Otterburn Ranges and Upper Coquetdale, Northumberland by Roger Clarke

Roger Clarke regularly takes part in Cycling UK’s 'British Cycle Quest' and reveals this lesser-known British cycle route beauty in Northumberland.

The Otterburn Ranges and Upper Coquetdale are two of England's hidden gems for cycling. A look at the OS map suggests that Upper Coquetdale is a dead end road which stops at the Roman Camp of Chew Green. Not so, as I discovered some 25 years ago on joining Tyneside Vagabonds Cycling Club, which organised an annual club ride over the Ranges. The Ranges are open on Bank Holidays and other times but access is restricted to when the Army isn't firing. (See: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/otterburn-firing-times.)

A remarkable number of roads cross the Ranges, including the Roman Dere Street. The MoD maintains the roads very well and there is very little traffic. Remote and with wild scenery this is an area not to be missed. Take a map and/or GPS route as there are few signs at the road junctions.

Rothbury, where my route starts, has shops, cafés and parking. A few miles along scenic Coquetdale, the classic climb of Bilsmoor leads to the historic village of Elsdon, with its unique cyclists' cafe. The next unspoiled 15 miles across the Ranges are mainly uphill, reaching 1,660 feet at Cottonshope before descending very steeply into Upper Coquetdale. Then it's 12 miles mainly downhill through this delightful, narrow and winding valley lead to Alwinton.

Following the base of the Cheviot Hills through Alnham leads to pretty Whittingham, where British Cycle Questers can collect a checkpoint. Quiet lanes lead back to Rothbury where Tomlinson's café is highly recommended for post-ride refreshments.

Tips

The weather can be changeable and the route is remote, so go prepared to be self-sufficient. Cafés are only at Rothbury and Elsdon.

Food may be available at the pub in Alwinton or at Clennell Hall.