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Cycle
Routes in County Durham (West)
Large
foldout map with comprehensive coverage of cycling in western area of County Durham. Ordnance
Survey based mapping and information on places routes pass
through. Advice for those beginning to cycle, and town centre maps of
Crook, Willington, Bishop Auckland, Shildon and Barnard Castle. Easy:
Barnard
Castle to Hilton via Whorlton 12
miles Featuring Eggleston
Abbey and River Tees, minor roads and quiet country lanes
Hilton to South Church
6 miles
Off-road
flat route. Continuation of above Barnard Castle to Hilton route.
Crosses some main roads
but otherwise traffic-free
Shildon
& Heighington circuit 9 miles
Includes some very rural
off-road sections
Hamsterley
Forest
Selected routes - see Cycling in Hamsterly Forest leaflet available at the Visitor Centre or from Northumbria
Tourist Board
Intermediate:
Barnard
Castle to Lartington 6 miles
Off-road route using a double track
then rougher bridleway sections to Lartington.
Barnard Castle
circuits 17, 27 or 14 miles
Some hills mainly
between Woodland and Barnard Castle
Bishop
Auckland & Byers Green circuit 10 miles
On-road route along
mostly minor roads
Bishop
Auckland circuits 21,15, 18
miles or 14 miles
These routes include longer sections of off-road cycling
with varying degrees of difficulty but nothing excessive. Some hills
may be encountered but none really strenuous if the recommended
'direction of travel' is followed
Challenging:
Hamsterley
Common circuit 24 miles
On and off-road sections with some
challenging ups and downs over mixed terrain including single and double
tracks. Superb views over Weardale. Start /
finish at Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre
Woodland
Fell Circuit 13 miles
Terrain as above with steep ascents
and well-matched descents. Start / finish
at Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre
Information
courtesy of Durham County Council
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