The challenge - Cycle Northumberland · Cycle tourism in Northumberland 2013: Part 4...

Cycle Tourism in Northumberland 2013/14

Asset Review & recommendations for growth - Draft v3

Part 4: Infrastructure, product development and bringing the existing offer up to standard

Not many people know how to find excellent routes like this in Northumberland

The challenge:

Making sure the real-time experience matches the Potential and the Promise

Prepared for Cycle PaD by CycleTRAX & Recreational Tourism Services

June 2013

Cycle tourism in Northumberland 2013: Part 4 – Infrastructure & Product development Page 1

Contents: Part 4 - Appendix

Infrastructure, Product Development and Bringing the Existing Offer up to Standard

4.1 Improving the cycle route network with justifications…………....Page 3 4.1.1: Route Hardware …….…………………………………………...Page 3 4.1.2: All Long Distance Cycle Routes in Northumberland…………Page 3 4.1.3: Reivers Cycle Route - recommendations …………………….Page 3 4.1.4: Pennine Cycleway - recommendations ……………………….Page 4 4.1.5: Hadrian’s Cycleway - recommendations …………..…………Page 8 4.1.6: Coast & Castles Cycle Route - recommendations …..………Page 9 4.1.7: Coquetdale Cycle Routes - recommendations ……..………..Page 11

4.2 Signing…………….………………………………….………………Page 13 4.2.1: Signing Quality and Route Braids ……………………………..Page 15 4.2.2: Fingerposts……………………………………………………….Page 16

4.3 Creating New Routes and Products ………………………………Page 18 4.3.1: Tour of Northumberland…….…………………………………..Page 18

4.3.2: The Sandstone Way……………………………………………..Page 19 4.3.3: The Borderlands Cycle Route …….……………………………Page 22 4.3.4: The Cycle Tour of the Cheviots and Kielder…….……………Page 24 4.3.5: Source to Sea Cycle Routes………………………..…………..Page 25 4.3.6: Brace of Dozen Dales Cycle Routes…………………………..Page 26

4.4 Creating ‘Identity’ Loops, Route Links and Spurs………….........Page 23 4.4.1: Shorter Triangle or Loop Routes……………………………….Page 27 4.4.2: Identity Loops…………………………………………………….Page 28 4.4.3: Link Routes and Spurs…………………………………………..Page 28


4.1 Improving the Cycle Route Network in Northumberland with Justifications

Overall This report has already concluded that the hardware and software has to be upgraded if in Northumberland the real-time experience is to match the undoubted Potential and the Promise. Currently it doesn’t match despite claims that it does and the following recommendations have been made to bring this about. 4.1.1: Hardware Ensuring the standard and integrity of all long distance routes

• Lobby neighbouring and cycle route-connecting authorities and bodies to fully implement all connecting cycle routes to a high standard for ALL their length where possible using the same methodology – especially Hadrian’s Cycleway

• Ensure mapped and promoted cycle routes are prioritised to be kept pot hole-free

All existing long distance cycle routes in Northumberland In terms of landscape and general alignment, the cycle route quality of existing long distance linear cycle routes and promoted loops is not an issue. There is a justifiable long-held cause for concern about the state of routes and in some instances, some sections of their alignment and in all cases, the quality and reliability of their signing. This is the Route Hardware which is not difficult or costly to monitor and / or fix. 4.1.2: All Long Distance Routes

• Promote route identities NOT the NCN • Create & show on map re-prints off-road versions of as many existing long

distance route as possible to meet latent off-road demand – low cost and easy to do

4.1.3: The Reivers Cycle Route (NCN Route 10 / RCR)

• Sign & Map all Braids - All braids from Ponteland west – especially in the upper North Tyne valley, Kielder & BOTH route options to Newcastleton

• Signing - Review all and add or replace as necessary – especially in the Upper North Tyne Valley

• Other - Correct map anomalies & support map reprint showing all changes All signed and promoted cycle routes through the upper North Tyne valley need to be differentiated and properly signed. All relevant maps need to be updated accordingly to reflect this.


