Cycle routes to enjoy in the northern countryside

PAUL Morrison fell in love with cycling when he was given his first bike - a Raleigh Commando - as a boy growing up near the North-East coast.

From there, he progressed to the thrills of a BMX and he was hooked for the rest of his life.

Now a 46-year-old father-of-two, Paul’s life revolves around cycling because he works for Sustrans, the leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike and public transport.

As the charity’s delivery co-ordinator in the north, Paul is heavily involved in promoting the benefits of cycling - he might even be described as a "spokesman".

“Being on a bike is the best way to see the countryside,” he declares. “You can go at your own pace on a bike, it’s less stressful and you see more than you would in a car.

“It’s a great way of connecting with nature, with the wind in your hair and the sun in your face. And, if you have children, it’s healthy and educational because they’re out in the fresh air and seeing what the countryside has to offer.”

The National Cycle Network Route One, which connects Dover to the Shetland Islands, has three attractive sections going through the North-East: Hunmanby to Whitby; Staithes to Middlesbrough; and Middlesbrough to Tynemouth.

In addition, there are lots of beautiful cycle routes in our part of the world which are promoted by Sustrans. In Stockton alone, through the Stockton Active Travel project, there are more than 500 volunteer-led guided rides.

Here are Paul’s recommendations:

1. Tees Barrage Ride: A ten-mile route from the Tees Barrage to Saltholme RSPB site. One of the nice things about this ride is that the majority of it is off-road, following cycle paths along the River Tees. “It’s ideal for beginners and families and Saltholme, with all of its wild birds, is a great place to visit at the end of the ride,” says Paul.

2. Cleveland Coast Ride: A six-mile route, starting at Redcar Central Station, which is on the National Cycle Network Route One, and ending at Saltburn. Soon after the start, it’s all off-road along a coastal route. “This is a really nice ride, with lots of fresh air and ideal for families. Living in Marske, I take my kids on this route a lot,” says Paul.

3. Sea to Sea (C2C) Ride: Dip your wheels in the sea at Whitehaven or Workington in Cumbria and then dip them again at Newcastle or Sunderland. Across 136 miles, this is the UK’s most popular “challenge route”. “People do this ride for all kinds of reasons and it’s great fun as well as the route being very well marked,” says Paul. “Do it at your own pace. Challenge yourself but don’t push yourself too much.”

4. Coast and Castles South Ride: A 200-mile route linking the Forth and Tyne estuaries, joining Newcastle and Edinburgh via miles of unspoiled coastline and some of Britain’s loveliest natural heritage. “An absolutely beautiful ride with breath-taking views,” says Paul.

5. Hadrian’s Cycleway: A 174-mile ride through Northumberland and Cumbria, taking in some of England’s most dramatic and wild countryside, coastal views and Roman forts. “A stunning ride which is more rugged and exposed to the elements,” says Paul.

6. Pennine Cycleway North: 150 miles from Berwick-on-Tweed to Appleby, the route takes in some of the most spectacular landscapes and unspoilt countryside that England has to offer, including the Eden Valley, the North Pennines and the Northumberland National Park.

7. Three Rivers Ride: An 80-mile route connecting Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool, Durham, Consett, Newcastle and South Shields. “A really fun route,” is how Paul describes it.

• Here's where to find out more about the Sustrans charity and cycle routes around the country