4.1
(20)
271
riders
23
rides
Touring cycling around Henshaw, Northumberland, offers routes through a landscape shaped by the Whin Sill, featuring dramatic crags and rolling hills. The area is defined by its proximity to Hadrian's Wall, providing a historic backdrop to many trails. Sections of Northumberland National Park are integrated into the routes, showcasing varied natural features. The terrain includes a mix of quiet roads, railway paths, and forestry trails, suitable for diverse cycling experiences.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
4.7
(11)
107
riders
38.3km
02:34
520m
520m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
20
riders
40.3km
03:07
600m
600m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(2)
14
riders
32.3km
02:04
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
10
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
54.1km
03:16
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Beaufront Castle Gatehouse is the gateway to the impressive Beaufront Castle, a Grade I listed manor house in Northumberland, near Hexham. Although the castle itself was built between 1836 and 1841 in the Castellated Gothic Revival style by architect John Dobson, the complex contains older elements such as a clock tower with a bell dating from 1694 and parts of a 17th-century house belonging to the Errington family. The gatehouse is believed to be part of this historic structure and served as both ceremonial and functional access to the estate. It stands on a site where a pele tower—a fortified tower house that was later incorporated into the manor house—was mentioned as early as 1415.
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National Cycle Route 72, or Hadrian's Cycleway, passes through Stanegate here. Stanegate was a strategic Roman border road in Northern England, constructed around 77–85 AD under Governor Agricola—decades before Hadrian's Wall. The name "Stanegate" comes from Old English and literally means "stone road." Stanegate runs through the valleys of the River Tyne and River Irthing and is approximately 61 km long. It served as a military corridor leading to Hadrian's Wall and, from around 87 AD, became the de facto northern border of the Roman Empire in Britain.
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St. Aidan's Church in Hexham is a small but active congregation belonging to the United Reformed Church (URC). The building itself is modest and functional, lacking the medieval grandeur of Hexham Abbey. The church is part of Hexham Churches Together, an ecumenical network that promotes collaboration between different denominations.
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Warden Bridge is an elegant stone arch bridge spanning the River South Tyne. The current bridge was built in 1903 and replaced an earlier chain bridge dating from 1826, which collapsed under the weight of a steam threshing machine in 1877. The structure consists of two stone arches with one pier suspended in the water. On the south side, the old tollhouse still stands, a reminder of the days when you had to pay to cross the bridge.
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The Fourstones Millennium Monument is a striking work of art in the village of Fourstones, Northumberland, featuring a large colliery wheel – a tribute to the region's industrial heritage. Erected around the year 2000 as a symbol of the transition to a new millennium, the monument commemorates the coal mines that once shaped the landscape and the community. The colliery wheel stands alongside Stanegate Roman Road, creating a visual landmark in the open landscape.
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There are over 20 touring cycling routes around Henshaw, offering a variety of experiences through the Northumberland landscape. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from more than 15 reviews.
The routes around Henshaw cater to various fitness levels. You'll find 2 easy routes, 12 moderate routes, and 9 difficult routes, ensuring options for both casual riders and those seeking a challenge.
Henshaw is rich in history, particularly due to its proximity to Hadrian's Wall. Many routes offer views of ancient Roman sites. For example, the View of Vindolanda Roman Fort – Warden Bridge loop from Bardon Mill provides glimpses of the ancient Roman fort. You can also explore highlights like Cawfields Quarry, which is near Hadrian's Wall.
Yes, the region boasts dramatic landscapes shaped by the Whin Sill, offering rolling hills and crags. You can find scenic viewpoints like Crag Lough. The routes also pass through sections of Northumberland National Park, providing breathtaking natural scenery. Additionally, you might encounter lakes such as Langley Dam.
While many routes in Henshaw involve varied terrain and some elevation, there are 2 routes classified as easy, which might be suitable for families or those looking for a more relaxed ride. It's always recommended to check the route details for specific terrain and elevation before heading out with children.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Henshaw are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Newbrough Town Hall – Warden Bridge loop from Bardon Mill and the Lambley Viaduct – Lambley Viaduct loop from Bardon Mill.
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most favorable weather conditions for touring cycling in Northumberland, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, the region's beauty can be enjoyed in autumn with its vibrant colors, though weather can be more unpredictable.
Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Henshaw offers 9 difficult routes. These routes often feature significant elevation gains and longer distances, such as the Newbrough Town Hall – Warden Bridge loop from Bardon Mill, which covers over 40 km with nearly 600m of elevation gain.
While specific parking information for each route varies, many routes start from villages like Bardon Mill, which typically offer local parking facilities. For routes within Northumberland National Park or near Hadrian's Wall, designated car parks are often available. It's advisable to check local signage or specific route descriptions for the most accurate parking details.
Henshaw is located in a rural area, but public transport options exist. The nearest train station is Bardon Mill, which is a starting point for several routes. Local bus services also connect some villages in the area. For detailed public transport information and route planning, you can consult the Northumberland County Council's cycling resources at northumberland.gov.uk.
To find less crowded routes, consider exploring some of the moderate or difficult routes that venture further into the Northumberland National Park, away from the immediate vicinity of major Hadrian's Wall attractions. Routes like the View of Melkridge Countryside – Centre of Britain, Haltwhistle loop from Bardon Mill might offer a more tranquil experience.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique combination of historical landmarks, such as Hadrian's Wall, with the dramatic natural beauty of the Northumberland National Park. The varied terrain, from quiet roads to forestry trails, also contributes to a rewarding cycling experience.


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