The best cycling routes around Hexham

Hexham offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 70 options to explore. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 7 easy, 31 moderate, and 32 difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

While specific family-designated routes aren't listed, Hexham has 7 easy touring cycling routes that are generally suitable for families or those looking for a more relaxed ride. These routes often follow gentler terrain, such as disused railway lines, providing a pleasant experience for all ages.

Hexham's touring cycling routes are rich in history. You can cycle past significant Roman sites like Hadrian's Wall, with routes offering views of Black Carts Turret and the area around Vindolanda Roman Fort. Other historical highlights include The Moot Hall and Beaufront Castle Gatehouse. The magnificent Hexham Abbey, with its Roman stone crypt, is also a prominent landmark within the town itself.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Hexham are designed as circular loops, making them convenient for starting and finishing in the same location. Examples include the Newbrough and Haydon Bridge loop from Hexham, which offers panoramic views of the Tyne Valley, and the Stanegate Road – View of Vindolanda Roman Fort loop from Hexham.

For scenic views, consider the Newbrough and Haydon Bridge loop from Hexham, which provides panoramic vistas of the Tyne Valley. Routes following Hadrian's Wall, such as the Stanegate Road – View of Vindolanda Roman Fort loop from Hexham, also offer breathtaking countryside and glimpses of the Roman Wall. The Tyne Valley itself is known for its picturesque landscapes.

The touring cycling routes around Hexham are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, which includes river valleys, rolling hills, and the unique experience of cycling near Roman historical sites. The variety of routes, from moderate to challenging, is also frequently highlighted.

Hexham is an excellent base for longer touring adventures. The iconic Hadrian's Cycleway (National Cycle Route 72) passes through the area, offering a 170-mile route along Hadrian's Wall. For a more challenging off-road experience, The Sandstone Way, a 120-mile mountain biking route, connects Hexham with Berwick-upon-Tweed, traversing a unique sandstone ridge. You can find more information about The Sandstone Way on the Northumberland National Park website.

Hexham, as a market town, offers various parking options. Many routes start directly from the town, allowing you to park centrally. For routes further afield, consider looking for designated car parks near trailheads or villages along the route. Always check local signage for parking regulations and fees.

Hexham is well-connected by public transport. Hexham railway station is on the Tyne Valley Line, providing access from Newcastle and Carlisle. Local bus services also operate in the area, which can help you reach various starting points for cycling routes. Always check with the transport provider regarding bicycle carriage policies.

Many routes around Hexham will take you through or near villages and towns where you can find cafes and pubs. For example, the Bywell Coffee Barn – Route 72 Past Bywell Hall loop from Hexham explicitly mentions a coffee barn, indicating refreshment stops are available along certain paths. Exploring routes that pass through settlements like Corbridge or Haydon Bridge will also offer opportunities for breaks.

The spring, summer, and early autumn months (roughly April to October) generally offer the most favorable conditions for touring cycling in Hexham, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. This allows for comfortable exploration of the Tyne Valley, Hadrian's Wall, and the surrounding national parks. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out.

To find less crowded routes, consider exploring some of the less-trafficked local loops or venturing into the quieter parts of the Northumberland National Park or North Pennines National Landscape. While popular routes like Hadrian's Cycleway can see more traffic, especially in peak season, many of the 70+ routes offer a sense of solitude. Early mornings or weekdays are also good times to avoid crowds.

Touring cycling around Hexham immerses you in diverse natural beauty. You'll primarily experience the picturesque Tyne Valley, with routes often following the River Tyne. The region also acts as a gateway to the rolling hills and dramatic moorlands of Northumberland National Park and the tranquil river scenery of the North Pennines National Landscape. Kielder Water and Forest Park, known for its vast forests and wildlife, is also accessible for further exploration.