Northumberland might not shout about its cycling credentials, but it’s quietly brilliant for riders of all ages and abilities. You’ll find a mix of woodland trails, castle-side detours, and coastal rides with plenty of picnic spots. Ideal for families, leisure cyclists, or anyone looking to explore one of England’s most beautiful (and peaceful) counties by bike.
We’ve grouped some of our favourite routes by type, each with handy links to maps and details. Where available, we’ve included bike hire options and noted which are best for younger riders or buggies and trailers.
Woodland Adventures
Kielder Forest Lakeside Way
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Distance: Up to 26 miles (circular, can do shorter sections)
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Terrain: Mostly smooth gravel and forest trail
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Bike Hire: Team Cycles Bike Rental
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Best for: Trailers, tag-alongs, confident kids
This is one of Northumberland’s most magical rides. A well-surfaced trail that hugs the shoreline of Kielder Water, winding through tall pines and peaceful inlets. Along the way, kids can stop at quirky outdoor art installations, spot birds and deer, or throw stones from one of the many little beaches. It’s long if you do the full loop (26 miles), but most families just choose a section. There are toilets, picnic areas and cafés dotted around too, making it easy to plan stops. The scenery feels remote but never intimidating, more like a gentle adventure playground on wheels.
Simonside and Harwood Forest Trails
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Distance: 3–6 miles
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Terrain: Forest roads, light gravel
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Bike Hire: Limited.
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Best for: Older children, off-road beginners
These forest trails are great for children who like a bit of off-road riding but aren’t quite ready for mountain biking. The surfaces vary from smooth forest road to light gravel, and the waymarked loops make it easy to explore without getting lost. Kids will enjoy the feeling of being deep in the woods, with birdsong, pine scents, and squirrels for company. It’s quieter than Kielder, so great for more peaceful rides. Bring a snack and stop under the trees for a mini forest picnic.
Coastal Cruising
The Coast & Castles South Route (Warkworth to Bamburgh)
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Distance: 20 miles in full, but shorter options available
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Terrain: Mix of tarmac, quiet roads, coastal paths
Bike Hire: Pedal Power Alnwick -
Best for: Teens and older children confident on shared roads
This route is a real storybook adventure, with Warkworth, Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh castles all visible (and visitable) along the way. The ride includes cliff-top paths, sandy stretches, and quiet country lanes, with plenty of stop-off spots for ice cream or sandcastle-making. It's ideal for slightly older kids who can manage longer distances and are confident sharing short stretches with slow-moving traffic. Parents will love the dramatic views, and kids will love imagining knights and dragons just around the bend. You can tailor the distance to suit your crew. Even a 5-mile stretch here is packed with things to see.
Druridge Bay Country Park Loop
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Distance: Approx. 2–3 miles
Terrain: Flat, tarmac and hard-packed paths -
Bike Hire: Limited. Check with visitor centre
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Best for: Young children, balance bikes, relaxed outings
Druridge Bay is a safe, traffic-free haven with something for every age group. The circular route loops around a lake with wildlife hides and benches, perfect for curious kids who like to stop and explore. There are toilets, a café, and a small play area near the car park, so it’s easy to turn the ride into a half-day adventure. The terrain is flat and smooth, making it a top choice for balance bikes and first-time pedalers. Afterwards, you can head over to the nearby beach for a paddle.
Castles & Countryside
Alnwick to Alnmouth Circular
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Distance: Around 13 miles round trip
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Terrain: Country lanes and minor roads
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Bike Hire: Pedal Power Alnwick
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Best for: Confident riders, scenic family days out
Start in storybook Alnwick (home of the famous castle and gardens) and cycle out through quiet lanes to the charming village of Alnmouth, where sandy beaches await. There’s a bit of a hill in and out of town, but otherwise this is a gently rolling route. Kids will enjoy the sense of journey from market town to seaside, and the chance to reward themselves with fish and chips or a beach break. The return ride offers views across open farmland, and there’s very little traffic. Combine this route with a visit to the castle for a full day out.
Berwick-upon-Tweed Castle & Walls Ride
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Distance: 3–5 miles
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Terrain: Pavements, promenade paths, light cobbles
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Bike Hire: Very limited. Bring your own if possible
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Best for: Mixed-age families, short sightseeing rides
This Berwick Castle and Walls ride is a brilliant starter route for children who love history or coastlines. The trail circles the town’s old fortifications and includes riverside stretches with boats, bridges and sea air. It’s short and largely flat, with plenty of viewpoints where you can stop for photos or snacks. Kids will love the mix of cobbled streets, castle towers and cannon placements along the way. Best of all, you can point across the water and say, “That’s Scotland over there!”
Bonus: Traffic-Free Railway Paths
Waggonway Trails (near Wylam and Prudhoe)
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Distance: 2–10+ miles depending on route
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Terrain: Wide, flat gravel or tarmac paths
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Bike Hire: Very limited. Bring your own
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Best for: First-time riders, family groups, relaxed days out
Waggonways are the unsung heroes of family cycling. They’re wide, flat and mostly free from cars, with many run through tree-lined cuttings or alongside small streams. These routes often have benches and places to pause, and there’s always something to look at: old railway markers, tunnels, bridges. For younger kids just learning to ride longer distances, these trails offer freedom without stress. Great for a relaxed Sunday spin with the whole gang.
Ready to Ride?
Whether you’re here for the castles, coastline or just a calm place to pedal, Northumberland delivers. It’s less crowded than other tourist hotspots, but just as rich in scenery and stories that your kids are sure to find magical. The perfect place to take their YOMO bike with them.
Got a favourite local route? Tag us or get in touch. We’d love to feature it next.