The Sandstone Way, opened in 2015, is a 120 mile mountain biking route running the length of Northumberland between Hexham in the south and Berwick upon Tweed in the north. There are plenty of independent hostels and bunkhouses offering great value overnight accommodation on or near the route.
Accommodation on The Sandstone Way
Nestled in the hamlet of Preston, The Joiners Shop Bunkhouse is just 5 miles from the Northumberland coastline & 7 miles from Alnwick famed for its (Harry Potter) castle & gardens.
The charming 19th century building sleeps 18 in heated sections of 2s, 3s & a 5. Fully equipped kitchen, spacious dining area, lounge with fire & hot showers. Close to NCN Route 1.
Within easy walking distance of Seahouses, this recently refurbished hostel offers affordable, spacious & comfortable accommodation. A perfect base for visiting the beaches and castles of the Northumbrian Coast. Particularly popular with divers, families, cyclists, walkers, school, church and youth groups, parties of all sizes welcome, sole use also available. Booking is essential.
In the centre of the village of Newbrough, this community run bunkhouse sleeps 22 across 3 dorms. Facilities include
2 shower/WC rooms, 2 sink areas & a small equipped kitchen. A large communal area is available to groups by arrangement. With footpaths leading directly to Hadrian’s Wall, approx 3 miles away, it is popular with walkers. While for cyclists the Sandstone Way & Hadrian’s Cycleway pass right by.
Allendale Bunkhouse sits on the Market Square overlooking the hustle and bustle of this small country town, the fells & River East Allen beyond. It is an oasis for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, families, groups of friends and youth & school groups alike. Book the whole bunkhouse for up to 25 people. Allendale is well served with tea rooms, the Forge art gallery & café, a quirky gift shop, a pharmacy, and three wonderful country pubs, all serving food and dog friendly.
Bluebell Farm Bunkbarn is within walking distance of shops and pubs. It is ideally located for exploring Nothumberland’s Heritage Coast, the Cheviot Hills and the Scottish Borders. The Bunkbarn sleeps 14, the Studio 4. Plus 2 studio apartments and 5 self-catering cottages.
There is a shared modern toilet block. BYO sleeping bags/towels or hire. Studio apartments & cottages have bed linen.
The perfect stop-over for groups of up to 12 mountain bikers doing the Sandstone Way, Chartners Farm is an exciting new hostel directly on the Sandstone Way. Wonderfully isolated in the middle of Harwood Forest, 5 miles from the nearest road.
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This family friendly 4* hostel has en suite rooms, cosy lounge, games room and a spacious dining room. Located in the centre of town, it is ideal for Alnwick Castle, (of Downton Abbey and Harry Potter fame) and Alnwick Garden. The coast, with castles at Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh, Farne Isles, magical Holy Island and glorious sandy beaches is just a 15 minute drive. While inland the Cheviot Hills & Hadrian’s Wall await you.
Greencarts Bunkhouses & Camping are on a working farm in Northumberland National Park. Right next to Hadrian’s Wall, they are perfect for walkers or cyclists. There are two accommodation units; The Bunkhouse sleeps 10 in two rooms, while the Barn sleeps 13 in one open plan room. All bedding is provided and continental breakfast is available. There is also a campsite.
Wooler Youth Hostel & Shepherd’s Huts are on the edge of the town and offer an ideal base for walkers. The area is rich in history with more castles here than in any other county- a remnant of our turbulent past.
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Kirk Yetholm Friends of Nature House is perfectly located at the start/end of the Pennine Way. It is also close to St. Cuthbert's Way, the Borderloop Cycle Route and Sustrans Route 84. It's a great base too for local day hikes, ideal for individuals, families and small groups. Recently upgraded, the house offers a comfortable, friendly and peaceful retreat. Evening meals and breakfast are available in the adjacent hotel.
Lockable biking facilities, mountain bike trails galore and not far to a network of quiet roads, Ilderton Dod Barns is fantastic for cyclists searching for adventure.
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Chatton Park Bunkhouse is on this new 120 mile mountain biking route that runs along the sandstone ridge through the heart of North Northumberland.
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Nestled in the beautiful College Valley, North Northumberland, Mounthooly Bunkhouse is a perfect stop-off on the Pennine Way and St Cuthbert’s Way. Dogs are welcome by arrangement. There is a well equipped kitchen and living area with log burner. Bedding and Wifi is supplied. Cars need a permit to access the private valley which is provided on arrival. A haven for wildlife with red squirrels, otters and a thriving population of feral goats in the valley. The perfect wild get away from it all.
Located in Seahouses with an easy walk to St Aidan’s beach. The Hides provide affordable accommodation on the magnificent Northumbrian Coast.
Perfect for groups, families or independent travellers. Each Hide is an en-suite room sleeping 4 in beds & bunks. The rooms open onto a communal courtyard with access to the well equipped, self-catering kitchen, bike storage, drying room & laundry.
In the heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and close to the Pennine Way. These striking timber eco-buildings integrate into their natural surroundings making the most of this remarkable location and providing the perfect base for outdoor adventures.
The bunkhouse and bothies provide stylish, versatile & comfortable self- catering accommodation which can be used for events, conferences & parties.
Gibbs Hill Farm Hostel is on a working hill farm near Once Brewed and Hadrian’s Wall and close to the Pennine Way. Designed to reduce energy consumption it is centrally heated throughout. Comprising 3 bunkrooms, 2 shower rooms, 2 toilets, a well equipped kitchen, a comfortable communal area and a large deck where you can enjoy the evening sun. Ideal for families who can book a whole room with private facilities. Study groups welcome. Self catering only.
The Sandstone Way, opened in 2015, is a 120 mile mountain biking route running the length of Northumberland between Hexham in the south and Berwick upon Tweed in the north. The route takes riders across an ever-changing landscape, rich in history, geology and iconic scenery. In the north it runs along a sandstone ridge linking numerous sandstone crags and outcrops, hence the name, The Sandstone Way.
Both Hexham and Berwick upon Tweed have railway stations. Between these two towns, the route passes through numerous villages and small communities including Wooler, Rothbury and Bellingham. It has been designed with safe river, main road and railway crossings.
The Sandstone Way was designed by Ted Liddle specifically for mountain bikers and as much of the route as possible is off-road. It will appeal to riders of all abilities and most will take 3 or 4 days to complete it. The ‘fit and the fast’ could possibly ride the route in 2 days but in all probability most would wish they had taken 3 days. The route is clearly way marked with a distinctive green logo roundel.
Wooler Youth Hostel , also on the route, where providing accommodation to cyclists is part of the culture.On and near to the route are many independent hostels and bunkhouses offering great value accommodation. Those on or just off the route are perfect for your overnight stopovers. Whereas those nearer to the coast or to tourist towns such as Alnwick, of Hatty Potter fame, are great if some of the family are riding the route and the others want to visit local attractions or spend a day on the beach.
More information about this exciting route can be found on the Long Distance Walkers website and the Sandstone Way website . Maps can be purchased from Northern Heritage Services