4.1.4: The Pennine Cycleway (NCN Route 68 / PCW)

• Sign & map these braids Kirkstyle to Haltwhistle braid; Gilsland to Longbyre braid; Wark Forest braid; Alwinton braid; Hall Roddam to Wooler via Roseden, East Lilburn and Haugh Head braid; Dunterley to Alwinton via Upper Coquetdale braid; Etal braid; Off-road: All outstanding recommendations made in the Wooler Cycling Hub feasibility study (2008)

• Signing - Review all above – add or replace as necessary; adopt fingerposts at key junctions when affordable; correct signing on the Rothbury spur route to reflect route type – currently signed onto a cart track

• Other - Correct all map anomalies; Alwinton / Powburn area; show all proposed on-road and off-roads strands on the map once signed; update map north of Wooler


Alwinton: The off road route is signed as the main route even though it is entirely unsuitable for road bikes – both junctions splits have confusing waymarks directing road cyclists in a different direction but leaving them confused way. NB. Reports indicate much dissatisfaction from road cyclists finding themselves on a track.


Hall Roddam to Wooler Braid via Roseden

Roseden Road Route

A697 west verge looking North West verge looking south with right turn area

Roseden Braid: The recommendation is to construct a short section of cycle route in the highway verge between two off-set junctions. It’s not essential but it would be a safe enhancement. Doddington Braid: A proposed inside-the-fence shared use path to link with the off-road NCN route was recommended in the Wooler Cycling hub feasibility study but never progressed. The traffic which uses this long straight B road between Wooler and Doddington is intermittent but nearly always fast making the short link along the B road between Sandy Lane, a quiet narrow scenic country road and the off-road NCN route far from ideal for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The road route via Doddington should be signed.


Off-Road: All recommendations made in the original Wooler cycling hub feasibility study

Implementation of the cycling hubs at both Wooler and Haltwhistle did not to take the ideal opportunity to negotiate any of the important new access recommendations included in both

Doddington Link Path: This link should be built when funds permit. The existing off-road route is in need of maintenance and the braid needs to be signed to show both route options.

Etal Braid: The road route north of Etal should be signed. Pennine Cycleway (NCN Route 68): It would very easy to provide a direct and much safer crossing of the A698 south of Horncliffe


feasibility studies. In consequence, Wooler has no family or novice-friendly, safe, flat, traffic-free route[s] and no easy access to the quiet, level area to the north of Wooler known as the Millfield plain and the attractive destinations of Ford and Etal. Etal has made a great effort to become cycle friendly for its visitors but needs support. The section of disused railway track bed between Wooler and Bendor could not be better placed to perform this function and provide a more direct off-road route to / from Ford and Etal for the Pennine Cycleway (NCN Route 68). 4.1.5: Hadrian’s Cycleway (NCN Route 72 / HCW)

• Build Missing Sections - Off highway: Gilsland to Longbyre braid; Off-road: All recommendations made in the Haltwhistle Cycling hub feasibility study (2008); Road / Off route link: create spur to Housesteads

• Signing - Review all and add or replace as necessary • Other - Repair: Vindolanda road section; Support on-going local initiative to improve

HCW at Hexham, east of Corbridge and west of Ovingham; Update mapping and websites

Off highway: Gilsland to Longbyre Braid Since Hadrian’s Cycleway opened, the route between Gilsland and Longbyre has been on road but for less confident cyclists this can be a daunting section as the road is too narrow for two way traffic to pass cyclists; being passed in either direction by a large vehicle is not a comfortable experience for cyclists. An off-road route was proposed in the original feasibility study but despite best endeavours, landowner permission was withheld. Based on the success of the Longbyre to Greenhead section which was built, it is understood the main landowner is now disposed to agreeing to this further section. It cannot be progressed without funding. This would be an ideal project for NNPA to draw up in readiness for a funding opportunity in conjunction with NCC and supported by Hadrian’s Heritage Limited. Off-road: All recommendations made in the Haltwhistle Cycling hub feasibility study

National Trust is a key partner for several of these recommendations and is supportive.


