IF World Bicycle Day today, June 3, is inspiring you to jump on your bike, here are the best routes around Darlington and County Durham.
Bike Week is taking place between May 30 and June 5, and this year’s theme is all about health and wellbeing.
Ask any seasoned cyclist and they’ll tell you – getting on two wheels is one of the best ways to give both your physical and mental health a boost, and you don’t need to live in saddle shorts and devote all of your precious spare time to it, either.
Cycling your commute means you can enjoy all the benefits of the sport, without having to sacrifice your evenings and weekends in the process.
There are many reasons to join the bike brigade as restrictions start to lift, whether that is as a commute a fun way to get out at the weekend, but where are the best places to cycle in your area?
County Durham and Darlington have gorgeous scenery and towns full of character so there is plenty to enjoy for the cyclist, so there is no surprise cycle routes across the North-East are plentiful.
Using cycle tool Bikemap.net, we have rounded up the best cycle routes around Durham and Darlington.
The site lets you filter for flat, hilly, uphill and downhill routes as well as quick rides and long tours. You can also see which journeys are the most popular.
We've looked at the top-rated routes, but beginners should explore the site more.
Darlington-Hamsterley Loop
Distance - 91 km, Ascent - 710 m, Descent - 710 m
With length and incline, this is by no means an easy feat. But Hamsterley Forest is worth the trek, with its 2000 hectares of scenic woodland sitting between the Wear and Tees valleys.
Darlington Firthmoor to Hurworth beginners route
Distance - 9 km, Ascent - 19 m, Descent - 18 m
This route will be welcome to anyone living in Darlington who already knows the streets. Hurworth is a quiet and pretty village of Hurworth on the River Tees so is the perfect spot to take a break before heading back to Darlington.
Darlington, MSG and Yarm circle
Distance - 28 km, Ascent - 95 m, Decent - 98 m
This route takes you down the old Stockton To Darlington Railway line, through Middleton St George and the picturesque Middleton One Row.
You then head into Yarm and then return via Early Nook and Teesside Airport.
Houghall Woods, Durham
Distance - 5 km, Ascent - 105 m, Descent - 104 m
Houghall is a beautiful area, famous for its bluebell fields, which is almost all sheltered by giant trees.
There are pathways winding in different directions so anyone heading for a bike ride here should be mindful of pedestrians.
Houghall Woods down to Sunderland Bridge, Durham
Distance - 15 km, Ascent - 235 m, Descent - 235 m
The route also begins and ends at Houhall Woods but goes much further out, tripling the length of the journey. It's a good alternative if you've done the woods a few times and want to explore further.
Durham to Seaham loop
Distance - 57 km, Ascent - 355 m, Descent - 357 m
This route takes you from Durham to Seaham and back on National Cycle Routes so may be a good route for anyone embarking on their first long journey due to clear signage.
The benefit of cycling to the coast is no doubt grabbing some chips at the beach to refuel before heading back.
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