For the adventurous type, whether they are walkers or cyclists. Heading to the North of England could make the perfect adventure. The North Pennies can be a great escape for anyone looking to remove themselves from city life and focus on their own wellbeing. The Pennies had gained its title,
Area of Outstanding Beauty in 1988 as it is one of the greatest landscapes in the UK. so if you haven’t already been – you’re really missing out.
What makes the pennies worth visiting?
Whether you’re a hiker or a cyclist, there will never be a dull moment in the Pennines. There are stunning views that this site provides, you will be constantly pushing yourself to find the most breath-taking spots – even though this could prove to be difficult as the entire area is magnificent.
The North Pennines can be challenging at times, but that seems to be the main reason why so many people go and keep returning, to achieve personal goals. The place has heather moors, peatlands, dales, upland rivers, meadows and woodland areas, meaning you have plenty to explore when you get there.
Together with Leisure Lakes Bikes, we’re going to plan your entire journey. So, grab your mountain bike or pick up your hiking boots and make your way to this stunning part of the country to create everlasting memories…
Where to begin
One of the great routes in the Pennines is the Wear & Rockhope Valleys, as it has a bit of everything to explore. May that be the Burnhope Reservoir to Lintzgarth Arch. This beautiful site, will encourage you to push yourself to complete the trail.
You could begin at Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope, so if you’re planning on staying for the night you might want to book a hotel close by where you can relax after the long ride. The Durham Dales Centre is complete with a gift shop, craft shop and tea room, providing the opportunity to have a warm drink before you set off on your adventure.
Starting your Journey
When you’ve grabbed your bike and ready to head off, leave the centre and follow the A689 towards Stanhope Town Hall. Try not to be tempted by the Stanhope Fish and Ships shop as you need to stay focused.
Continue along this road and you will eventually come to a bridge that you need to cross. Keep going in the direction you’re currently in, before taking your third right and follow the road upwards. You will then pass Greenfoot Hotel and Greenhead Farm before eventually reaching Rockhope. If you need to have a break in Rockhope, The Rockhope inn would be a great place to stop, it has an outdoor seating area so you can grab some refreshments.
Once you pass St John’s Church, continue on where you will then reach the town centre. From here take your second left, following the main road channelling the Rockhope Burn river where you will come to Allenheads. Once you’ve hit Allenheads, a recommended stock off point would be the Allenheads Inn as it is a popular destination for cyclists and hikers alike.
When you come into Allenheads, take a right and stay on the B6295 road and you will be in Cowshill. If you plan on staying in the Cowshill, the only place where you can stay is the Cowshill Hotel. They welcome cyclists who stop by for a well-deserved break. After the hotel, follow the road downwards where you will come to the A689 road and remain on this road until you come to Ireshopeburn.
Once you’re there, you will then pass St John’s and Daddry Shield. Be sure to stay on Pleasant Road and not divert onto any other routes. This area is full of pubs and cafes, including Chatterbox Café, The Golden Lion and The Blue Bell Inn. You will then reach Brotherlee, where you need to remain on the road that you’re currently on and then you’ll eventually pass Horsley Hall, which is a country hotel. Continue to follow this road and you will reach a bridge crossing the River Wear. Turn right
onto the B6S78 here and you will be back in Stanhope.
To finish your journey, take a right and head back towards the Durham Dales Centre and Relax.
How long does the route take?
The distance it takes to complete the route is 24.36 miles. If you’re cycle at 10mph you should complete this in 2 hours, 26 minutes. For those who are a quicker, 13mph would complete the route in 1 hour, 52 minutes.
If you cycled at 19mph, you will complete the route in 1 hour and 16 minutes. 22mph would complete the route in 1 hour and 6 minutes.
Challenges
There are hills that can be a test for some cyclists and depending on the weather conditions, these can become even more challenging. We’ve listed these in advance to give you an idea on what you will be facing.
The Brandon Walls and Hill top is 1570ft and will take 2 miles to complete
Rookhope Head is 1745ft and will only take 0.75 miles
Burtree Fell is 1836 and will take up 1.8 miles of the journey.
Source:
http://www.explorenorthpennines.org.uk/
http://veloroutes.org/bikemaps/?route=42072
http://www.northpennines.org.uk/