4.1.6: The Coast & Castles Cycle Route (NCN Route 1/ C&C)

• Sign & Map all Braids - Spittal via Scremerston; Goswick to Fenwick; Verge path: Seahouses to Beadnell; Off-road: Beadnell to High Newton. This is desired by families and controversial in that it is opposed on nature conservancy grounds

• Signing - Review all and add or replace as necessary • Other - Correct map anomalies; Support map reprint showing all changes; Off-road

link section: Druridge Bay – 300m of rough ground often with cattle grazing ; entire route in South East N’land; review & improve as opportune

Spittal: Coast & Castles Cycle Route (NCN Route 1)

A1 by Cheswick Buildings - proposed verge path to link two off-set minor roads

View north View south

This section of route is entirely unsuitable for road bikes with thin tyres. Recommendation: Sign and map a suitable nearby road route option


The Druridge Bay route gap has been like this for almost 15 years

The Lynemouth off-road path section of The Coast & Castles Cycle Route (NCN Route 1) when it was built and in 2013

Coast & Castles Cycle Route between Alnmouth and Amble: This route section is ideal for many people but not really suitable for road bikes with thin tyres which puncture easily when not on tarmac. Recommendation: Braid this section of route by signing the original slightly inland road option to meet this need.


4.1.7: Sign & Map Upper Coquetdale Route

Dunterley to Alwinton via Upper Coquetdale Braid

This quite long but exceedingly stunning route braid only needs to be signed to create a wonderful memorable loop for MTBs and hybrid bikes. Notes i) Most of the section through Redesdale Forest is a good forest road but not suitable for road bikes with thin tyres but it is suitable for MTBs and hybrid cycles ii) The crossing of the A68 is best accessed through the Border Caravan and camping site where there is also a bunkhouse. This route was agreed by the previous owners but the agreement needs updating. The actual crossing point is safe having already been prepared some 10 years ago.


iii) The section from the A68 to Upper Coquetdale is all tarmac and is Northumberland’s only mountain pass. This road is occasionally closed by the MOD but advance notice is always available.


4.2 Signing

Route signing has huge significance. Signs are the responsibility of the highways department but the importance and detail of the message they carry at times and route context would appear not to be fully grasped by the engineers who design them.

There are numerous types of signs and each type has a function. All types should be located appropriately and content should follow a uniform pattern which includes listing the nearest destinations first which NCC doesn’t do. This is because everyone reads a list top down and it is helpful to find your destination as quickly and easily as possible and then to register more distant locations not the reverse. Sign quality reflects route quality and contributes massively to the overall quality of the experience a route offers.

Overgrown sign (NCN Route 1) Confusing decision point C2C sign missing for 3 years

The quality of route signing affects how much money people spend on a given route simply because if you are not on the route then you cannot spend money on the route. Conversely, cyclists who are off route (lost) do not spend as they do not have the time and sometimes the energy and they are rarely in a good frame of mind.

Signs have a finite life. North facing UV resistant signs may last up to 10 years at the very most whereas south facing UV resistant signs will last between 5 to 7 years. Non UV resistant signs are much cheaper but last a much shorter period of time especially those facing south.

‘Rhythm and flow’ refers to fluent progress along a route which optimises time and energy and has a strong bearing on enjoyment of an unfolding adventure in the same way as one would enjoys reading a good book or watching an engaging performance without distracting interruptions. Expecting touring cyclists to stop at every junction to map read wastes time, is highly frustrating and can often put them at personal risk from other traffic.


Faded signs replaced by CycleTRAX in 2005 since replaced but again needing urgent replacement

The above images show a non UV repeater sign and an ‘advance of junction’ warning sign on the Pennine Cycleway east of Elsdon that have been in this state for about 10 years. Even though many signs are in good condition, Northumberland is littered with signs in this state. A hundred signs in good condition elsewhere are no use to touring cyclists who are lost due to just one illegible or missing sign. Every sign is important.

