Northumberland Coast AONB

A challenging but exhilarating ride with a variety of landscapes - river flood plains; steep sandstone escarpments; wild moorland; sand dunes and sandy beaches.  And with some spectacular views and architecture.

The ride proceeds east to Weetwood Bridge, up Weetwood Bank, then through country lanes to Hepburn at the foot of the Fell Sandstone escarpment and the steepest climb on the route.  We will stop at the visitor centre part way up the hill and take a look at the ruins of Hepburn Bastle (a 16th century fortified house).  Then it's up to the top of the bank to reach the foot of Ros Castle (iron age hill fort) and to experience the exquisite loneliness of Bewick Moor. The thrilling downhill ride along the road across the moor brings us to man's latest intrusion on nature - the Wandylaw/Middlemoor wind farm - and then to North Charlton.

Crossing the A1 via an underpass we follow the surfaced cycle path and then roads to Preston Tower.  We will linger here awhile to enjoy the lovely wooded gardens and explore the 14th century pele tower.  From here we will follow the NCN 1 cycleway to Seahouses where we will have lunch.  After lunch we continue along NCN 1 to Bamburgh and then after looking at the castle we follow NCN 1 into Belford.

From Belford we take the steep climb up to Bowden Doors crag where we will pause to admire the best view you can get of the Cheviot Hills.  After one of the most exhilarating descents you will ever experience, we head towards Fowberry Tower, and complete our return to Wooler via Weetwood Bank (going downhill this time).

The ride is all on road.  Distance: 43 miles.  Difficulty level is strenuous with some steep climbs.

Toilets:  There are toilets open to the public at Wooler, Seahouses and Bamburgh.  Toilets at pubs and cafes are generally for customers only. 

The ride is operated by the Wooler Cycle Hub on behalf of Northumberland National Park Authority. 

The route, route profile, and gpx download (and direct downloads to compatible Garmin devices) are

available on Garmin Connect:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/26319300