Newcastle
Get On Your Bike: 7 Of The Best Newcastle Cycle Routes!
Get On Your Bike: 7 Of The Best Newcastle Cycle Routes!
Consett and Sunderland Railway Path at South Pelaw by Oliver Dixon under license CC BY-SA 4.0
In this post we highlight some of the best cycling routes around Newcastle including paths on the National Cycle Route and for the more adventurous, some of the area's best mountain bike trails! Cycling in Newcastle upon Tyne is a great way to see the city. With plenty of places to stop and have a bite to eat or take a break, the city is one of the more popular places for a bike ride in the United Kingdom. Newcastle is also very cycle-friendly, with plenty of cycle tracks and bike shops to hire two wheels for a day or more! So if you're looking for a great place to cycle, Newcastle upon Tyne is the perfect place.
You can take the kids on the short bike trails at the Dragon Cycle Trail, explore the numerous North Tyneside Waggonway Routes, or head on the National Cycle Route 72 to the seaside on the Newcastle to Tynemouth stretch!
Cycling around Newcastle: the perfect day out!
The table above lists all the best cycling routes around Newcastle. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that route.
There's nothing better than a long bike ride in the North East of England. Have a look below at the cycle routes listed on the interactive map and click on the buttons below the map for each route, for further information before you travel.
Consett and Sunderland Railway Path
The Consett & Sunderland Railway Path is an absolute joy to explore, with its lovely views of the river and marina. It follows a former railway line into town before ending at one of England’s most iconic beaches - Roker! Along this path, there are specially commissioned artworks that add some fantastic creativity along your journey.
The path is a perfect ride for those interested in nature and wildlife. It follows the old Stanhope & Tyne line, which was once Britain's first commercial railway that closed down over 35 years ago! Along this route, you'll find many spots that provide wildlife observing opportunities like the Washington Wildfowl Trust Centre where large flocks of birds reside in the different seasons throughout the year.
Newcastle to Tynemouth
The flat, easy and short ride to Tynemouth is one of the most well-known cycling routes in and around Newcastle. The path takes you through old industrial areas before reaching some lovely seaside sights towards the end of the route. Following the National Cycle Route 72 for the 12-mile route will ensure you reach the Tynemouth Priory for a well-earned break by the sea!
Newcastle to Wylam
To the west of Newcastle is a beautiful area known for its rolling countryside and small, quaint towns. If you want an adventure on your bike, then this route will be perfect! The route follows the National Cycle Route 72 again but this time in the opposite direction. After reaching Wylam, you can head back the way you came or pop over to the other side of the River Tyne and follow the National Cycle Routes back to Newcastle.
Killingworth Waggonway, Rising Sun Country Park by Oliver Dixon under license CC BY-SA 4.0
North Tyneside Waggonways Routes
The Waggonways network was once used to haul coal across the River Tyne from dozens of mines in North Tyneside. For years the routes had fallen into disrepair, but with support worth over £2m, they have been transformed into walking and cycling paths for locals and tourists alike! The routes are split into 6 parts that interconnect with each other. For more information on each route, you'll find maps via the button below.
Dragon Cycle Trail
The National Trust's Dragon cycle trail is an excellent way to explore the wider Wallington Estate. You can cycle through woodland and Broom House Farm's fields while enjoying far-reaching views across Northumberland! The short 3-mile loop is perfect for a family bike ride!
Mountain Biking Trail in Kielder Forest Park by Ian Wilson under license CC BY-SA 4.0
MTB: Kielder
Whether you're a returning visitor or looking for your first bike ride, Kielder Forest has something special for everyone. With over 100 miles of trails that range from easy to difficult depending on your skill level, there's no shortage of options when it comes to mountain biking in this beautiful forest! From loops with stunning views across the reservoir as well ample challenges on single-track paths through nature filled forests, be sure to check out the forest at some point on your trip!
MTB: Hamsterley Forest
Hamsterley Forest is a fantastic place to explore if you are looking for some local mountain biking fun! It has over 2,000 hectares of forest and 33 miles worth of trails that will take your ride into the unknown!
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have shared some of the best cycle routes around Newcastle. To find out more about things to do in this area, click on the links below:
Free Things to do in Newcastle
Please note...
All outdoor activities including cycling involve a degree of risk. The routes are recommended due to the well known features of each route but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each route so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your cycle!
Crown Copyright, courtesy Forestry Commission (16/08/22) licensed under the Open Government License.