Hive mind north - any experience of routes around Alston north Pennines as staying in cottage with family first week in June ? Family or solo suggestions welcome
Ta !
Cross Fell and High Cup Nick are the obvious local classics from the door, (depending on family age/ability) follow South Tyne railway down to Haltwhistle as a freewheel with some swimming options. If you want to mix with the crowds then the NE lakes (i.e. accessible from Penrith) isn't far via Hartside, but chances are things will be very busy in all the obvious spots.
Yes. But not right now. I'll post something tomorrow if I remember. PM me if I forget.
Slaley, Bolts law, Derwent reservoir.
Garigill out and back to Moor House it's mainly farm track so not very technical.
Some bridlepaths over wellhope moor but they arent very well defined so bit of hike a bike.
Alston to Eals on the railway then back via the bog farm, Willamston and Barhaugh.
Routes over Hexham Common (Derek Purdys book Northumberland Mtb Routes).
Clargyll Farm up over long cross to nine banks then back via Parmontley Woods (up hill from the a686).
Cauldron Snout to High Cup Nick and back.
There are some great loops either up high Cup nick, swing north and anti clockwise back to Kirkland or vice versa.
But I also highly recommend doing high Cup nick as a walk, starting at Dufton go up the North side and come back down the south. It is such an epic valley. The walking allows your eyes to give it true justice.
It is totally epic
Most options have been covered above. There's not a massive number of bridleways over the Pennines so the ones that are there are well documented. Most of them are big days out. Big climbs (I think Alston is the highest town in England...) The weather can be brutal. It's great if you like that kind of thing. Family rides less easy.
The railway line to Haltwhistle is a fairly big drop in height with a dismount/carry for the viaduct. Bear that in mind if the kids are quite small and you're going out and back
The south Tyne trail is a good shout. Especially if the train is running. The other option would be an early start for you drive down, ride back then ride down with the family.
I'd suggest a walk between Lambley viaduct and Featherstone castle. It's a nice stretch. There's a POW camp here too which is really interesting. On a nice day its popular for picnics around the castle.
https://www.northpennines.org.uk/visit-explore/explore-map/
This is a classic route. Although they destroyed the descent down into Garrigill by grading it with gravel. We had thought about trying to do it in the other direction...
https://www.strava.com/activities/3542979946#2702218525564147365
Bolts law is a drive but a classic descent
https://www.strava.com/activities/2089131555
The southern loop of this would a fun on a mtb. Tunstall reservoir might be tricky if busy as it isn't all that bike friendly...
https://www.strava.com/activities/4216348543
You are not a million miles away from Hamsterley which would be good with kids if they are old enough. There's the trail centre itself or moorland XC loops. This ride could be three! North loop, south loop and the centre itself.
https://www.strava.com/activities/2572806290