The Great North Trail is an exciting new off-road cycle trail which goes from the southern Peak District to the northern tip of Scotland. Developed by Cycling UK, the 800 mile route takes you along existing and newly negotiated off-road trails. It’s an epic route, crossing the best of Britain’s upland landscapes. Dare to do it all in one go, or take it section by section over a series of long weekends. Whatever you decide you’ll find independent hostels and bunkhouses all along the route offering low cost, bike friendly accommodation. Many have drying rooms and secure bike storage. All offer a warm welcome and a place to rest your weary legs.
The Great North Trail is an exciting new off-road cycle trail that goes from the southern Peak District to the northern tip of Scotland. Developed by Cycling UK, the 800-mile route takes you along existing and newly negotiated off-road trails.
Starting at Middleton Top, near Wirksworth in Derbyshire, the route takes you along the Pennine Bridleway and onwards to either John O’ groats or Cape Wrath. You will ride through some of Britain’s most stunning upland areas and across four national parks. It is not designed to be the easiest of routes. Neither is it the most direct, nor the fastest. However, the Great North Trail will inspire and invigorate those that ride it. It will provide those that tackle it with an epic adventure and a host of wonderful memories.
You can ride The Great Glen Trail all in one go, do a section at a time over a long weekend or just do a day ride. Whatever you choose, there are fabulous independent hostels and bunkhouses all along the Great North Trail route. Geared up for the adventurous at heart, many have drying rooms and secure cycle storage. And all offer great value for money and a warm and friendly welcome.
For loads, more information go to Cycling UK’s website
The Great North Trail
The Great North Trail begins in the southernmost part of the Peak District, the beautiful, sleep village of Wirksworth. Why not start your Great North Trail the right way by staying at the Glenorchy Centre before setting off?
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CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT. RE-OPENING IN 2025.Ashbourne Gateway Centre, in the pretty market town of Ashbourne, is a perfect base for exploring the landscape & attractions of the Peak District.The Tissington trail off-road cycle/walking route starts opposite. Carsington Water,The Roaches & Alton Towers make great days out and are all close by.
Sheen Bunkhouse is in a quiet corner of the Peak District, close to the beautiful Dove and Manifold valleys. It has a well equipped self-catering kitchen, lounge, two bunkrooms and separate toilets & showers.The Manifold Track, Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail give easy access to beautiful countryside, ideal for families and cyclists. Dovedale and the moors offer stunning walking. Buxton, Leek and Bakewell are within 12 miles and Alton Towers is 20 minutes away by car.
With all of the Peak District National Park within easy access, the centre is an ideal location for activities and tourism and it welcomes a wide range of groups. 31 or 52 bed configurations can be booked.The spacious centre includes; a large lounge with library, TV and wood burning stove, well equipped kitchens & dining areas. An extensive network of paths give access to the countryside. Adventure activities available, great for team building & courses.
Bradwell War Memorial Hall is in the pretty village of Bradwell in the heart of the Peak District. This community run hall offers low cost self-catering accommodation to groups of 6-42.An ideal base for walkers, bikers, DofE, students or climbers who wish to explore this popular area. There are no beds so BYO sleeping mat and bedding. The rooms are centrally heated, there’s a well equipped kitchen & hot showers.
As The Great North Trail stretches through the Peak District, Pindale Farm is a beautiful location to rest for the night.
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Overlooking Mam Tor, at the start of the Pennine Way, Edale Barn is a traditional camping barn; a stone tent with a wooden sleeping platform. Close to Kinder Scout, Jacobs Ladder, Kinder Downfall & Hollins Cross. Adjoining the barn, but with external access, is a cooking area with a mains water tap and a chemical toilet. There is no heating or electricity. BYO sleeping mats/bags, cooking equipment and torches. Pubs serving meals are an easy walk away.
Close to the start of the Pennine Way with easy access to Kinder Scout and the village of Edale via a network of footpaths from the doorstep. Castleton, Buxton, Bakewell and Chatsworth House are all within 40 minutes’ drive.
There are 2 bunkhouses each with a fully equipped kitchen and available for sole use by groups. Bring your own sleeping bags and personal towels.
