LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

GETTING THERE

Whether approaching from the north or south get on to the A1, which runs up the east coast of the country. From the west, you’re committing to a life on the back roads but by linking up the larger towns of the Scottish Borders on the A7 there are far less picturesque ways to spend an afternoon.

WHERE TO STAY

The Lindisfarne Inn is the best in the area offering a menu adapted for cyclists, an array of craft and Belgian beers (who are we to say no?), good food and comfortable rooms. It also has bike storage, cleaning and maintenance facilities. lindisfarneinn.co.uk

FOOD AND DRINK

The Inn offers nutritionally balanced mid-ride snacks but the shop in Lowick is an important venue should you feel peckish or forget anything en route. (Cyclists, hungry? Never.) Also take a look at the Wyndenwell Cafe in Bamburgh and Pilgrims Coffee House on Lindisfarne.

WHAT TO DO

There’s plenty to see and do at Chillingham, Bamburgh and Lindisfarne castles. Chillingham Castle also boasts a wild safari, which takes you out into the surrounding countryside in search of its unique wild cattle.

TOURIST INFO

lindisfarne.org.uk visitnorthumberland.com

GET THE ROUTE

tinyurl.com/cplusnorthumberland