where to take......

Where can i take my 6ys old son on his bike round the
Newcastle area?

He has done jesmond dean with no probs and is now looking
to go out every weekend. I have a van to put the bikes into
if i have to travel to get to a good track. Nothing to hard but
distance is not a prob with him as he has done a 15mile trek
befor and wanted to keep going (unlike his mum lol)

Links to maps so i can download them will be a great help.

Thanks.

i love kielder forest, 45mins from newcastle.

usually stay to the north and south shore reservoir loop now though, one side is 15miles the other 13miles.......i do them both same day and stop at castle for brews and cake mid way........some nice sculptures and artwork around on the trail too.

the off road red routes and black are ok, but i go for the fresh air and no injuries approach.

Dalby's green and blue routes are ideal for young kids. Nothing tricky and nice countryside to boot.
A little closer to home you have Druridge Bay just north of Widdrington. Park at the visitor centre. There is a 2 mile loop around the lake for starters, and secondly there is the tarmac road behind the dunes which is closed to traffic. You can ride all the way up to Amble for fish and chips!
Another good option is National Cycle Route 1. It runs down the coast. A nice stretch is the run from Boulmer upto Howick Burn (the best beach in the North East- but don't tell anyone). Its pretty flat and easy going but there are plenty of nice trails through the dunes for dad to enjoy whilst the kids scramble over the rock pools. There is also a nice track that runs through the wooded burn to have a look at- again not too techy and fun for little ones.
Finally, there is a route diwn the length of the River Wansbeck to consider. For a little challenge start at Bothal. For an easier run start at Sheepwash. Just follow the river on well surfaced trails all the way to the coast. You can then head north over the cliffs to Newbiggin, before turning in land towards the QEII park. Return the way you came or head toward Ashington on the old railway line and then dip down into bothal and back to the start. That route works out about 15 miles and is mainly off road.

Si