Top 7 Bike Parks in North Pennines AONB

The North Pennines AONB offers diverse terrain. You'll find purpose-built trails with roots, rocks, step-downs, tabletops, and berms, particularly in areas like Hamsterley Forest. Other routes, such as the 'do in a day' packhorse trails, feature narrow, rocky sections, stone tracks, moorland, and some singletrack. Expect varied gradients, from challenging climbs to scenic descents, often with rooty and rutty sections.

Yes, Hamsterley Forest is an excellent option for families and beginners. It offers a comprehensive trail network with blue-graded routes, such as the 'Squirrel Chaser' trail, designed to be fun and accessible. There's also a dedicated skills area near the main car park with bypassable obstacles, allowing riders to practice at their own pace.

For challenging rides, Hamsterley Forest is a prime destination. Trails like Pike's Teeth Trail and Route 666 Trail are black-rated, featuring technical elements, steep gradients, and demanding rooty sections. The Woods Downhill Trail also offers a challenging forest experience.

The North Pennines AONB is rich in industrial heritage. Around Alston Moor, you can explore routes like the 18-mile Alston Packhorse Trail, which passes through old lead mining landscapes and villages such as Nenthead and Garrigill. The Carrier's Way Trail, for instance, follows an ancient route used by pack pony drivers transporting smelted lead.

Yes, the North Pennines AONB offers trails with expansive views. For example, Bolt's Law summit provides lovely views and is part of a classic North East MTB route. The general 'do in a day' packhorse trails also offer superb wide-ranging views across the moorland landscapes.

Beyond bike parks, the North Pennines AONB offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Newbiggin and Allenheads loop from Alston', or explore running trails like the 'Derwent Reservoir loop'. For more mountain biking, check out the MTB Trails in North Pennines AONB guide, which includes routes like the 'Blanchard Moor & Edmundbyers Common loop'.

Yes, the North Pennines National Landscape has developed five 'do in a day' packhorse trail routes specifically for mountain bikers, which are circular. These can be found in areas such as Alston, Baldersdale, Blanchland, Hamsterley, and Hartside, combining on and off-road sections for a full day's adventure.

Hamsterley Forest is well-equipped for visitors. It features amenities such as a cafe for refreshments and ample parking, enhancing the overall visitor experience alongside its extensive trail network and dedicated skills area.

While cycling is possible year-round, the spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the most favorable weather conditions for exploring the diverse trails and enjoying the expansive moorland landscapes. During these times, you'll experience milder temperatures and less chance of challenging winter conditions.

Yes, the Alston area, in particular, is a significant part of national cycling networks. Both the C2C (Sea to Sea) Cycle Route and the Pennine Cycleway pass through Alston Moor, offering opportunities to connect with longer-distance routes.

The Packhorse Trails are unique because they allow riders to explore ancient networks used for centuries, offering a sense of adventure and tranquility. These 'do in a day' routes combine on and off-road sections, traversing exhilarating moorland landscapes with superb wide-ranging views and interesting historical features like old mine workings.