Otterburn Ranges & Coquetdale

A guided leisure ride from Alwinton, across the Otterburn Military Firing Ranges and with stops to explore places of interest and to allow slower riders to catch up.  It is an exhilarating ride along superb military roads revealing magnificent panoramas, views of ancient bastle houses, Roman forts, and modern day rusting tank hulks. Climaxing in an exciting descent down Upper Coquetdale.

This circular ride, starting and finishing in Alwinton, lies entirely within the boundary of the Northumberland National Park (although the designated ranges are under MOD jurisdiction).  The roads are generally well maintained by the MOD and are very quiet.  Note that the ranges are only open to the public when there are no firing exercises under way (mainly on bank holiday weekends), so there will be no danger of being shot or blown up.

Initially after leaving Alwinton the route heads south following the River Coquet through Harbottle (ruined mediaeval castle) and on to Holystone where we will visit the tranquil and bewitching Lady Well.  Continuing south we join the B6341 and climb up to Billsmoorfoot where we strike north on to the ranges.  This is bastle country and we will visit the restored bastle at The Raw.

Continuing north over some steep climbs we reach "Burma Road" and head west over the undulating road towards Ridlees Cairn.  Before reaching the cairn we will divert south west for half a mile to see a modern archaeological gem - the WWI training battle trenches.  After exploring the trenches we retrace our route and head north to Ridleees Cairn, a fabulous 360 degree viewpoint, where we will have our packed lunches. 

After lunch the route takes us to the northwest corner of the Ranges (partly along the Roman road Dere Street) climbing steadily to the highest point on the ride at 510m.  And then we start our descent but soon afterwards we will stop for a few minutes to enjoy the excellent view of the Chew Green Roman fort laid out before us at the head of Coquetdale.  Thereafter, we have an exhilarating descent down the spectacular Coquetdale to Alwinton

The ride is all on road.  Distance: 38 miles.  There are multiple climbs (and descents) along the route, some of which are steep  Overall difficulty is strenuous. Duration of ride is expected to be around 6-7 hours including stops.

Despite the network of good military roads, this is a real wilderness.  There are no facilities after Alwinton.

Lunches:  The only place serving refreshments is the pub at Alwinton which may be open when we return but it only serves food in the evening (other than crisps and peanuts).  You will need to be self-sufficient and bring your own packed lunch and drinks.

Toilets:  The only toilets for public use are at the NP car park at Alwinton. However there will be plenty of opportunities for private al fresco relief on the Ranges. 

The car park at Alwinton is pay and display. Charge is £2 for the day - bring 2x£1 coins for the ticket machine.

The ride is operated by the Wooler Cycle Hub on behalf of Northumberland National Park Authority.

The route, route profile, and gpx download (and direct downloads to compatible Garmin devices) are available on Garmin Connect at https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/17891579