing at 2,031 feet (619 m), the summit boasts breathtaking views and is topped with a Bronze Age burial cairn, Russell’s Cairn.

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28.4 km

Usway Burn Trail

Highlight (Segment) • River

A preposterously pretty, smooth trail running vaguely downstream from the ford at Fairhaugh (remote farmhouse, anyone) to Batailshiel Haugh. From here it becomes a wider track, but it's no less spectacular for all that.

Keep an eye out for the stone sheepfolds, and the numerous waterfalls.

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41.1 km

The Star Inn, Harbottle

Highlight • Pub

Pub, restaurant and shop all in one. Stopped here for some lunch after the ride and wasn't disappointed - the staff were really friendly and the food was good. The courtyard is all set up for outdoor eating and there's a rack for bikes too... and the nicest outside toilets I've ever seen!
There's also a little shop if you need to stock up on mid-ride snacks or provisions.
Pub opening hours: Sun, Mon, Wed & Thurs 12:00 - 22:00.
Fri & Sat: 12:00 - 23:00.
Pub closed on Tuesday.
On open days food served from 12:00 - 20:30.
Shop opening hours: From 09:00 - when the pub closes (open at 10:00 on Sundays).
The shop is also closed on Tuesdays.

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