When it comes to motorcycling in the UK, the North East of England is an absolute goldmine. Often overshadowed by the neighboring Lake District or the Scottish Highlands, the North East quietly boasts some of the most spectacular, fast-flowing, and traffic-free tarmac in the country.
Whether you're craving the tight hairpins of the high Pennines, the smell of the salty sea air along the Northumberland coast, or the sweeping moorland curves of County Durham, this region has it all. Here at WeBuyAnyBike247.com, we've ridden them all. Grab your helmet, brim the tank, and let's dive into the five best motorcycle routes the North East has to offer for the 2026 riding season.
The Durham Dales & High Force Loop (A689 & B6277)
If you like your rides beautiful but beautifully bleak, County Durham is a must-visit. This route takes you straight through the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Leaving the A68, jump onto the A689 heading west through Wolsingham and Stanhope. This road is a proper rollercoaster of dips, crests, and sweeping bends.
Once you reach Alston, whip back around onto the B6277 towards Middleton-in-Teesdale. This stretch is famously quiet—you might only see a handful of cars the entire way. Make sure to pull over to stretch your legs at High Force, one of England's most impressive waterfalls, before grabbing a well-earned coffee in Middleton-in-Teesdale.
The "Yorkshire TT" (B1257 Stokesley to Helmsley)
Technically dipping its toes into North Yorkshire, this road is a staple for bikers right across the North East. The B1257 from Stokesley to the picturesque market town of Helmsley hugs the western edge of the North York Moors and has earned the nickname the "Northern TT".
It is a serious stretch of tarmac that will test your cornering skills, featuring an undulating mix of tight bends, elevation changes, and fast straights. Helmsley itself is a massive biker magnet in the summer months, making its market square the perfect place to park up, grab a bacon butty, and talk bikes with fellow riders. (Note: It's heavily policed during peak summer weekends, so ride safe and within your limits!)
The Iconic Hartside Pass (A686 Alston to Penrith)
Often voted as one of the greatest driving and riding roads in Britain, the A686 from Alston up to Hartside Pass is a rite of passage for any northern biker. Starting in Alston (England's highest market town), the road climbs steeply up into the Pennines.
As you ascend to the summit at over 1,900 feet, you'll tackle a series of glorious, sweeping hairpins that feel more like the Swiss Alps than Northern England. The views from the top across the Eden Valley and towards the Lake District are breathtaking. While the famous cafe at the summit is sadly no more, the thrill of the ascent makes this an unforgettable ride.
The Castles and Coast Route (A1068 & B1340)
If you want a break from dragging your pegs on mountain passes, the Northumberland coast offers a stunning, relaxed cruising route. Start in the historic town of Alnwick (home to the famous Alnwick Castle) and head out toward the North Sea.
Take the coastal B-roads past the majestic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and roll into Seahouses for arguably the best fish and chips in the country. Continuing north, the imposing Bamburgh Castle rises from the sand dunes, dominating the skyline. If the tide is out, you can even ride across the causeway to the mystical Holy Island of Lindisfarne—just make sure you check the tide times so your bike doesn't become a submarine!
Kielder Forest and The Borders (A68 & B6320)
This route offers a mix of deep woodland riding and high-speed border crossings. Start by heading out of Hexham on the B6320, a brilliant ribbon of tarmac that winds its way up to Bellingham and into the Kielder Forest Park—the largest man-made woodland in Europe.
The smell of pine trees hits you instantly as you skirt around Kielder Water. The roads here are wide, wonderfully surfaced, and snake through the trees perfectly. From Kielder, you can cross the border into Scotland on the A68 at Carter Bar. Stopping at the border stone for a photo looking out across the Cheviot Hills is a mandatory part of the journey.