| 1. This is a nice, but quite strenuous route, due to quite a lot of hills, that uses roads and bridleways, making it unsuitable for road bikes. The route goes through quiet villages, and with the highest point at over 250m, there are some great views, especially of the snow covered Cheviot mountain and several other mountains and lakes in the distance. But even after the highest point is passed, it is surprising how much climbing you still have to do.
Route description:
From Main Street, go through the park entrance next to Waitrose. Cross the bridge and take the most middle path, go past the tennis courts and you are then on NCN 10. Follow the route, crossing some roads on the way. When you get to a road where the NCN route is signposted right, Western Way, turn left and follow the road.
! Do not follow the cycle route as the path used is breaking apart and constantly flooded. !
Follow road signs for Stamfordham and then to Matfen. Take the road out of Matfen towards Ingoe but continue to Ryal. Go north through Ryal and turn left when you reach a fork in the road. Continue uphill to the farm buildings. Head for the wind farm across the fields (go up to the trig point if you want) and get back on to a rough path beside the wind turbines. Follow the path into Kirkheaton.
From here it is all on-road back to Ponteland, via Black Heddon and Robsheugh. Make sure you take the 2nd right (I think) after leaving Kirkheaton then Ponteland is fairly well signposted from there. |