The best traffic-free bike rides around Thrunton Wood

There are 5 dedicated traffic-free gravel bike trails around Thrunton Wood featured in this guide. These routes offer a range of distances and difficulties, ensuring a peaceful ride away from busy roads.

Yes, there are routes suitable for various skill levels. For a moderate option, consider the View of Thrunton Wood – Forest Gravel Path loop from Thrunton Trout Fishery. This 7.2 km route offers a great introduction to gravel biking in the area with manageable elevation.

The trails weave through a mix of maturing coniferous woodland and open moorland. You'll experience sheltered forest riding, dramatic sandstone escarpments like Thrunton Crag, and spectacular viewpoints offering panoramic vistas across the Whittingham Vale and the distant Cheviot and Simonside Hills. The ever-changing colours of the lichen-clad trees add to the visual appeal throughout the year.

Yes, all the routes listed in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Whitefield Trail – Viewpoint on Simonside Hills loop from Whitton and Tosson is a moderate 19.5 km circular route.

While specific parking for each route varies, many trails start from accessible points. For instance, the View of Thrunton Wood – Forest Gravel Path loop starts near Thrunton Trout Fishery, which often has parking facilities. Another route, the Simonside Car Park – Viewpoint on Simonside Hills loop, explicitly mentions starting from Simonside Car Park, providing a clear parking option.

Thrunton Wood is rich in natural beauty and historical intrigue. You might encounter the McCartney's Cave, a hand-hewn retreat, or enjoy the stunning vistas from the View of Thrunton Wood highlight. The area also features a prehistoric fort, Castle Hill, and local folklore speaks of mischievous hobgoblins in Hob's Nick.

The longest route featured is the Viewpoint on Simonside Hills – Winter's Gibbet loop from Rothbury, spanning approximately 63.4 km. This difficult route offers a significant challenge with over 1000 meters of elevation gain.

Thrunton Wood is a haven for wildlife. It's common to spot deer peering from behind trees, and you might also catch a glimpse of red squirrels and a variety of birdlife, adding to the natural experience of your ride.

The komoot community highly rates the trails around Thrunton Wood, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, the diverse terrain, and the spectacular viewpoints overlooking Northumberland's wild scenery.

Many routes provide excellent views, especially those that traverse the higher ground. The Simonside Car Park – Viewpoint on Simonside Hills loop from Whitton and Tosson is a difficult 34.2 km route that specifically highlights viewpoints on the Simonside Hills, offering expansive vistas.

Yes, the Bridge Over the River Breamish – River Breamish loop from Powburn is a difficult 36.8 km route that incorporates the River Breamish, offering scenic sections alongside the water.