Good practice if a little oversized Bad practice - this new sign is meaningless (except for listing nearest places last)


4.2.1: Signing Quality and Signing Route Braids In an earlier section of Part 4, signing a series of route braids has been recommended to resolve the current ‘one size fits all’ situation on NCN routes. This manifest in cyclists being expected to be riding a bicycle that is suitable for both road and off-road sections of route or suddenly swapping onto a mountain bike to ride an off-road section of route which could be several miles long before returning onto a road. This is because when the NCN was created between 1995 and 2005, the principle users and / or targeted profile of cyclists which it was conceived to attract were less confident cyclists who were unlikely to be riding a stylish road bike. Times have changed and so have cyclists but NCN cycle routes haven’t adapted to this change. Cycle touring routes attract all grades of cyclists riding all types of cycles but the difference between cycles has increased quite dramatically in recent years. Mountain bikes have become much more sophisticated and their increasingly skilful owners have become drawn to riding more challenging terrain. Road cycling has experienced significant growth of popularity over the same period of years and it is not unusual for both on and off-road cyclists to be riding high specification cycles worth several thousand pounds. In its present form, the NCN long distance touring routes do not attract either type of cyclist because of the way a road route can suddenly become an off-road trail with no clue how to bypass the off-road section. Conversely, mountain bikers want to be off-road as much as possible and long sections of tarmac are not what they are looking for. High quality road bikes are ridden so much faster and cover much greater distances so if Northumberland’s high quality routes are to attract road riders on quality roads bikes - as well as all other grades of cycles, high quality well maintained signing must be the norm so that following the route with ease is a given and getting lost is not an option. Case study: Date 30th May 2013 / time 1-30pm Phone call to a near Hexham B&B from a London road cyclist wishing to book one night’s accommodation in a week’s time…… B&B owner: “Are you going to follow NCN Route 72 between Newcastle and Hexham.” Road cyclist: “Probably not, I’ve learnt to expect that following NCN routes I don’t know means all of a sudden I will be taken along a rough track for an unknown distance”. The message from this section is clear – if routes are to be promoted as ‘high quality’ then all aspects of every route on offer MUST be high quality and remain high quality. Quality of route surface is hugely important but so is quality of signing.

Recommendation Ask for approval from the DfT to pilot an innovative approach in Northumberland to erect on and off-road signs to indicate which direction road cyclists and off-road cyclists should go at route braid junctions NB. This new UK approach is based on the well established directional signing system used in Switzerland which was designed for purpose.


4.2.2: Finger Posts Finger posts are more substantial signs used at key ‘decision points’ on cycle routes usually where two or three routes head off in different directions. These signs always meet the 4 D test: Direction / Designations / Destinations / Distance (nearest place first).

‘Decision point’ in North Tyneside Recommendation Adopt the policy to gradually introduce finger posts at key ‘decision points’ on cycle routes in Northumberland

An example of ‘decision point’ signing on Hadrian’s Cycleway. Note the difference in distance to Chesters There are plenty of examples which could have been shown to demonstrate that cycle route signing in Northumberland is generally ill thought-out, very rarely checked and / or renewed (if ever) and the complete failure to understand its importance in terms of user experience and impact on economic factors.


4.3 Creating New Routes and Products Creating new routes and products is often shunned as it is seen as adding to what cannot already be looked after. The previous section recommends how existing routes can be much improved by signing braids, spurs and links. This next section proposes supporting the creation of several new products over time using existing routes creatively.

The subsequent pages show a number of new cycle route products which will add to the existing network of long distance linear routes network and significantly improve the range and variety of the current offer without adding significantly to route maintenance liability.


4.3.1: The Cycle Tour of Northumberland (TON)

This is a wonderfully simple creation and the result of linking up three existing high quality routes which more or less align with the periphery of the county. The Reivers Cycle Route provides another option. One clear improvement would be signing an outer radial route which bypasses Newcastle between Wylam and Lynemouth via Ponteland and Morpeth for optional use. This route has never been promoted because no body or agency has ever grasped its potential, almost certainly the main reason for this is because the total absence of a cycling masterplan for Northumberland. A second reason is because none of the three routes that combine to make up The Cycle Tour of Northumberland (TON) have been well promoted or managed in their own right since they were created.


4.3.2 The Sandstone Way route for Mountain Bikers (& Walkers)

The Sandstone Way is a new 100 miles route between Berwick upon Tweed and Hexham along the Sandstone Ridge in North Northumberland and linking numerous sandstone features, crags and outcrops. The route traverses through an amazing ever-changing landscape which is rich in history, geological features and iconic scenery.

