Sustrans seeks name for new Northern cycle route

The new Sustrans heritage cycle route meanders through Northumberland. It’s so far in the planning stages and has yet to be signed.

The route has been created in partnership with development agency One Northeast, Northumberland County Council, New Opportunities Fund, Northumberland National Park, Northumbria Tourist Board and the Countryside Agency. As with the other recreational cycle routes in the region, it is hoped the Route With No Name will boost the rural economy and help local businesses and communities to benefit from high-spending cycle tourists "who will be drawn to explore the region’s wonderful heritage," said Sustrans North East manager Bryn Dowson.

The Route With No Name will use 300 miles of the National Cycle Network and runs up the

coast from Tynemouth, past magnificent castles, before turning back inland at Berwick-upon-Tweed down through the National Park via Wooler and Bellingham then heading back to Tyneside via Hadrian’s Wall and completing the loop, crossing

the new Gateshead Millennium Bridge (which, in model form, is currently wowing visitors to New York central station).

Dowson said:

"The route is designed so you can try bits of it as day rides, sections of it over a weekend, or spend the whole week doing the lot. With good links to rail stations and the award-winning Hadrian’s Wall bus service you can easily leave your car at home and

begin to explore. The great thing is that while you are enjoying yourself, you are also getting fitter, helping to protect the environment and providing a crucial source of income to rural communities who have been hit so hard recently by the decline in

farming and Foot and Mouth disease. It’s a project where everyone can benefit."

Names for the route should be sent to:

A Route with No Name Competition

Sustrans

37 Side

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 3JE

mail@sustrans-ne.org.uk

Closing date for entries will be Thursday 13th December 2001. The project steering group will select the best name. IBD Cycleforce of Durham has donated a £300 trekking bike as the competition’s top prize.