Bowes Castle Ruins – Barnard Castle Market Cross loop from Barnard Castle

Bike touring routes & trails

Bowes Castle Ruins – Barnard Castle Market Cross loop from Barnard Castle

Hard

5.0

(2)

riders

Bowes Castle Ruins – Barnard Castle Market Cross loop from Barnard Castle

03:23

47.2km

800m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 21, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 11.5 km for 142 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

650 m

Deepdale Footbridge and View of Barnard Castle

Highlight • Bridge

This funny little bridge (with steps that you have to lift your bike up) is a quiet route alternative to the busy, main road that climbs up to the town centre. You also get a great view of the castle.

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11.6 km

Bowes Castle Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

The magnificent ruins of Henry II's 12th-century keep are on the site of a Roman fort guarding the approach to strategic Stainmore Pass over the Pennines. The English Heritage-owned castle …

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13.8 km

West Plantation

Forest

13.9 km

Gravel Track to Cocker

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

Beautiful gravel road in the Moors up to Cocker in the south. The northernmost part is asphalt. Beautiful landscapes.

Translated by Google •

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30.3 km

Lead Flue

Ruins

34.9 km

The Stang Climb

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

The Stang was the site of the 2013 National Hill Climb Championships. The gradient varies a lot - up to 18% in places, with an average around 5%. Wild and open landscape.

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46.5 km

Barnard Castle Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This medieval stone bridge spanning the River Tees serves as a vital link between the towns of Barnard Castle and Startforth.

Dating back to the 14th century, this historical structure, …

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47.0 km

Barnard Castle Market Cross

Highlight • Historical Site

A market was established below the castle in the 13th-c. The impressive octagonal stone pavilion of the Market Cross was built in 1747. The arcade surrounding its base once sheltered …

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