Northumberland gives families a huge range of cycling experiences, from traffic-free former railway lines and beginner forest trails to lakeside rides and spectacular coastal routes.
But the riding varies considerably.
Some routes below are ideal for younger children building confidence, while others involve longer distances, hills or public roads and are better suited to experienced riders.
Here are six family-friendly cycling options in Northumberland, with practical guidance on distance, terrain and which type of rider each route may suit.
How to choose a family cycling route in Northumberland
Don't choose a route from distance alone.
Before setting off, consider:
- how much of the route is traffic-free;
- your child's current cycling confidence;
- trail grading where applicable;
- the riding surface;
- hills and total climbing;
- whether there are public-road sections;
- how easily you can shorten the ride;
- weather and current trail conditions; and
- where you can stop for toilets, food or a break.
For younger riders, a short route they finish happily is usually better than attempting a famous trail simply because you're already there.
1. Borderline Cycle Trail at Kielder Forest
Distance: 7 miles / 11 km
Grade: green
Terrain: relatively flat former railway route
Best for: beginners and families moving into longer off-road rides
The Borderline Cycle Trail is one of the strongest options in Northumberland for families with developing riders.
Most of the route follows the former Border Counties railway line, which operated between 1862 and 1956.
Forestry England grades the trail green, meaning it is designed for beginner or novice cyclists, and describes it as relatively flat and easy to ride.
Why families may like it
At seven miles, it provides enough distance to feel like a proper cycling adventure without committing to Kielder's much longer trails.
Bike hire is also available at Kielder, including children's bikes and other equipment subject to current availability.
2. Lakeside Way at Kielder Water
Distance: 26 miles / 42 km for the complete loop
Grade: blue
Terrain: multi-use trail around Kielder Water
Best for: confident family riders or shorter sections with younger children
The Lakeside Way forms a 26-mile multi-user route around Kielder Water.
It passes through forest and open landscapes while providing access to some of the reservoir's most scenic shoreline areas.
The important point for families is that the complete route is blue grade, not a beginner green trail.
Forestry England describes blue trails as suitable for intermediate cyclists or mountain bikers with basic off-road skills.
Do children need to ride all 26 miles?
No.
The Lakeside Way can be accessed from different parking locations around Kielder Water, making shorter sections possible.
For most young children, choosing an appropriate section will make much more sense than attempting the complete loop.
Why families may like it
There is plenty to see beyond the cycling itself, including wildlife, forest scenery and Kielder's outdoor art and architecture.
Remember that it is a multi-use trail shared with walkers, horse riders and potentially forest vehicles.
3. Dragon Cycle Trail at Wallington
Distances: approximately 1.5 km green route or 4.5–4.8 km longer route
Terrain: mainly compact gravel with some gradients
Best for: younger children and families looking for a short, contained cycling experience
The National Trust's Dragon Cycle Trail at Wallington has been designed specifically with families in mind.
There are two main options:
- an easy green route of approximately 1.5 km; and
- a longer route of approximately 4.5–4.8 km exploring more of the estate.
The shorter option is particularly useful for little legs or children who are still developing confidence.
The longer route takes riders through woodland and across parts of the wider estate.
Why families may like it
Wallington makes it easy to combine cycling with other activities.
The estate currently has:
- play areas;
- a café;
- toilets;
- wildlife areas; and
- seasonal cycle hire, including children's bikes and balance bikes.
The trail is mainly compact gravel, but the longer route includes gradients, gates and a minor-road crossing, so children should still be supervised appropriately.
4. Tyne Riverside Country Park and Waggonway
Location: Prudhoe and Wylam
Distance: choose your own out-and-back distance
Terrain: traffic-free former waggonway
Best for: beginners, relaxed family rides and children building distance
Tyne Riverside Country Park gives families access to a traffic-free cycle route running along a former waggonway from Prudhoe towards Newburn and beyond.
Access is available around both Prudhoe and Wylam, making it easy to create a distance appropriate for your family.
The country park also provides riverside scenery and wildlife habitats along the River Tyne.
Why families may like it
An out-and-back route removes the pressure to complete a fixed loop.
You can simply ride until your child has completed roughly half the distance they're comfortable with, stop for a break and turn around.
Wylam and Prudhoe also have rail connections, making the area useful for families who want to combine cycling with public transport.
5. Druridge Bay Country Park
Location: near Hadston, between Amble and Cresswell
Terrain: country-park cycling on designated routes
Best for: combining a short family ride with the beach, playground and wildlife
Druridge Bay Country Park is centred around Ladyburn Lake and sits beside approximately three miles of beach and sand dunes.
Facilities currently include:
- a visitor centre;
- toilets;
- a café;
- a children's play area;
- picnic areas;
- wildlife watching; and
- cycling.
The park can therefore work well when cycling is only one part of a family day rather than the entire purpose of the visit.
Important cycling note
Don't assume every walking path around the park can be cycled.
Northumberland County Council's current byelaws permit cycling only where there is a cycle right of way or on routes specifically designated for cycling.
Follow the signs and current park information rather than creating your own route around the lake.
Why families may like it
A child can enjoy a relatively short period on the bike and then move on to the playground, wildlife areas or beach rather than being committed to a long trail.
6. Coast and Castles Route
Northumberland section: approximately 85 miles of the wider route
Terrain: mixture of roads and cycling routes along the coast
Best for: confident older children and families comfortable with road riding
The Coast and Castles Cycle Route is one of Northumberland's most famous cycling journeys.
The complete route extends for around 192 miles between Newcastle and Edinburgh, with approximately 85 miles running through or close to Northumberland's coastline.
