The Coquet Classic is an event created in response to the growing demand for mountain biking in Coquetdale.

With over 50 riders in Rothbury alone, the time has come to approach mountain biking with a fresh perspective.

There are ample opportunities for economic boost through this event. For example, we purposefully chose not to provide in-house catering so that participants spend their cash in the village at our amazing independent shops. We use a local-first supplier methodology - this helps retain any income generated in the community - in effect we are championing a circular economy.

We also recognise that the landscape and habitats around Rothbury are unique, special, and in some cases rare. We are the moss capital of England. We have good quality, superbly reared livestock that provide food and shape our far-reaching views.

One of the reasons we run the event on August 22nd is to reduce disturbance to our bird populations, and provide a better chance for dry conditions. We avoid areas with sensitive soil profiles, and mitigate potential damage to the best of our ability by working with numerous ecologists, the Wildlife Trust, Forestry England, Bamburgh Castle Estate and tenant farmers to understand what lies beneath our wheels.

Lastly, and most importantly, this event helps countless people have fun and stay fit in our wonderful valley. Visitors can experience our strong community in a way that takes them from the Forests of Simonside to the Carriage Drive in a single day.

All of our profits are either reinvested into the event or donated to local causes.

The organisation is run by volunteers and as such we always seek help with the following:

  • Trail creation days

  • Invasive species removal from open heath (Moorland)

  • Event Marshalling

  • Fund raising

Bridleway Closure - August 22nd, 2026

The Bridleway leading from Hillside East to the Carriage Drive will be closed between 12:00-18:30 on August 22nd to facilitate the running of the event. The Bridleway is 130/029. 6 weeks before the event, we will upload the official documentation, and signage will be in place.

Volunteer with us!

  • August 22nd 2026

  • We don’t publish our route until the riders arrive on August 22rd. This is primarily because the route is designated as an event-only route. However, it will start in the centre of Rothbury before visiting the forested areas of Simonside in the morning. In the afternoon, the event will take place around the Carriage drive and Addycomb woods. There will be a significant number of cyclists in the village.

  • The car parks will be busy on August 22nd with event parking. To help mitigate pressure, we’ve hired Rothbury Mart and are using both school yards.

    Residents on Wagtail Road can expect increased traffic on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd due to the POP UP camping being put on by Wagtail Farm.

    Residents on Hillside East will see a high volume of cyclists from around 13:00 till 18:00.

    If you have any problems, or experience any issues please talk to an official on the day and we will endeavour to resolve.

  • There are no designated spectator areas for this event. Residents who wish to observe may view the route map prior to the event to identify appropriate locations. All instructions issued by event marshals must be followed at all times.

  • Coquet Valley Trails limited is a registered not-for-profit company. The directors are:


    Dr Darren Broderick
    Andrew Carmen
    Adela Carter
    Cpt Simon Mclurey
    Tommy Wilkinson

    None of the directors receive any renumeration for their time.

    They are reimbursed for any capital expenditure they may incur - for example, but not exclusive to, purchasing tools for Coquet Valley Trails, or fuel expenses for meetings


    The organisation also relies on countless volunteers who live and work in the valley.

A person wearing a white helmet and light-colored clothing riding a mountain bike on a wooded trail with fallen tree branches and green moss.