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Northumberland National Park, and in particular the valleys that spur off from the Cheviot Massif, are a unique proposition for mountain bikers. With a mixture of large forests and rolling hills, riders can blend high-intensity blaze-ups with mellow, big-view bridleway sections. The area, however, has some of England’s most protected habitats and wildlife, meaning that some trail access is restricted to certain times of the year. Scotty Laughland enjoys a classic Northumbrian late-summer evening before heading for a cool pint at the Rose and Thistle, Alwinton.