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.
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.
Demesne Farm Bunkhouse on The Sandstone Way at BellinghamThe 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 official Sandstone Way website . Maps can be purchased from Northern Heritage Services
The Sandstone Way
Wooler Youth Hostel & Shepherd’s Huts are on the edge of the town and offer an ideal base for exploring the Northumberland National Park, the Cheviot Hills, local castles and fine sandy beaches. For walkers there’s St Cuthbert’s Way and for cyclists, Wooler cycle hub routes, Pennine Cycleway and the Sandstone Way. There are bridleways perfect for mountain biking and lots of bouldering and climbing.
Brown Rigg Guest Rooms offer luxury hostel accommodation in the Northumberland National Park. Close to Bellingham, for Kielder Water & Forest Park, it is also directly on the Pennine Way & 400m to the Sandstone Way, Reviers Route & Pennine Cycleway. The 6 double guest rooms can be booked alongside the 4 lodges. A function hall & outdoor activities are available on site.
A traditional conversion of Victorian workers’ cottages in the centre of the National Trust Cragside Estate with fabulous views overlooking the lake.
Cragside bunkhouse sleeps 16 in 5 rooms with a well equipped self-catering kitchen, making it the perfect base for families or other groups wanting to explore this stunning part of the UK. Located in the heart of Northumberland, an hour’s drive to the coast, the Cheviots and Hadrian’s Wall.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
A former smithy converted into a self-catering bunkhouse on a mixed working farm.1/2 mile from Chatto, 8 miles from Northumberland’s vast empty beaches and historic castles and 5 miles from the heather clad Cheviot Hills. Walking, water sports, climbing, fishing, golf and cycling are all nearby. The 2 dorms can be rented separately. There is a fully equipped kitchen, seating around the original blacksmith’s fire & hot showers.
Situated in the heart of the National Trust Wallington Estate, visitors to the bunkhouse will have and free access to the mansion, it’s shops and café. Perfect for groups of families with lots of on-site activities including cycling and play areas or for walkers wanting a base from which to visit the Cheviots and Hadrian’s wall, both within an hour’s drive.
The bunkhouse is perfect for self-catering groups with a large well-equipped kitchen and large living/dining area. It sleeps 20 in four rooms.
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.
The Allendale Bunkhouse sits on the Market Square overlooking the hustle and bustle of this small country town, the fells & River East Allen beyond. An oasis for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, families, groups of friends and youth & school groups alike. Book a bunk, a room, a floor (up to 18) or the whole bunkhouse (up to 39). Allendale is well served with tea rooms, the Forge art gallery & café, a quirky gift shop, pharmacy, and three wonderful country pubs, all serving food and family & dog friendly.
Hidden away in the heart of Harwood Forest, 20 miles NW of Morpeth, Chartners Farm is definitely off the grid. It’s a 5 mile drive along forest tracks from the road. All electricity is generated by wind turbines & solar panels, while a huge log burner heats the radiators and keeps the place at a cosy 20 degrees. The perfect spot to escape the rat race, unwind & recharge. With no Wifi you can really switch off! Nature surrounds you. Come & enjoy complete peace and tranquility.
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, modern, versatile & comfortable self- catering accommodation which can be used for events, conferences & parties.
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.
This bunkhouse is on a working hill farm in the centre of Bellingham and near to Northumberland National Park. Situated on the Pennine Way, Route 68, and the Reivers & Sandstone Way cycle routes, it is an ideal base for exploring Northumberland, Hadrian's Wall, Kielder Water and many climbing crags. The bunkhouse is very well appointed with quality bunks, a well equipped kitchen, a farmhouse table to seat 15 and a large comfortable communal area.
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.
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.
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Ilderton Dod Barns are a luxury bunkhouse & a self-contained cottage in the Northumberland National Park. On a working hill farm down a 1.5 mile private track, the former stables have been restored to provide quality, cosy accommodation. Ideally located close to The Pennine Way, The Sandstone Way & with many other footpaths & bridleways on the doorstep. The perfect base for walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders (paddocks available).
On the edge of Allendale, in the North Pennines ANOB, Deneholme hostel & outdoor activity centre accommodates groups of 14-40. Perfect for schools, clubs, family reunions & weddings. Stag/hen groups welcome. Self cater or catered. This impressive Edwardian country house set in expansive lawns and 5 acres of steep woodland has 11 bedrooms and a plenty of communal areas, some large enough for 40+ guests to dine/celebrate together.
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.
Springhill’s Lookout & Wigwams offer great value, comfortable accommodation which can be booked as a whole or on a per bed/night basis. Ideal for groups, families or couples. Superbly located on the Northumberland Heritage Coastline there are stunning views towards the Farne Islands and Cheviot Hills while Seahouses and Bamburgh are within very easy reach.
