Sandstone Way Mountain Bike Route - Opening Day 20th March 2015

The official opening day on 20th March 2015.
The new 120 mile mountain bike route between Berwick and Hexham in Northumberland is now officially open with the help of pupils from Morpeth Road Primary Acadamy in Blyth and members of Tyne Valley Mountain Bike Club riding a section from Black Carts into Hexham on 20th March 2015. Thanks also goes to our local MP Guy Opperman for officially opening the new long distance cycle route.
The Sandstone Way is a 120 mile mountain biking route between Berwick upon Tweed and Hexham that runs along the sandstone ridge in North Northumberland, linking numerous sandstone crags and outcrops. From one end of Northumberland to the other the Sandstone Way traverses an ever-changing landscape which is rich in history, geology and iconic scenery.

Both Hexham and Berwick upon Tweed are served by rail. Between these two towns, the route passes through numerous villages and small communities including Wooler, Rothbury and Bellingham. It has been designed to safely cross rivers, main roads and railways.

The Sandstone Way is designed for mountain bikers and as much of the route as possible is off-road. It will appeal to riders of all abilities and most will take 3 or 4 days to complete it. The ‘fit and the fast’ could possibly ride the route in 2 days but in all probability most would wish they had taken 3 days. Almost certainly a few mountain bikers will try to ride the whole route in a day!

The Sandstone Way uses suitable existing Public Rights of Way including an interesting 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 (UCRs). Inevitably, these lovely route types are linked with sections of quiet minor roads and surfaced country lanes.

The Sandstone Way is clearly waymarked with a distinctive green logo roundel. Ten optional loops are also offered to appeal to ‘day riders’ who wish to cycle back to their starting point or map-read their way along more challenging alternatives to the waymarked route.

The Sandstone Way really is an adventure and we believe everyone who cycles this very enjoyable journey will have a most rewarding experience traversing the length of Northumberland - one of England’s best kept secrets. Please visit the www.sandstoneway.co.uk for more information.
The Sandstone Way was designed by Ted Liddle and was initially funded by Northumberland National Park Authority, Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Project, Northumberland County Council and Tyne Valley Mountain Bike Club.

Maps available to buy from all good retailers, Tourist Information Centres or direct from northern-heritage.co.uk or sandstoneway.co.uk

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