Depending on how confident and fit a cyclist you are, there are a range of destinations that can be accessed by bike from Valley Rise. The cycle ride to Wylam train station takes under 10 minutes, whereas Prudhoe and Blaydon can be reached in around 20 minutes by bike.
National Cycle Network (NCN) route 141 and route 72 both run along the river Tyne and can be reached in less than 10 minutes from Valley Rise. Route 72 is a 178 mile route from Kendal to South Shields, roughly following Hadrian’s Wall from Carlisle. Route 141, also known as The Keelmans Way, is a 7 mile route linking Wylam with Central Gateshead. Locally, both provide great riverside routes into Newcastle and Gateshead.
Planning a Journey by Bike
If you are unfamiliar with the local area and looking to plan a route by bike, an online route planner can be a really useful tool to use. You can enter your journey start point and end point and the route planner will display a number of route options on a handy map. Alongside easy to follow directions it will tell you how far the journey is, how long it will take, and even how hilly it is.
Cycle Streets is a handy website that allows you to plan your journey. Simply enter your start and end points and away you go!
In addition to online route planners, there are also a range of cycle maps available – check out our useful guides and resources for cycling in Crawcrook.
Why cycle?
Cycling is rapidly growing in popularity, and through the CV19 pandemic has for many people become an essential travel option. Cycling has always, however, been a great way to travel around for those able to do so. It offers many personal benefits, such as improved health and cost savings. It also offers significant benefit to the environment and local community, helping to take cars off the road, reducing pollution and reducing congestion.
Cycling can also be a great choice for commuting. If you’re new to cycling or aren’t really sure where to starting with your cycle-commute then check out some of our other guidance on buying a commuter bike, commuting by bike whatever the weather and the benefits of choosing to travel actively.