Cycle route 2 utilises the upper valley roads but is generally less demanding than the other routes, despite one very short and extremely steep hill at Acton Burn. This is followed by a series of generally upward undulations leading to a glorious descent back into Allendale Town. A longer alternative route takes in both Dryburn Moor and a part of the C2C cycle route through Swinhope Moor. The remains of an early 17th century bastle house called Rowantree stob can be seen off the cycle route near Pry Hill Farm (NY 839 512). These fortified homes were built by landowners to protect their families and livestock from Border Reivers. The bastle ruins can be accessed using Isaacs Tea Trail which is a public footpath.