The Boarshurst Centre is situated on the north western edge of the Peak District yet with easy road and rail links to Manchester (12 miles away).With 32 beds across 2 dorms and 2 leaders’ rooms the centre provides well appointed self-catering accommodation for child, youth, adult and family/friend groups who seek to practice outdoor pursuits. BYO sleeping bags
Height Gate, a groups only hostel, is perfectly placed for groups of up to 32 wanting to walk, mountain bike, cycle or just explore the picturesque Calder Valley area of West Yorkshire. Located well away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's found up a single-track road. Despite its remoteness, it's within one hours drive of Manchester, Preston, Bradford and Leeds. Perfect for a weekend away with your club or a gathering of friends.
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Hebden Bridge Hostel in West Yorkshire could be your perfect destination while cycling the great north trail.
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Blakedean Scout Hostel is now available for other youth, church and family groups to enjoy. Sleeping groups of up to 24, the hostel provides wallet-friendly, no-frills accommodation in the Pennine Hills on the Lancashire/Yorkshire border.The Pennine Way passes close by leading to some superb walking over the moors. The area is also great for mountain biking, geo-caching, river walks, bird watching and exploring the great outdoors.
Cosy, historic hostel with large kitchen & dining room which can seat all 21 people in one room. Lounge with log burner.Secure cycle storage for 20 bikes. Large wildlife garden with BBQ. Private parking for 6 cars. Great local pub. Medium sized Co-op supermarket open 7 days 6am to 10pm. Food available with prior request. Good public transport links.
Situated in Horton in Ribblesdale, the 3 Peaks Bunkbarns are perfect for walking on the Pennine Way and the 3 Peaks.The main barn has 4 rooms each sleeping up to 8. The second barn has 4 rooms each sleeping up to 6, with en-suite shower rooms. Both have a kitchen/dining room.
Hawks Barn offers luxury accommodation for up to 6 people on the edge of Horton-in-Ribblesdale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. With easy access to an astounding number of walking, cycling and mountain biking routes, be sure to book well in advance. The Dales Way, The Dales Highway, The Pennine Way, The Pennine Journey and The Pennine Bridleway all pass close by. Base yourself at the barn to do the Yorkshire Three Peaks or plan to stop-over while you follow The Great North Trail or the Land's End to John o'Groats walking and cycling routes. With fully made-up beds, a drying room, a secure bike shed and the option of being catered for...it really is the perfect place for adventurers to stay.
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Situated near Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales, on the Yorkshire Three Peaks route, The Old School Bunkhouse sleeps up to 26. It has a comfortable lounge, with TV, DVD & WiFi, a large kitchen diner, 4 bathrooms & a drying room with washing machine. Outside is parking for 12 cars and great views of Ingleborough and Whernside. The pub over the road is ideal for that celebratory drink.
Broadrake Bunkbarn offers direct access to the Three Peaks Challenge Walk which can be started from the door. It is an ideal stopover on the Pennine Journey or Dales High Way. This popular accommodation for 20 has an upstairs open-plan living space with excellent self-catering & communal facilities. Perfect for extended family reunions, cyclists, cavers and dark sky enthusiasts. Individuals, couples and small groups welcome mid-week.
The Hostel at Hawes is your perfect base of enjoying the delights of the Yorkshire Dales. Surrounded by great walking & cycling & with the option of booking outdoor activities, it is popular with schools, clubs, families, couples and groups of friends. Sleeping 56 across 15 rooms. Choose from doubles, rooms with a single set of bunks to family rooms and larger rooms for groups of friends. Book by the room or book the whole hostel.
Situated in the market town of Hawes in Wensleydale, Chapel Gallery Bunkhouse offers comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests. Book a bed in a dorm, a private room (sleeps 5) or the whole bunkhouse.With The Pennine Way on the doorstep, and easy access to footpaths, bridleways as well as the famous Yorkshire 3 Peaks, the bunkhouse is perfect for walkers, cyclists and runners.
Low Mill Outdoor Centre, a not-for-profit charity, lies on the edge of the pretty village of Askrigg in Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales.With good access to many walks, cycle routes, rivers, climbs and caves it is the perfect base for all types of groups; schools, clubs and friend & family get-togethers.
