With a beautiful coast and picturesque countryside, Northumberland is a fantastic place to go cycling - and stars like Harrison Ford and David O'Doherty agree!
In recent months, the Northumberland Coast AONB has been named one of the country's best cycle-friendly locations and the County Council and National Park are among some of the organisations aiming to turn the county into one of the UK's premier cycling destinations. However, for many who live in and around Newcastle, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to cycling in Northumberland.
For some cycling hotspots, such as Kielder (more than 50 miles, almost five hours one way) and similarly distanced Bamburgh, your casual weekend cyclist probably isn't going to have the time or fitness to do these, certainly not without an overnight stay. And the same goes for the Hadrian's Wall Cycleway - a stunning coast to coast journey that covers more than 100 miles, but you'll need a bit of practice and training before you attempt it.
Read more: Northumberland coast named one of the UK's top cyclist-friendly locations
Of course, you can visit the first two if you have a bike rack and access to a car. However, for those who rely on their bike or public transport, here are three of the easiest ways to enjoy a cycle in Northumberland, starting from the centre of Newcastle.
Seaton Sluice on Cycle Route 72 via Tynemouth and Whitley Bay
Length: around 18.5 miles
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (without stopping)
Getting from Newcastle City Centre to the coast is one of the easiest cycles there is. For the most part, Route 72 along the River Tyne is flat and there are some great views.
But instead of stopping at Tynemouth or Whitley Bay, continue further north to the most southerly village on the Northumberland Coast, Seaton Sluice. Lock your bike in the village and take a walk around the picturesque harbour, which used to be where salt, coal and bottles were exported from.
Cross the bridge over The Cut onto Rocky Island, looking out for curiosities such as the Seaton Sluice Doll and mermaid. If you're there on a Sunday between 2pm and 4:30pm, visit the Watch House Museum.
Fish and chips at the Harbour View, one of Northumberland's most popular chippies, might be a bit too heavy if you're cycling back but there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy a drink in the sunshine or you could head inland to Seaton Delaval for an ice cream at the Crescent Café.
If you prefer a shorter and quicker route, you don't have to take Cycle Route 72 along the River Tyne. You can take the Coast Road, which a cycle lane runs alongside the entire way, or use the Kenton and Coxlodge Waggonway to Rising Sun then take Waggon Ways up to Shiremoor and cycle the rest by road.
Read more: The most southerly village on the Northumberland Coast with a picturesque harbour and a mermaid
Read more: Northumberland beach gives up its secrets of ancient tsunamis and World War II defences
Wylam on Cycle Route 72
Length: 10.4 miles
Time: 56 minutes
Instead of heading for the coast, you can point your bike in the other direction along Cycleway 72 and be in Northumberland in less than an hour. Starting from the Quayside, head west along the River (the route is signposted), passing through Scotswood and Newburn Riverside.
It's when you get to Newburn that the obvious signs of industry fall away, with the path passing through the Riverside Park. Look over the river to pick out the spire of Holy Cross Church in Ryton poking out through the trees, before swapping the park for the Wylam Waggonway.
Cycle for about three miles along a mostly shaded and cool path along the banks of the Tyne, passing Close House and its golf course on your right and the white cottage where 'Father of the Railways' George Stephenson was born, all the while hugging the banks of the River Tyne. You'll then arrive in Wylam - and it's worth going half a mile further then doubling back on yourself to cross over the railway bridge at Hagg Bank.
If you're staying in Wylam, stop at the Boathouse delicious home-cooked Thai food and a cold drink by the river. Alternatively, you can carry on to Prudhoe, Corbridge and Hexham along the river and make a day of it.
Should you want to have an alcoholic drink in Wylam or find yourself tired out at any of the other villages and towns mentioned above, hop on the train back to Newcastle Central Station. The Tyne Valley Line is arguably one of the most scenic in the region.
Alnmouth to Druridge Bay return
Length: 24 miles
Time: 2 hours (without factoring in time to stop in Warkworth, Amble or Druridge Bay ).
This one is a slight cheat, but for those who are part-time cyclists or prefer just a leisurely ride don't have to miss out on the beauty of the Northumberland Coast just because it's a long trek. A three-hour cycle from Newcastle to Alnmouth is cut down to less than half an hour on the train, though you will need to book a space for your bike in advance.
Once there, the world is your oyster but a particularly popular route is to head south towards Warkworth. Stop off at the beach, which remains one of Northumberland's best kept secrets, or try one of the many cafés in the shadow of the village's mighty castle.
Then, carry on south along mostly flat roads to get to Amble, a noted spot for seafood - though that might not be the best idea ahead of cycling back to Alnmouth or onto Druridge Bay. Instead of taking the Northumberland Coastal Route to Druridge, take the back roads and pass through Hauxley, right along the coast, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife.
Take the same route back to Alnmouth, or embark on a 27-mile, two-and-a-half hour cycle back to Newcastle, if you're feeling brave!
Using Alnmouth Station as a base, you can also cycle north on the coast along the England Coastal Path or the Northumberland Coastal Route. Craster, Newton-by-the-Sea, Beadnell, Seahouses and Bamburgh are all on the route, all reachable in less than two hours.
Do you have a favourite cycle route in the North East? Let us know in the comments!
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