Running and Cycling in Corbridge

Corbridge sits on one of the best-known long-distance cycle routes in the country, with quiet lanes, river paths and Roman roads on its doorstep. It does not have a running club or parkrun of its own, but both are a few minutes away in Hexham. This guide covers the routes, the nearest organised runs and clubs, and the practical details.

Cycling

Hadrian's Cycleway (NCN 72)

Hadrian's Cycleway is National Cycle Network Route 72, which runs about 174 miles from Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast to South Shields. Through the Tyne Valley it passes Corbridge. The charity that looks after the network (formerly Sustrans, now the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust) describes it as mostly country lanes and quiet roads, with a mix of on-road and traffic-free sections. Its official section split runs Hexham to Prudhoe (11 miles) and Prudhoe to Newcastle (13 miles).

Heading east from Corbridge, the route follows about seven miles of quiet lanes to Ovingham, crosses the Tyne on the road bridge at Ovingham and picks up the Wylam Waggonway, an early tramroad turned riverside path, towards Wylam and Newcastle. Heading west, it follows lanes to Hexham. Follow the blue NCN 72 signs rather than relying on a single downloaded map, as the signed line is occasionally changed.

From Corbridge you can ride to the coast at South Shields in a long day, or take the train to Carlisle and ride home. Northern carries bikes on Tyne Valley trains, but space is limited, so avoid peak commuter services.

Lanes around the village

The lanes south of the river around Dilston and the Devil's Water are quiet and leafy, like the stretch near Dilston Hall pictured above. North of the village the roads climb towards Aydon and Stagshaw, and up to the B6318 Military Road beside Hadrian's Wall. These are proper hills, and the views across the Tyne Valley are the reward.

The B6530 east of the village has advisory cycle lanes, put in after a campaign by local cyclists. The A69 bypasses Corbridge to the north and is a fast dual carriageway in places, so it is best avoided on a bike.

Clubs

There is no cycling club based in the village. Cycling UK lists several affiliated groups in the Tyne Valley offering road, gravel and mountain bike rides, and its local groups finder is the best place to see what is currently running.

Running

Tyne Green parkrun, Hexham

The nearest parkrun is Tyne Green parkrun, on the riverside at Tyne Green Country Park in Hexham (NE46 3SG), about four miles west. It starts every Saturday at 9am, is free, and is run by volunteers. The course is a flat out-and-back along the River Tyne on a mix of path and trail, which makes it a good place to try for a personal best.

On Sundays at 9am there is a junior parkrun for children aged 4 to 14 over 2km, meeting by the children's adventure playground on Tyne Green. Register once with parkrun and bring your barcode to either event.

Tynedale Harriers

Tynedale Harriers is the nearest running club, based at Wentworth Leisure Centre in Hexham. It describes itself as inclusive, welcoming newer runners as well as experienced members, and has senior and junior sections covering cross country and track and field. Group runs and winter track sessions are published on the club's website. The club also organises two local road races, the Pie 'n' Peas 10k and the Jelly Tea 10 Mile.

Running routes from the village

Most runs from Corbridge start at the 1674 bridge. On the south side, a flat, grassy path follows the top of the flood bank towards Dilston. On the north side, a riverside path leads west towards Corbridge Roman Town. Our walks around Corbridge guide describes these paths and longer routes, including the Aydon Castle circular, which make good off-road runs.

Avoid the flood bank and riverside paths when the Tyne is high. Check the Environment Agency's flood warnings before you go, and turn back if a path is under water or closed.

Practical tips

• Parking: if you are driving in to start a ride or run, see our guide to where to park in Corbridge.
• Trains: Corbridge station is south of the river on Station Road, close to Tynedale Park, home of Tynedale RFC. Trains run roughly hourly to Newcastle and Hexham.
• Refuelling: Tea & Tipple on the Market Place and Coffuffle on Middle Street are handy for coffee, and Grant's Bakery for something to take with you.
• Winter: the lanes north of the village are higher and more exposed than the valley floor, and can be icy when the village is not. Front and rear lights are a legal requirement on a bike after dark.

For other sports in the village, from rugby and cricket to tennis and martial arts, see our guide to sport and clubs in Corbridge. For a Hexham-based view, hexham.live's guide to running and cycling in Hexham covers the routes and clubs on that side.

Run a running, cycling or triathlon group in Corbridge? Get in touch and we will add it to the directory and this guide.