Northumberland Cycle Tour - Sandstone Way

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Arrival into Newcastle

   Newcastle is the chosen rendezvous point for the Sandstone Way ride. With its excellent road, rail and air connections, getting to Newcastle is easy. For those arriving by car, you will be able to leave your vehicle at your accommodation in Newcastle.
   
   Depending on timing, you’ll be met by your representative who will provide your route information and answer any questions about the next few days of riding. If more convenient, this meeting may happen over breakfast the following day.
   
   A meal tonight can be taken at one of the many friendly restaurants on the nearby quayside. With the Millennium Bridge lit up at night, it makes a great backdrop to this bustling part of Newcastle.
   
   

   • Newcastle Accommodation
2. Day 2Berwick to Wooler

   After breakfast, you'll be transferred up the coast to historic Berwick-upon-Tweed (1 hour 30 minutes transfer time), where you will unload your bikes and set off on your journey. The first stage takes you down the dramatic Northumberland coast with incredible views over Lindisfarne before turning inland and starting your exploration of the countryside and moors of Northumberland. Farm tracks and forest roads take you past St Cuthbert’s Cave.

   Lunch can be a remote picnic or taken in a pub en route as you pass through several quaint villages and below Chillingham Castle before arriving into Wooler for a pint of real ale and an evening of local hospitality.
   

   • 34.8 miles
   • 2,099.7 ft
     2,099.7 ft
   • Wooler Accommodation
   • Breakfast
3. Day 3Wooler to Rothbury

   Your second day of riding takes you deep into the wilderness of Northumberland. Heading south over open moorland trails you'll pass through the idyllic Breamish valley before tackling the cheeky climb over Wether Hill (and the well-earned descent that follows). You'll pass by the remote hamlets of Clennell, Alwinton and Harbottle before looping back east. A section of woodland singletrack keeps you on your toes as you descend down to the beautiful town of Rothbury, your overnight stay.
   

   • 37.3 miles
   • 3,215.2 ft
     3,215.2 ft
   • Rothbury Accommodation
   • Breakfast
4. Day 4Rothbury to Bellingham

   After a wholesome breakfast you'll tackle the climb past the Simonside Hills, the largest climb en route, leading you into Harwood Forest and past the spooky Winter’s Gibbet. You’ll tackle some tricky farm tracks and a traverse alongside the River Rede to the village of West Woodburn.
   
   Depending on conditions you’ll climb over Highstead Hill or take the lower road leading into Bellingham and your final night.
   

   • 27.3 miles
   • 2,165.4 ft
     2,165.4 ft
   • Bellingham Accommodation
   • Breakfast
5. Day 5Bellingham to Hexham

   Your final day of cycling takes you through border country, across challenging bridleways and twisting trails. You’ll skirt past the woodland of Kielder Forest Park and Northumberland National Park. You negotiate a network of bridleways and stream crossings, with a few more cheeky climbs to tackle before arriving in the tiny village green in Simonburn, an ideal lunch spot.
   
   Eventually you pass over the line of Hadrian’s Wall and enjoy a final descent down to the historic market town of Hexham to celebrate our accomplishment. You’ll have a short transfer back to Newcastle to collect your cars or depart for your return train.
   

   • 22.4 miles
   • 1,738.8 ft
     1,738.8 ft
   • Breakfast