Traversing the Commons near Hadrian's Wall by Bike

Another enjoyable bike ride in Northumberland traversing the commons north of Hadrian’s Wall from Northumberland National Park's centre, The Sill, and YHA at Once Brewed.

Wide views as we climb up towards Kielder Forest's southern fringe

The ride is just under 30 miles long and predominantly follows the quiet, country lanes so representative of the roads up here; interspersed with forestry tracks and a restricted by-way across open moorland. This ride is most suited to cycle tourers who enjoy both on and off-road cycling. Nowhere is the riding difficult or tough and the navigation is also fairly straightforward.

The ride starts with a twisting climb, heading north up to Steel Rigg car park where it is a 15 minute walk along the wall to Sycamore Gap; the tree in the dip immortalised in Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. From here there is a long, sweeping descent before the gentle climb towards the southern edges of Kielder Forest and Henshaw Common begins. This part of the route follows SUSTRANS route 68. At Edges Green, as you start to climb, be sure to go straight across as the signage is a little ambiguous. 

If you've not tried following a SUSTRAN's route (or part of) I would definitely recommend them. The routes follow quiet or traffic-free routes which are really well signposted. Although In fact the routes could probably be followed without referring to your map.

Heading into the forest; the start of a lovely descent

The lanes is open with far-reaching views across the moors. It is not long before the forest edge is reached and a long descent to a right hand bend can be enjoyed. The track is solid but with some loose stones; watch out for a foot bridge across Sweet Sike unless you're happy to get your feet wet! There are no more surprises and the track (well used by forestry vehicles) soon becomes a tarmacced road (apparently). There was so much mud from the forestry vehicles it was hard to tell. The route climbs before dropping out of the forest and crosses a number of rivers by road bridge. There is a delightful house at Coldcoates where you keep straight on to climb back into the forest. Turn right at the house at Crookbank for the rolling ride to Stonehaugh (pronounced Stone Hoff).

Back on the tarmac in a clearing in the forest

Stonehaugh is a good place to stop for lunch with a picnic site, public toilet and specially commissioned, wooden shelter; a great place to take in the views. Stonehaugh was built in 1957 to house the forestry workers. If you choose to cycle at night, the shelter has been built purposefully to look at the dark, night skies.

Looking out of the shelter, taking in the views at Stonehaugh

From Stonehaugh follow the road away from the houses towards Ladyhill and the straight road across Broadpool Common. Once clear of the forest he views are once again wide and rolling, dotted with farmsteads. There is a choice of taking the unrestricted by-way at the edge of the forest. At the time of writing this was not an attractive prospect. The ground had been torn up by motorised vehicles and was exceptionally muddy. Thankfully, a restriction is now in place, banning motorised vehicles. 

Out of the forest, cycling through Broadpool Common

The sun has come out!

We continued to Newtonrigg and took the bridleway (Sandstone Way) to Goatstones, and then followed the restricted by-way across Simonburn Common. The track could be found on the moors, if you look carefully. Most of the time it kept close to an obvious, raised, grass-covered, ancient wall. There were also gates and bridges across the streams. The by-way has it ups and downs but soon reaches the B6318 opposite the Broccolitia Roman Temple.

The restricted by-way. We can cycle it...

Can't we...?

Gates and fords. We must be on track.

Bridges too

The remainder of the ride is on roads; firstly following the B6318 to The Old Repeater Station. Turning left here there is a long downhill followed by a short climb to the crossroads at Grindon Hall. This part of the ride appears longer and more winding than the 1:50 000 map would suggest. At Grindon Hall the route turns right and follows SUSTRANS route 72 almost all the way back to The Sill. 

Bank of Scotland commemorative plaque

The road starts high on the moors passing some places with great names such as Seldom Seen and Muckle Moss. Soon after the Bank of Scotland statue commemorating the National Cycle Network, there is a lovely downhill which has to be briefly interrupted to make the right hand turn towards Vindolanda. The descent continues before the climb, steep at first, to the T-junction and the final few hundred metres back to The Sill (mostly downhill). If you're not staying at the Youth Hostel, and you return in time, you can enjoy a drink and a cake either at the visitor centre.

We enjoyed great value, comfortable, en-suite accommodation at YHA The Sill where we also treated ourselves to cooked breakfast, evening meals and a rewarding, refreshing pint of cider; all available at the hostel.

#mountainbiking #cycletouring