Cycling in North East England

Family cycling on the Grove Link Trail. Hamsterley Forest. Kielder FD From wet n’ wild to a relaxing ride, the forests in Northeast England have spectacular trails to cater for all tastes and abilities.

Cycle Trails

Chopwell Woodland Park
- Powerline MTB Trail (Red Grade)
Hamsterley Forest
- The Loop (Blue Grade)
- The Grove Link (Blue Grade)
- Green Cycle Trail
- Blue Cycle Trail
- Red Cycle Trail
- Black Cycle trail
- Descend Downhill Courses [Descend Hamsterley website]
Kielder Forest
- Castle Wood Skills Loop (Red Grade)
- Deadwater Trail (Red Grade)
- Up and Over (Black Grade)
- Cross Border Trail (Red Grade)
- Kielder Calvert (Red Grade)
- Humble Loop - accessed from Kielder Calvert (Red Grade)
- Village Connection (Blue Grade)
- Lakeside Way (Blue Grade)
- Castle Hill (Blue Grade)
- Borderline (Green Grade)

View the current status of the trails

Trail Grading System

Green (easier): Suitable for relative beginner/ novice cyclists. Trails mostly surfaced, may be loose, uneven or muddy at times. Climbs and descents are mostly shallow

Blue (moderate): Suitable for intermediate mountain bikers. Trails are approximately 1 metre wide and may include small obstacles such as roots and rocks. Mostly moderate gradients but may include steep sections.

Red (difficult): Suitable for proficient mountain bikers. Trails are mostly singletrack and surfaces will vary and may be challenging. Contain steeper and tougher climbs and descents.

Black (severe): Suitable for expert mountain bikers. Will include any rideable or useable trail and may have large steps and drop offs. Includes prolonged steep loose/ rocky climbs and descents.