The best traffic-free bike rides around Gateshead

Gateshead offers a wide selection of traffic-free gravel bike trails. Our guide features 47 routes, ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

You'll experience a diverse range of landscapes, from scenic riverside paths along the River Tyne and River Derwent to extensive woodlands like Chopwell Woods and Watergate Forest Park. Many routes also traverse varied countryside, former railway lines, and transformed colliery sites now rich in wildlife.

Yes, Gateshead has several options suitable for families. Routes through parks like Watergate Forest Park and sections of the Derwent Walk offer well-surfaced, multi-user tracks away from traffic, perfect for a leisurely family ride. Look for routes rated 'easy' in our guide.

Many of Gateshead's traffic-free trails, especially those in woodlands and country parks like Chopwell Woods and Derwenthaugh Country Park, are dog-friendly. However, always keep dogs under control, especially around wildlife or other trail users, and check local signage for any specific restrictions.

You can encounter several interesting sights. For urban views, routes might pass near the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge or the Tyne Bridge. Further afield, you might spot the monumental Angel of the North or the Derwent Walk Express Sculpture. Natural features include various ponds and lakes, such as Waterfall in Watergate Forest Park or Pockerley Farm Pond.

Yes, many of the traffic-free gravel routes in Gateshead are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the Gateshead Millennium Bridge – Tyne Bridge loop from Lamesley, offering a great way to explore without retracing your steps.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Gateshead, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also great, but trails can be busier. Winter rides are possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially in woodland areas, and shorter daylight hours.

Many popular starting points for gravel trails, especially in country parks like Chopwell Woods, Watergate Forest Park, and Derwenthaugh Country Park, offer dedicated parking facilities. For routes starting in more urban areas, public car parks are usually available nearby.

Absolutely. Gateshead's industrial heritage means many traffic-free routes utilize former railway lines, providing flat and well-surfaced paths. The Tanfield Railway – Derwent Walk loop from Kibblesworth is a great example, combining a historic railway path with natural beauty.

The komoot community highly rates the traffic-free gravel trails in Gateshead, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the routes, the variety of landscapes from riverside to woodland, and the excellent network of paths that keep you away from vehicle traffic.

Yes, even within the 'no traffic' category, there are routes that offer a significant challenge. For instance, the Tyne Valley Twister from the Metrocentre is a difficult route covering over 60 km with substantial elevation gain, providing a demanding ride away from main roads.

While many routes focus on natural areas, some pass through or near villages and towns where you can find amenities. Planning your route in advance using komoot allows you to identify potential stops for refreshments. Areas around the Derwent Walk or near Rowlands Gill often have options.