Wast Water, Cumbria

This is a loop from Wast Water to Santon Bridge via Gosforth and many say it offers the finest view in the Lake District. The hills will make it more of a challenge for those lacking on the fitness front but the loop can be reduced if needed.

Blanchland and Slaley Forest, Northumberland

This tour takes you through Hadrians country in a loop. About 4.5 miles of this route are off-road, which takes in views of Hadrians Wall to the north and Teesdale mining country to the south. Start in Blanchard where there is a car park and head north to Derwent Revevoir and onto Slaley before dropping back south through Slaley Forest.

Durham

Try this loop for a mix of on and off road, easy and scenic cycling. The off road is mainly around the river banks of Durham, so is fairly traffic free. A few hills will tax the thighs, but overall an excellent weekend ride.

Kielder Forest, Northumberland

Home to the UK’s largest population of Red Squirels, these 250 square miles of woodland provide a blend of some of our best cycling routes. If you want a long leisurely blue route or a highly technical black route or the challenge of a cross boarder trek, it’s all here.

The Pennine Cycleway, Northern section

The Pennine Cycleway is England’s longest ‘challenge’ cycle route. It runs from Derby to Berwick-upon-Tweed, through remote countryside in the National Parks of the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland. Complete all 355 miles or just go with this Northern section from Appleby to Berwick.

Buttermere & Crummock Water, Cumbria

This route is undulating and combines the beauty and exhilaration of the climb through the Newlands Valley and pass with a visit to Buttermere village. The return is through Whinlatter Forest Park and uses part of the