There is a latent demand for high quality cycle routes both on and off-road but of the latter there are very few linear routes designed for mountain bikers. Aimed at all abilities, the Sandstone Way will appeal to families and less experienced mountain bikers and those up to intermediate standard who are likely to take 4 days to complete it. Fit and competent mountain bikers could possibly ride the route in 2 days but in all probability most would wish they had taken 3 days. It’s almost certain, some mountain bikers will try to do the whole route in 1 day but only a few will manage to do this.

The terrain varies along its whole length and the preferred alignment takes best advantage of an interesting mix of double width dirt tracks, sections of singletrack, unsurfaced lanes and bridleways of all types as well as byways and little known Unclassified County Roads (UCRs). Inevitably, there are numerous linking sections of quiet minor roads and surfaced country lanes. All the above are existing rights of way but two permissive sections may be included subject to landowner agreement. The essence of the route’s quality is how all these elements are threaded together.

The core route will be clearly shown but where possible, more challenging variations will be indicated. It is also intended to map out ten loops which mean the linear route will also be able to provide entertainment to single-day cyclists who wish to ride back to their starting point. This will also mean the concept of loop routes will widen the economic impact cyclists bring with them.

Economic impact is a relevant factor for funding applications. It is estimated overnight stopping touring cyclists spend an average of £60 per day and day visit cyclist spend an average of £17.50 per day. This is on route spend and doesn’t include pre and post route spend or travel to / from spend. Generally speaking, cyclists spend more per mile than motorists as they travel slower and carry less with them.

The route starts and ends at two Northumberland towns namely Berwick upon Tweed and Hexham both of which are served by rail. In between these two towns, it passes through villages and small communities which invariably rely on passing trade to sustain their fragile rural economy. These include Wooler, Rothbury and Bellingham whilst Belford will be shown as a further option.

The proposed route has been created with safety in mind. Several rivers, four main roads and two railways are crossed at suitable locations. Being primarily aimed at mountain bikers, as much of the route as possible is off-road and in the main, only acceptably quiet minor roads are included.

In summary, the route really is an enjoyable journey down (or up) just about the whole length of Northumberland which, as a county, is one of England’s best kept secrets. Apart from its undoubted merit as a thoroughly memorable mountain bike experience, the Sandstone Way has a fascinating cultural, historical and geological tale to tell when all its aspects and


features are stitched together. It is not just scenic along its entire length, there are sections which are truly iconic and almost certainly, all those who cycle any part of this route will want to come back for more.


Two sections of the Sandstone Way

Road cyclist visiting Simonburn tearoom which is also on the Sandstone Way


4.3.3: The Borderlands Cycle Route

This easy-to-implement new route between Carlisle and Berwick upon Tweed would be a partnership of three authorities – Northumberland, Scottish Borders and Cumbria. It uses a sequence of existing signed routes and three straightforward sections of unsigned road to provide another distinctively different ‘coast to coast’ cycle route to capitalise on the known attraction of cycling from the west coast to the East coast.


The route uses….. Wooler / Bellingham: signed NCN 68 / Bellingham / Saughtree: signed NCN Route 10 / the proposed Borderlands CR (Saughtree / Wooler) An excellent new product really easy to implement


4.3.4 The Cycle Tour of the Cheviots & Kielder by Greenway: This route would mainly uses converted disused railway tracks and is one for the future due to landownership issues.


4.3.5 Source to Sea Cycle Routes

There are six rivers in Northumberland that provide an opportunity to create a set of new route / products concepts which when augmented by two long rivers in County Durham and one in Cumbria provide the basis for a really interesting and attractive family of routes. Once cyclist have ridden and enjoyed one, they will want to collect the set.

NCR4

Both River Tyne routes need little work to launch and this applies to most of the others.


4.3.6 The Dozen Dales Brace of Cycle Routes

Two major intersecting linear cycle routes in the North of England have been researched by this writer on behalf of Tyne Valley MTB club and will be progressed as soon as funding for implementation has been confirmed. The potential for Northumberland to link with, and benefit from, the Tour de France cycle race when it visits Yorkshire in July 2014 has huge potential.

The 300km long Dozen Dales by MTB cycle route (Glendale to Airedale) passes through twelve dales, two national parks and two AONBs as well as other tracts of attractive countryside. This brace of routes especially can offer numerous benefits to Northumberland.

