Part 3 of the UK Regional Series
Following our Scotland and North West England guides, this article explores gravel riding across North East England, spanning Northumberland, County Durham, Teesside and North Yorkshire. Using Komoot, we’ve selected six representative routes showcasing the region’s variety: coastal trails, forest loops, converted railway paths, reservoirs, and moorland climbs.
The routes follow the series’ structure: 2 Easy, 2 Moderate, 2 Hard, making it easy for riders to choose a route that matches their experience, fitness and available time.
About Komoot.
Komoot is a GPS-based route planning and navigation platform. You can discover, preview, save and download GPX files for offline navigation — ideal when exploring rural Scotland with limited mobile signal. Routes below link to Komoot so riders can save or export them directly.
EASY ROUTES — Traffic-Free & Introductory Rides
1) Moor to Sea Cycle Network: Highwood Brow to Scarborough
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1438800538
Distance: ~13.2 km | Elevation: ~120 m | Estimated Time: ~1 h
Difficulty: Easy
This section of the Moor to Sea Cycle Network links Highwood Brow with Scarborough via forest roads, quiet moorland tracks, and woodland paths. It’s ideal for riders seeking a gentle ride with scenic moorland views and a relaxed gravel experience.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Scarborough town centre or Highwood Brow car parks
- Train: Scarborough railway station → short cycle or taxi to start
- Amenities: Cafés, pubs, shops in Scarborough
2) Moor to Sea Cycle Network: Ravenscar to Whitby (Cinder Track)
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1438799665
Distance: ~17.9 km | Elevation: ~110 m | Estimated Time: ~1 h 15 min
Difficulty: Easy
A classic coastal route along the Cinder Track, following a former railway line between Ravenscar and Whitby. Gentle gradients and well-compacted gravel make it perfect for an easy ride with dramatic North Yorkshire Coast views and seaside villages along the way.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Whitby and Ravenscar car parks
- Train: Whitby railway station for rail-to-ride options
- Amenities: Cafés and pubs in Whitby
MODERATE ROUTES — Half-Day Gravel Classics
3) View of Lanchester Valley & Dearness Valley Railway Path Loop (County Durham)
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/34876235
Distance: ~43 km | Elevation: ~370 m | Estimated Time: ~3 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
This ride combines multiple converted railway paths into a flowing County Durham loop. Expect gentle climbs, smooth gravel surfaces, and scenic river valleys — an excellent half-day ride for intermediate gravel riders.
Access & Logistics:
- Start points at Chester-le-Street or Lanchester
- Rail access via Chester-le-Street station
- Cafés and villages along the route
4) Osmotherley South End Climb – Cod Beck Reservoir Loop from Osmotherley
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/23559344
Distance: ~14.8 mi (~23.8 km) | Elevation: ~800 ft (~240 m) | Estimated Time: ~1 h 20 min
Difficulty: Moderate
A classic North York Moors gravel loop departing from the charming village of Osmotherley, this ride heads out via the short but punchy South End climb, before looping around Cod Beck Reservoir and returning through mixed moorland tracks and quiet country lanes. The route mixes compacted gravel sections with easy‑to‑navigate rural roads, offering scenic views of rolling farmland, wooded reservoir shores and the high moorland skyline. Accessible for riders with a bit of experience and good fitness, this is a superb addition to any North East England gravel itinerary.
Access & Logistics:
- Osmotherley village car parks, or roadside parking where permitted
- Nearest rail access via Northallerton with a cycle approach to Osmotherley
- Cafés, pubs and shops in Osmotherley; picnic spots near Cod Beck Reservoir
HARD ROUTES — Long Distances & Remote Terrain
5) Blanchland Village – Derwent Reservoir Loop from Hexham
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/23560595
Distance: ~63 km | Elevation: ~1,100 m | Estimated Time: ~5.5–6 hrs
Difficulty: Hard
A physically demanding loop linking Hexham, Blanchland, and Derwent Reservoir, with quiet lanes, moorland tracks, and sustained climbs. Highlights include the historic village of Blanchland and panoramic views across the North Pennines. Best for confident and well-prepared gravel riders.
Access & Logistics:
- Rail access via Hexham station
- Parking available in Hexham
- Limited services along the route — carry food, water, and layers
6) Kielder Dam – Lakeside Way Loop from Falstone (Northumberland)
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/23552689
Distance: ~72.5 km | Elevation: ~1,120 m | Estimated Time: ~7 hrs
Difficulty: Hard
A full-day endurance ride around Kielder Water, combining long gravel sections and forest roads with sustained climbing. Remote and scenic, this route is ideal for experienced riders seeking a true Northumberland adventure.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking at Falstone or Kielder
- Best accessed by car from Hexham
- Very limited amenities on route — plan carefully
Why These Routes Were Chosen
These six routes showcase the breadth of gravel riding in North East England, covering:
- Traffic-free and beginner-friendly gravel paths
- Forest and reservoir riding in Northumberland
- Moorland and railway-path routes in County Durham and North Yorkshire
- Long, challenging North Pennines rides for experienced riders
The 2 Easy / 2 Moderate / 2 Hard structure helps riders quickly pick rides suited to their level, distance, and available time.
What’s Next in the Series
This article follows:
Coming soon:
- East Anglia & Midlands
- South East England
- South West England
- Wales
Each guide continues the Komoot-based selection process, providing riders with reliable route info, difficulty ratings, and practical access tips.
Subscribe here:
Essential Guidebooks
For riders looking to explore the gravel terrain of the North East, this guidebook provides detailed routes, local insights, and practical tips to make the most of your rides.
Gravel Rides Northumberland: 15 Gravel Bike Adventures in North East England
Written by Jordan Matthews, this guide features 15 curated gravel rides across Northumberland and the wider North East. Each route includes distance, surface type, difficulty level, and points of interest, making it ideal for both day trips and longer adventures.
You can order Jordan’s book here: Gravel Rides Northumberland
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