Crow Trees Bunkbarn is a beautiful conversion of a stone barn on a working hill farm in Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This luxury bunkbarn sleeps up to 27 people across 4 bedrooms, 3 of which are en suite. Primarily offered to groups on a sole use basis, you can also book by the bed or the room. It’s the perfect place for walkers, cyclists and groups to explore the Yorkshire Dales.
Stay Howgills, a converted stone barn in Ravonstonedale in the rugged Cumbrian Hills. The Barn sleeps 14 in 4 rooms, and the Bothy sleeps 2. Superbly equipped and well heated, guests are sure of a cosy, comfortable stay. Situated down a long farm track with stunning views, perfect for walkers and cyclists. Wainwright’s Pennine Journey passes by and the Pennine Bridleway is close.
Former Methodist Church with a range of accommodation for individuals, families and groups amongst beautiful authentic features; stained glass, arches and panels. There’s a large dining room & kitchen and a quiet lounge in the gallery. Kirkby Stephen is a market town in the upper Eden Valley. On Wainwright’s Coast to Coast path with easy access to the Pennine Journey, the W2W cycle route, the Howgill Hills, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.
Garrigill Village Hall is decked out for a weary Great North Trail cyclist or group of cyclists. Located in the North Pennines AONB, Garrigill Village hall is a fantastic stopover during your journey. The village hall has a self-catering kitchen, bunkbeds and further accommodation on the village hall floor and on the campsite.
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The Great North Trail is an exciting new off-road cycle trail which goes from the southern Peak District to the northern tip of Scotland. With over 180 miles of trail to explore, you may choose to do it all in one go or in smaller sections over weeks and months.
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Situated in the village of Greenhead on both the Pennine Way & Hadrianâs Wall, this bunkhouse is ideal for walkers or for exploring the Roman heritage sites. It has a self-catering kitchen big enough for large groups. Book by the bed, the room or for sole use. Run by Greenhead Hotel just over the road with an award winning food, it is the perfect place to stop for the night & treat yourself to a meal. Our hostel has 6 dorms (6 & 8 bed) & a few private rooms. All with shared bathroom facilities. Book a bed within a dorm or a private room!
A small comfortable walkers/cyclists bunkbarn & campsite on Hadrian's Wall, the Pennine Way, Hadrian's Cycleway & The Pennine Journey. The bunkhouse sleeps 8 in 2 rooms. All beds are singles. Bedding & towels are provided, A simple breakfast is included in the price and there's a kitchenette with microwave, kettle & fridge. There's a pub 5 mins walks away that serves meals 7 days a week. No arrivals by car & no groups.
Gibbs Hill Farm Hostel in Northumberland National Park is no stranger to cyclists on the Great North Trail.
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Tastefully converted from a stone cowshed, Loughviews Bunkroom, offers comfortable & affordable accommodation for up to 4 guests with a kettle and fridge. Book by the bed or sole use. Occupying an idyllic, secluded position, 2.5 miles along a private track. With Hadrians Wall, the Pennine Journey & the Pennine Way close by it is perfect for walkers. For families it’s great for exploring Northumberland National Park.
Cleikum Mill Lodge, in the heart of the Tweed Valley, sleeps 10 in two apartments (12 until Jan 2024). Book a room, an apartment or the whole Mill. Innerleithen, a 7Stanes trail centre, is on the NCR1 & Southern Upland Way. Shops, pubs & cafés a short stroll away. Dog friendly with sole use. Local breakfast by arrangement.
Kailzie BIG Lodge, offers state-of-the-art bunkhouse accommodation. Situated in the heart of the Tweed Valley, just outside the vibrant town of Peebles and within easy access of Edinburgh & Glasgow. It is perfect for an adventurous escape. Sleeping 27 across 6 lovely rooms each with a dedicated bathroom. Book by the room or book sole use of the whole lodge for outdoor groups and extended family and friends get-togethers. Close to famous Mountain bike areas of Glentress and Innerleithen.
