Cyclists on the Sandstone Way MTB long distance trail. Photo: Ted Liddle
A new mountain biking route is planned for next year in Northumberland.
The Sandstone Way is a 193km (120-mile) trail linking Berwick-upon-Tweed and Hexham.
National park bosses said the new trail is aimed at mountain bikers, with as much as possible off-road and link sections on very quiet country lanes, and has been designed to safely cross rivers, main roads and railway lines.
A spokesperson said: “It will appeal to riders of all abilities and most will take three or four days to complete it, whilst the ‘fit and the fast’ could possibly ride the route in two days.
“It’s almost certain some mountain bikers will try to do the whole route in a day but the organisers hope that families will be encouraged to ride safe, traffic-free sections of it with older children.”
The route follows the sandstone ridge in north Northumberland, linking numerous sandstone crags and outcrops along its entire length.
The Sandstone Way route
Rich Rothwell, the 24-hour endurance mountain bike rider who tested the route earlier this year said:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the day and I am sure that many people will enjoy this route – incredibly quiet roads and some lovely flowing off road sections with stunning Northumberland scenery.”
The Sandstone Way is the brainchild of cyclist Ted Liddle, who designed the route building on a basic suggestion from Victoria Brown of Northumberland joint local access forum.
Initial funding came from the Northumberland National Park Authority, which also dealt with the complex administration, and it has been developed in conjunction with the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Project, Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Tourism, CycleTRAX, Tyne Valley Mountain Bike Club and Recreational Tourism Services.
Ted Liddle said: “The Sandstone Way was designed to link some of the best lengths of off-road track in Northumberland, taking mountain bikers into Northumberland’s hidden corners on centuries-old tracks and historic byways.
“The route traverses magnificent unspoilt scenery and offers iconic views with the sensation of remoteness. Cycling the Sandstone Way really is an adventure which guarantees a truly memorable experience for all the right reasons.”
Duncan Wise, visitor development manager at Northumberland national park, added: “We are in the business of making memories, and those riding the Sandstone Way will have a wonderful excuse to stay longer in this beautiful part of the world.”
The Sandstone Way uses existing public rights of way for most of its length, including a mix of double-width dirt tracks, sections of singletrack, unsurfaced lanes and bridleways of all types as well as byways and little known unclassified county roads. There are linking sections of quiet minor roads and surfaced country lanes. A distinctive route map will be available in the early spring.
