Cycling

Experience the freedom of being on your bike in an area which offers some of the most breathtaking and varied scenery; from the rugged coastline scattered with castles, to the wide open spaces of the moorland. Cycle through England's "last wilderness" in the North Pennines or soak up the silence of the Northumberland National Park. Enjoy a picnic by a lake or stop for a well earned rest at a tea shop to sample the many home-made delights of Northumbria. It's all there, waiting to be discovered by bicycle.

Cycling can be one of the most rewarding ways of exploring the countryside and Northumbria offers a huge network of cycle routes. Whether it be a gentle ride through Kielder Forest Park breathing in the fresh air and the fragrant smell of the forest, a pedal along the vast array of converted railway tracks or a more strenuous ride on public bridleways within the rolling hills of the Cheviots, Northumbria caters for all levels of cyclists.

What else could be better than to cycle through an unspoilt environment steeped in history with a unique character and full of friendly folk. so, go on - pack your shorts and bicycle and head for Northumbria.

Main Cycling Contacts

SUSTRANS, 35 King Street, Bristol. BS1 4DZ
Information and UK/Europe cycle route mapes and guides brochure.
Tel: (0117) 929 0888

SUSTRANS North East, Rockwood House, Barn Hill, Stanley, County Durham. DH9 8AN
Local information plus NCN and local Cycle Map/Guides
Tel: (01207) 281 259

CTC (National): Cotterell House, 69 Meadrow, Godalming, Surrey. GU7 3HS
Tel: (01483) 417 217

CTC (Local): 32 Hawthorn Walk, Newcastle upon Tyne. NE4 7HP
Tel: (0191) 273 8042

TYNEBIKES, 22 Linden Road, Newcastle upon Tyne. NE3 4EY
Comprehensive information source
Tel: (0191) 284 3781

Northumberland National Park
Tel: (01434) 605 555

National Trust
Tel: (01670) 774 691

Forest Enterprise - For information on cycling within Forest Enterprise areas, contact Forest Enterprise
Tel: (01434) 220 242

Cycling Support Services

The following companies and/or organisations supply Cycle Support Services:

Cycle Force - 'Come out and Fit it Service', including temporary replacement and cycle hire.
Tel: (0191) 384 0319
29 Claypath, Durham City. DH1 1RH (9.00am-5.30pm)

Kielder Bikes Cycle Centre - Situated at Kielder Castle and Hawkhope Centre Kielder Dam
Tel: (01434) 250 392

Holiday Lakeland - Book ahead service, luggage transfer, en-route rescue and full support service.
Tel: (016973) 71871

Tyne Valley Holidays - Full cycle support service
Tel: (0191) 284 7534

Stanley Taxis - Full cycle support service
Tel: (01207) 237 424

Tynemouth Bothy - Accommodation
Tel: (01830) 540 342 (9am-4pm); (0191) 258 3167

YHA Newcastle - Accommodation
Tel: (0191) 281 2570
Also contact YHA Newcastle for information on Steel Bonnets Cycle Ride

Cycling Holidays

Holiday Lakeland - 'Sea to Sea Adventure', Whitehaven-Sunderland. Full cycle support service and accommodation included.
Tel: (016973) 71871

Transport

Cyclists wishing to use trains or buses, please contact the following for further information: Trains: for timetable/price information: tel: 0345 484 950
to book tickets by credit card: tel: 0345 225 225
Cycles on buses tel: (01670) 533 128

Cycle Hire

Berwick upon Tweed

Wilsons Cycles
17a Bridge Street
Tel: (01289) 331 476 Mountain Bikes:
£10 per day
£40 per week
(with £200 deposit)

Corbridge

Tyne Valley Cycles
The Forge
Bridge End
Corbridge
NE45 5AU
Tel: (01434) 633 363 Mountain Bikes:
£10 for 2 day
£15 per day

Kielder

Kielder Bikes
Kielder Forest
Tel: (01434) 250 392 Mountain Bikes
£6 for 2 hours
£8 for 3 hours
£12 per day

Rothbury

The Spar
Millstone House
High Street
Rothbury
NE65 7SZ Mountain Bikes:
£4 per hour
£8 for 2 day
£10 per day
(with £50 deposit)