The Great North Trail, which starts in the Southern most part of the Peak District and ends in the most Northerly part of Scotland passes through many amazing places such as Edinburgh. If you are taking this amazing trail as a more leisurely pace, why not stop off in Castle Rock Hostel in Edinburgh? You can take in some of the amazing sights and experiences the city has to offer.
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The High Street Hostel is one of Europe’s best regarded and most atmospheric hostels. It is hugely popular with world travellers. Located just off the historic Royal Mile in a 470 year old building, it is your perfect base for exploring all the city’s many attractions and of course its wonderful nightlife.Providing excellence in location, ambience and facilities, the hostel is highly recommended by more than ten of the world’s top backpacker travel guides. Come along and see for yourself!
Royal Mile Backpackers is a small and cosy hostel with its own special character! Perfectly located on the Royal Mile, the most famous street in Edinburgh, Royal Mile Backpackers is the ideal place to stay for the independent traveller.The comfortable beds and cosy common areas will make you feel at home and the friendly staff are always on hand to help you make the most of your time in Edinburgh.
Set on the banks of Loch Lomond on the West Highland Way, Balmaha Bunkhouse offers quality assured accommodation for up to 12 at an affordable price, with bedding, WiFi, and a self service simple breakfast provided.The bunkhouse is ideal for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, family get-togethers, corporate away-days, meetings, conferences or as a base to explore the wider area. Welcome to the romantic, adventurous and beautiful experience of Loch Lomond.
The Great North Trail passes directly through Callander so stopping off at CYP Holidays is a no-brainer.
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Àite Cruinnichidh, 15 miles northeast of Fort William, occupies a unique sheltered spot adjacent to the Monessie Gorge where you can explore remote glens, mountain passes and lochs.The hostel has a fully equipped kitchen/dining room, sitting room, excellent showers, sauna & garden. All bedding is provided. Guests enjoy socialising and the natural environment setting.
This beautifully maintained village hall offers it’s main hall for low cost accommodation for up to 25. BYO sleeping mat and bedding. There’s a well equipped kitchen, showers/WCs, games rooms & free Wi-Fi.Situated in the sleepy village of Laggan, it is ideal for mountain biking (Laggan Wolftrax mountain bike centre is down the road), walking, mountaineering, wildlife and much more. On the Scottish National Trail and close to the Great North Trail and the LEJOG cycle route.
Dalwhinnie Old School Hostel is in the former village primary school, set in an acre of ground. Directly opposite the train station, it’s a perfect base to climb the many Munros in the area, as a stop over on the N7 cycle route, for mountain biking at nearby Laggan Wolftrax, or simply as a beautiful overnight stop when visiting Skye or the NC 500.Situated in the Cairngorms National Park it is across the field from the famous Dalwhinnie Distillery.
The Great North Trail is a 180-mile cycle route that starts in the Southern Peak District and ends in the most Northern part of Scotland. The trail briefly passes through Fort Augustus, a small, picturesque village at the most south-westerly tip of Loch Ness. Fort Augustus is most famous for its spectacular views of Loch Ness and, while cycling the Great North trail, stopping off to spot these amazing views should be a no-brainer.
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Saddle Mountain Hostel is a friendly 5* hostel in Invergarry, between Loch Ness & Fort William, at the junction with the road to Skye. The 20 bed hostel has 5 bedrooms (4 private & 1 dormitory), a large kitchen, dining room, lounge & drying room. Perfect for Munro bagging, long distance hiking, cycling, paddling & day trips. Available for individual bookings and exclusive use. Exclusive use bookings only during winter.
Located in the Forest of Bowland Natural Landscape, Downham hugs the skirt of Pendle, an area reknowned for Quakers, radicals and witches. This is camping with an historic Lancastrian edge - a place of visions and magic in the shadow of a hill like no other. The camping barn is a short walk from pubs & cafes. This off-grid, simple barn sleeps 12 (BYO camp beds or roll mats). There is a table with benches, WC with basin (cold water only), and upstairs sleeping area. Photovoltaic cells provide power for limited LED lighting (but not phone charging) and there is a wood-burning stove (purchase fuel when booking). Outside there is a portable BBQ, fire pit with sitting area and space for tents.
