Hexham gravel/hybrid routes

Going on a family weekend away in March.

Has anyone got any nice gravel/hybrid bike routes around the area?

Ideally 40-55km with under 800m of climbing with a coffee and cake stop – enough to get out of the house for a 2-3hrs !

Thanks

There are a couple of books by Ted Liddle covering the surrounding area for exactly that kind of riding.

Never ridden there personally so not sure how big the place is but a mate rides in Slayley forest (just outside Hexham) on his xc hardtail pretty regularly, mainly fireroads with the odd bit of singletrack and not a lot of climbing, he seems to like the place but no idea of actual routes

Try Waskerley Way, Lanchester Valley Railway Path

I’ll have a look this evening. Message me tomorrow if I forget! I assume you are ok on minor roads. That will make it easier to link stuff. Are you happy to drive to the start? Means you can more interesting rides.

Waskerley way is a good option. Few cafes and big views.

There’s the Tynedale Railway.

You can ride along various bits of the Tyne. Not sure how far either side of Hexham but there is a bike path along Tyne green in the town.

Slaley forest (might be a swamp right now!)

There’s stuff near Walk, Bellingham.

Kielder is only up the road for a lap of the reservoir.

It might be more road biased but up by the Derwent reservoir.

Loads of options riding directly from Hexham, going as far or short as you want. If you have an OS then it’s pretty obvious to work out loops but given recent absolute horror wet winter I’d likely focus on heading West on routes either side of the S Tyne skirting/crossing the wall and into the fringes of Wark forest. I can send you a message with suggestions later.

Thanks

We’re staying a couple of miles north of town. Would prefer to ride from the door so will check out those suggestions

Check out the sandstone way

Singletrack Issue 122 has a route that takes in the Carriers Way – much nicer than Slayley Forest. If you can work that in from Hexham you could also stop in Blanchland (couple of options, Lord Crewe Arms, or cafe).

I only use the routes through Slayley Forest to get on to the routes across the moors. The bridleway through Dipton Wood is ok – I use it in summer to make a longer loop. The route from Slayley via Dukesfield is fine in summer, never done it in winter though, and the bridleway from Slayley Forest across Devil’s Water is fun but I personally wouldn’t do the first bit on a gravel bike.

You could also look at routes that take in Hexhamshire Common, but those that have been rubbled for grouse shooting access can be pretty unremitting in places. Harwood Shield to Allendale Town is ok though. From there I’d avoid routes across the common at this time of year (v. wet). Might be better in March though – depends whether it’s early or late. If it’s dry, the route via High Eshells is good, and the northernmost route via Rebel Hill has nicer views but isn’t as nice to ride (and is also better if you drop down via West Greenridge to pick up the road, which can take you back to Hexham via the racecourse).

Thanks @northernsoul

I’d forgotten I’ve got the 2nd Ted Liddle book. More to think about there