Alston: Cycle Route 3

This 28km mountain bike route is broadly an off-road version of Alston Cycle Route 2 as it shadows the circuit wherever there are suitable sections of off-road available. Fairly strenuous but with several alternatives to shorten. Alston developed at the cross roads of major trans-Pennine routes - as a service centre and busy lead mining town. Many of its cobbled streets and the market cross still survive. Distinctive ‘bastle’ derived houses can be seen throughout the town with stone steps up to first floor level. Today the parish of Alston Moor is a thriving community of 2,000 people. When it was at the heart of the world’s largest lead producing area, however, its population was five times greater! Please note that the original leaflet was produced and printed in 2005. The routes are still valid but some of the information (e.g. refreshments and facilities) might be out of date.
Above Garrigill in the South Tyne Valley © NPAP/Gearoid Murphy

Location: 

Starting from the centre of Alston (NY718465 / CA9 3QN) in the Cumbrian North Pennines.

Distance: 

28 km

Terrain: 

  • Boggy ground
  • Off road sections
  • On road sections
  • Steep sections

Area: 

Access: 

  • Car parking
  • Cycle parking
  • Public transport

Interests: 

Facilities nearby: 

  • Accessible toilets
  • Cafe
  • Playground
  • Pub
  • Shop
  • Toilets