5 of the best cycling routes to try in County Durham

If you class yourself as quite a professional cyclist and you’re looking for some new inspiration, or you’re just wanting to go on a leisurely ride with a pub and a pint at the end, there are many routes to follow in County Durham.

We have put together a selection of cycling routes to try in the county, as recommended by This is Durham.

Some of the best cycling routes in County Durham

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Durham City to Bearpark

This ‘NCN14’ cycle route through Durham city joins the A690 near the stone-arched railway viaduct.

At Sutton Street and Redhills Lane, carry on to St Monica’s Grove and the A167 Newcastle road.

You can then turn north and take a left turn (Toll House Road) signed for Bearpark.

Join the NCN14 route via Baxter Wood and the Lanchester Valley walking and cycle route. 

Newton Aycliffe to Shildon Loop

This is a 16-mile “easy” cycle route from one town to another, with a lot of countryside to see along the journey.

You can see the full route in detail on the Durham County Council South Durham Cycle Map, where it is marked as CDS1.

This is Durham website says: “At Newton Aycliffe cross the A167 with great care to take the minor road over the railway then swing round to re-cross the A167 at the roundabout.

Where is your favourite place to cycling to in County Durham? (Image: Canva)

“From Heighington station follow the cycle path to Heighington village then a very pleasant quiet road to loop back to the A6072.

“Use the footway to access the old road leading up to the roundabout which leads into and through Shildon (close to Locomotion National Railway Museum).

“Turn right to Middridge after which there's a cut-through path which leads the street network of Newton Aycliffe.”

Stanhope Cycle Route

By following this cycling route, you will be taken along the minor lanes from Stanhope to Rookhope and Westgate in Weardale.

This is Durham describes it as “a beautiful rural valley with fascinating heritage and spectacular countryside.”

There are also pubs and facilities throughout the route.

Easington Colliery to Haswell

In total, this is a 4-mile linear cycle route, starting from Easington Colliery all the way to Haswell.

“Start from Station Road in Easington Colliery by Horden Dene. Head north then left onto Holmhill Lane.

“Head back down onto Seaside Lane and then into Easington on the B1283 (street scenes for the Billy Elliot film were filmed here),” reports This is Durham.

It adds: “Continue west under the A19 then follow Pesspool Lane over the junction with NCN Route 1 into Station Street in Haswell (part of NCN Route 14).”

This route can also be found on the Durham County Council North Cycle Map.

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The Beamish Loop

The Beamish Loop is a 7-mile “challenging” cycle route, taking place off and on-road, marked on the Durham County Council North Durham Cycle Map as CDN6.

The tourist experts say: “From Beamish Museum, head through Beamish village down to High Forge and turn right very pleasantly on the track beside the River Team to the next minor road then turn right up to the T-junction.

“Turn left past Urpeth, after which turn left on the bridleway to re-cross the River Team up past Riding Farm to join a very quiet minor road followed to a T-junction.

“Turn left to another T-junction then straight ahead on the bridleway to eventually return to the start which is also close to Beamish Wild Adventure Park and High Ropes Course.”

You can expect to pass the following establishments on this loop such as:

• Black Horse - Beamish
• The Stables - Beamish Hall Hotel
• Dainty Dinah Tea Rooms and Davy's Fried Fish and Chip Potato Restaurant at Beamish Museum

More information about the cycling routes in County Durham can be found on the This is Durham website.