LOCAL KNOWLEDGE HEXHAM

Broad landscapes, cycling thrills and quiet roads...

To the north is Hadrian’s Wall country, all rugged, sweeping green hills. To the south are the Pennines’ big valleys and brown humpback fells. In between, the scenic Tyne valley’s easy riverside routes. Sociable abbey-market-town Hexham’s in the middle of it all, a fine base for superb day rides of all types.

ROUTE ONE

WESTERN LOOP 61 MILES ALSTON’S PENNINES

Scenic day of solid climbs, descents and levels. Up past racecourse and West Allendale to Black Hill (609m). From Nenthead (cafes) up and over Dowgang Hush (599m) and scenic downhill to Alston (cafes, shops). Valley views to Haltwhistle; back through Hadrian’s country, with final long freewheel.

GET THE ROUTE: komoot.com/ tour/398066513

ROUTE TWO

SOUTHERN LOOP 44 MILES BLANCHLAND’S PENNINES

Half-day of ridges, valleys, fells, ups, downs, and great views. Climb to pretty Blanchland (cafe) then some of C2C route to Allenheads. Down East Allendale to Allendale (pubs, cafes), and up and over big moorland top back.

GET THE ROUTE: komoot.com/ tour/398070281

ROUTE THREE

GRAVEL LOOP 46 MILES HADRIAN’S WALL SHOWCASE

Gravel-bike delight with remote forest tracks. Glimpse wall remains, back roads and NCN68 off-road through Wark Forest. Moortops past surviving Wall (cafe) and Vindolanda (museum); tracks with fine downhill back.

GET THE ROUTE: komoot.com/ tour/398070765