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
The Sandstone Way
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.
A Mountain Bike Route
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. 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 waymarked 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