Along the Northumberland section, cyclists encounter places including:
- Warkworth;
- Alnmouth;
- Dunstanburgh;
- Bamburgh; and
- Berwick-upon-Tweed.
It offers spectacular coastline and historic landmarks, but it should not be confused with a traffic-free children's cycle trail.
Who is it suitable for?
This is more appropriate for confident older children who already have suitable road-riding skills.
Families don't need to tackle the complete route.
Choosing an appropriate shorter section can provide the scenery and sense of journey without committing children to a long-distance tour.
Bonus long-distance option: Hadrian's Cycleway
Northumberland is also crossed by Hadrian's Cycleway, National Route 72.
The complete route extends for around 170 miles and includes both:
- quiet roads; and
- traffic-free paths.
Only around a third of the complete route is traffic-free, so this is not a beginner family trail from end to end.
However, confident families can use carefully selected sections around places such as Hexham and Prudhoe to experience some of the route without undertaking the complete journey.
Which Northumberland cycle route is best for younger children?
For younger or newer riders, I would start by considering:
- the 1.5 km Dragon Trail at Wallington;
- Kielder's green Borderline Trail;
- an appropriate section of the Tyne Riverside Waggonway; or
- a short designated cycling route at Druridge Bay Country Park.
The right choice depends on your child's current skills rather than simply their age.
Which routes are better for confident older children?
More experienced riders may enjoy:
- longer sections of the Lakeside Way;
- parts of the Coast and Castles Route;
- selected sections of Hadrian's Cycleway; or
- Kielder's more advanced cycling trails once they have appropriate off-road skills.
Check trail grading carefully at Kielder.
A green route and a blue or red mountain-bike route can provide very different riding experiences even though they start from the same forest.
How far should children cycle?
There isn't one correct distance for a child.
Comfortable mileage depends on:
- cycling experience;
- fitness;
- bike fit;
- terrain;
- climbing;
- surface conditions;
- weather; and
- how frequently you stop.
A seven-mile flat former railway trail may feel easier than a much shorter route with steep climbs or technical surfaces.
Always leave enough energy for the return journey.
Check your child's bike fit before a longer ride
A bike that is slightly too large or too small becomes much more noticeable when children ride further or encounter uneven terrain.
For YOMO bikes, sizing should prioritise inside-leg measurement, current fit and riding confidence, with age used only as an approximate guide.
Check that your child can comfortably:
- reach the handlebars;
- operate both brake levers;
- start and stop independently;
- control the bike at low speed;
- manage the terrain you're planning to ride; and
- pedal without appearing excessively cramped.
If you're unsure, use the YOMO Perfect Size Finder before your trip.
Check the bike before setting off
Before a family ride, check:
- tyre condition and pressure;
- both brakes;
- wheel security;
- chain condition;
- gear operation where fitted;
- handlebars and saddle; and
- lights if you may be riding in darkness or poor visibility.
If you're hiring bicycles, make sure every child's bike is adjusted correctly before leaving the hire centre.
Remember that traffic-free trails are shared spaces
Many Northumberland cycle trails are multi-use routes shared with:
- walkers;
- runners;
- horse riders;
- other cyclists;
- mobility users; and
- forestry or agricultural vehicles in some locations.
Encourage children to:
- look ahead;
- control their speed;
- give other users plenty of room;
- slow down before passing;
- use a bell or friendly voice when appropriate; and
- be ready to stop.
Traffic-free does not mean hazard-free.
Check current trail conditions before travelling
Northumberland routes can be affected by:
- forestry operations;
- storm damage;
- surface maintenance;
- temporary diversions;
- events; and
- poor weather.
Check the current Forestry England, National Trust, Sustrans or local-authority route page before making a special journey.
Frequently asked questions about family cycling in Northumberland
Is Kielder good for family cycling?
Yes, but choose the trail carefully. The 7-mile Borderline Trail is green grade and designed for beginner or novice cyclists. The 26-mile Lakeside Way is blue grade and requires greater confidence and basic off-road skills.
What is the easiest family cycle route at Kielder?
The Borderline Trail is one of the strongest starting points. It follows a former railway for much of its seven-mile route and is graded green by Forestry England.
Is the Kielder Lakeside Way suitable for children?
Confident children with appropriate off-road skills may enjoy it, but the complete route is 26 miles and blue grade. Younger riders may be better suited to a shorter section or the green Borderline Trail.
Where can very young children cycle in Northumberland?
Wallington's Dragon Trail includes an approximately 1.5 km green family route designed with younger riders in mind. Seasonal hire currently includes children's bikes and balance bikes.
Are there traffic-free railway cycle paths in Northumberland?
Yes. Kielder's Borderline Trail follows much of a former railway, while a traffic-free former waggonway runs through Tyne Riverside Country Park between the Prudhoe and Wylam area towards Newburn.
Is the Coast and Castles Route traffic-free?
No. It is a long-distance touring route and includes road riding. Choose individual sections carefully if riding with children.
Choose the Northumberland route that fits your family
Northumberland offers everything from a 1.5 km beginner estate trail to a 26-mile lakeside loop and long-distance coastal adventures.
You don't need to choose the biggest route to have the best day.
For a child still building confidence, Wallington or Kielder's Borderline Trail may be exactly enough. Older, experienced riders may be ready to explore longer stretches around Kielder or the Northumberland coast.
Match the distance and terrain to your child's current abilities, leave time for stops and finish while everyone still wants another ride.
If your child has grown since their last cycling trip, check their YOMO bike size or explore the YOMO children's bike range.