The Dozen Dales by Road cycle route and the E2E by Road cycle route have also been surveyed as standalone cycle routes but also to shadow both MTB routes for alternative use by mountain bikers should the need arise for whatever reason. Consultations with key stakeholders for both brace of routes are gradually being progressed and applications for funding to implement, map, provide a website for and manage these routes are in hand.


4.4 Creating ‘Identity’ Loops, Links, Spurs and Supporting Cycling Areas

This combination of route types provides the last group of potential enhancements to significantly improve the existing network of routes at little cost. 4.4.1 Shorter Triangle or Loop Routes These routes are the result of the route shapes that an enhanced cycle routes network will provide if the recommended link routes are signed and mapped on an updated Northumberland Cycling map as depicted on the outline map at the start of this section. These triangle and loop routes all use suitable existing roads but many new cyclists will not know where these are and how they can be used to create loops and triangles of different length in different parts of the county. Making these links and triangles obvious is the key to enabling cyclists unfamiliar with the minor road network to self-programme one day rides or a two or three day cycling tour. Look carefully at the proposed masterplan network below to see how a range of short and long triangle loop routes on suitable roads can be created. Adopting this network will greatly aid cyclists’ route selection and resulting satisfaction and it will also prove an invaluable tool to guide the development and growth of support businesses.


4.4.2 Identity Loops Additional to the Cycle Tour of the Cheviots & Kielder, there is one extremely high quality loop which has been lying somnambulant waiting to be woken and activated. Signing and promoting is all that is needed to activate this Pennine Cycleway braid between the upper Tyne Valley and Alwinton. Without doubt, the scenery, locations, vistas and high quality landscape this route brings cyclists on MTB and hybrid bikes in continuous contact with is exceptional by any UK standards.

Unfortunately this Circular Tour of the Southern Cheviots is only suitable for hybrid bikes due to one section between Gibshiel and Cottonshopeburnfoot being a double width forestry track some 6.5 km long. Only a few mountain bikers are likely to be attracted to this route simply because the rest of the route is all on tarmac although it is conceivable to create a high quality shadow MTB loop. The authors of this report are prepared to pursue this possibility. There is already space allocated for this route braid on the current PCW map. Recommendation: Activate this route braid by Spring 2014 Other Promote the MOD Ranges loop route via Alwinton, Gold Pot and Holystone with the Elsdon option for day rides during times when the Range is not closed for live firing. 4.4.3 Link Routes and Spurs Whilst the linear routes cycle routes network in Northumberland is basically sound – it will become an excellent network once the recommendations in this review are implemented. There are several relatively short road link routes that only need to be signed to quite significantly improve the network.


None of the missing links are located in NNP but some do have a bearing on it as they affect the route options cyclists have as indicated on maps and leaflets. Morpeth to Rothbury via the fords - the longest missing link route (see below left) Matfen (NCN Route 10) to Corbridge (NCN Route 72) – not obvious / easy to sign Wooler (NCN Route 68) to Belford (NCN Route 1) – fairly obvious / easy to sign Powburn (NCN Route 68 to Alnmouth (NCN Route 1) via Alnwick – obvious / easy to sign Bellingham (NCN Route 10) to Morpeth – long, great cycling / easy to sign Newcastle radial route: Wylam to Creswell via Morpeth – good cycling / easy to sign Spur route: Brandon (NCN Route 68 to Powburn) – short / easy to sign Spur route: Swindon (NCN Route 68 / west of Hepple) to Rothbury (see below)

The Morpeth to Rothbury cycle route via ‘the fords’ is a lovely route to cycle on a road bike and was shown on the Rothbury routes leaflet published some years ago but it never progressed beyond that. It is therefore known only to club cyclists. The mapped Rothbury spur route is yet another example of Sustrans some time ago directing cyclists from a perfectly acceptable road route onto a track through a field before it again becomes suitable for road bikes. To link easily and logically with Rothbury, this should become a signed braid with a sign that indicates roads cyclists should continue along the same minor road cyclists leaving those with suitable bikes to take the field track.


Date post:	22-Dec-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	1 times
Download:	0 times

The challenge - Cycle Northumberland · Cycle tourism in Northumberland 2013: Part 4...

Documents