A short loop from Rothbury that quickly leads you into picturesque countryside and along a variety of lovely trails
easy
Distance 13.7 km
Go north over the footbridge, then turn right and follow the river past Thrum Mill to the B6344. Go left on the road, then right at the T-junction (signed Alnwick) to join the B6341. Follow this road for 2km, passing between the lakes and heading uphill, then turn left by the (Forestry Commission) sign for Debdon.
Follow the track through the wood and on to Rothbury Moor, keeping left at the forks. At Primrose Cottage, bear right along the edge of the wood. Follow this bridleway around the wood, through some gates. Continue straight ahead, signed to Thropton.
Follow this track, called the Carriage Drive, around the moor, keeping left as it comes back around to Rothbury below you. Drop downhill, past the radar mast and through a gate into the woods. After a short climb the trail starts descending again.
As the trail twists around, look out for a bridleway on your right. Join this for a steep and tricky singletrack descent. Go right on the road at the bottom and follow it downhill. Go left at the T-junction and then right on the B6341, opposite Rothbury House.
Turn left into the Beggars Rigg picnic spot and keep left to join the riverside path back into Rothbury. Cross the footbridge from before to return to the car park.
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Routes produced in association with

Author
Mountain Biking UK MagazineUpdate: July 27, 2015
Difficulty
easy
Technique
Stamina
Highest point
238 m
Lowest point
78 m
Start
Coordinates:
OS Grid
NU 05710 01511
DD
55.307663, -1.911585
DMS
55°18'27.6"N 1°54'41.7"W
UTM
30U 569089 6129568
w3w
///deck.cheered.segregate
Note
all notes on protected areas
Coordinates
OS Grid
NU 05710 01511
DD
55.307663, -1.911585
DMS
55°18'27.6"N 1°54'41.7"W
UTM
30U 569089 6129568
w3w
///deck.cheered.segregate
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Reviews
Difficulty
easy
Distance
13.7 km
Duration
2:15 h
Ascent
317 m
Descent
317 m
Highest point
238 m
Lowest point
78 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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Rating
Photos from others