Depending on how confident and fit a cyclist you are, there are a range of destinations that can be accessed by bike from Bent House Lane.
Durham City Centre can be accessed in just 10 minutes, where you can take advantage of all the city has to offer, including retail and food outlets, bars, schools and healthcare facilities.
If you’re after a more leisurely ride, there are plenty of trails and spaces that you can take advantage of close by. The This is Durham website includes details of lots of designated cycle routes in the area.
The National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 14 runs along Bent House Lane itself so can be joined with ease and provides a signposted route to South Shields in one direction and Darlington in the other. The trail to South Shields has some short sections that are on-road, however, the majority of this journey follows disused railway paths. This means its a fantastic path for those who are new to cycling, or just getting back into it, as it is mainly flat and traffic-free.
For more information on cycling locally visit our useful cycling guides and resources page.
Planning a Journey by Bike
If you are unfamiliar with the local area and looking to plan a route by bike, an online route planner can be a really useful tool to use. You can enter your journey start point and end point and the route planner will display a number of route options on a handy map. Alongside easy to follow directions it will tell you how far the journey is, how long it will take, and even how hilly it is.
Cycle Streets is a handy website that allows you to plan your journey. Simply enter your start and end points and away you go!
Why cycle?
Cycling is rapidly growing in popularity, and has for many people become an essential travel option. Cycling has always, however, been a great way to travel around for those able to do so. It offers many personal benefits, such as improved health and cost savings. It also offers significant benefit to the environment and local community, helping to take cars off the road, reducing pollution and reducing congestion.
Cycling can also be a great commuter travel option. If you’re new to cycling or aren’t really sure where to starting with your cycle-commute then check out some of our handy guidance on buying a commuter bike, commuting by bike whatever the weather and the benefits of choosing to travel actively.