![Cover image](https://images.tarmacs.app/cycling-routes/photos/united-kingdom/tees-valley-and-durham/815229671/durham-castle-3.webp)
The Castle Quest
A road cycling route starting from Bowburn
Ride to historical castles
Map
![Map miniature of "The Castle Quest" cycling inspiration in Tees Valley and Durham, United Kingdom. Generated by Tarmacs.app cycling route planner](https://images.tarmacs.app/cycling-routes/routemaps/600/united-kingdom/tees-valley-and-durham/bowburn/road/11336.webp)
The Castle Quest is a road cycling route starting near Bowburn. With a distance of 107 kilometers and an ascent of 1149 meters, this route is suitable for experienced cyclists seeking a longer and more challenging ride. It takes riders on a journey to several historical castles, including Durham Castle and offers sweeping views along the way. The route provides a mix of steep climbs, fast descents, and scenic stretches, offering a rewarding experience for avid cyclists.
road
107 km
1149 m
Tough
Route profile
Highlights on the route
0 km
0 km
Start: Bowburn Village centerBowburn: Picturesque cycling in the heart of the United Kingdom
Bowburn, situated in the Tees Valley and Durham region of the United Kingdom, offers a scenic and cyclist-friendly environment. The locality features picturesque countryside roads, perfect for leisurely bike rides. Cyclists can explore the nearby Durham coastline or tackle the challenging climb of Brandon Lane. With its mild weather and charming landscapes, Bowburn provides a pleasant cycling experience for all riders.5 km
5 km
Durham CastleCastleExplore Durham Castle, a magnificent Norman fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning architecture.
5 km
5 km
Observatory Hill101 mPeak ViewpointClimb Observatory Hill to enjoy impressive panoramic views of the Durham landscape and surrounding countryside.
15 km
15 km
QuebecHamletPass through Quebec, a charming village known for its historic buildings and quaint atmosphere.
29 km
29 km
Leadgate Maze viewing platformViewpointTake in the unique view from Leadgate Maze viewing platform, offering a mesmerizing perspective of the maze below.
49 km
49 km
RytonTownDiscover Ryton, a picturesque town with a rich industrial heritage and beautiful riverside scenery.
69 km
69 km
Newcastle upon TyneCityReach Newcastle upon Tyne, a vibrant city famous for its iconic Tyne Bridge, bustling Quayside, and historic sites like The Castle.
70 km
70 km
Side and Dean street view from Tyne BridgeViewpointGet an amazing view of Newcastle's Side and Dean streets from the iconic Tyne Bridge.
85 km
85 km
Penshaw Hill136 mPeakClimb up Penshaw Hill to see the magnificent Penshaw Monument, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
107 km
107 km
Finish: Bowburn Village centerBowburn: Picturesque cycling in the heart of the United Kingdom
Cycling routes nearby:
![Image of Coxhoe](https://images.tarmacs.app/cycling-routes/covers/united-kingdom/tees-valley-and-durham/coxhoe-5.webp)
![Image of Kelloe](https://images.tarmacs.app/cycling-routes/covers/united-kingdom/tees-valley-and-durham/kelloe-5.webp)
![Image of West Cornforth](https://images.tarmacs.app/cycling-routes/covers/united-kingdom/tees-valley-and-durham/west-cornforth-5.webp)
![Image of Sherburn](https://images.tarmacs.app/cycling-routes/covers/united-kingdom/tees-valley-and-durham/sherburn-4.webp)
![Image of Durham](https://images.tarmacs.app/cycling-routes/covers/united-kingdom/tees-valley-and-durham/durham-4.webp)
![Image of Brandon](https://images.tarmacs.app/cycling-routes/covers/united-kingdom/tees-valley-and-durham/brandon-5.webp)
![Image of Thornley](https://images.tarmacs.app/cycling-routes/covers/united-kingdom/tees-valley-and-durham/thornley-5.webp)
![Image of Spennymoor](https://images.tarmacs.app/cycling-routes/covers/united-kingdom/tees-valley-and-durham/spennymoor-5.webp)