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 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 23rd 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 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.

If you’d like to volunteer we have ample opportunities:

  • Trail creation days

  • Invasive species removal from open heath (Moorland)

  • Event Marshalling

  • Fund raising

  • August 23rd 2025

  • We don’t publish our route until the riders arrive on August 23rd. This is primarily because the route is designated as event only. 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.

  • We will be doing local PR months in advance to inform residents of any path closures and increased traffic on certain roads.

  • There is no formal spectating for this event, however residents who wish to have a look will be able to view the route map prior to the event. Marshals instructions must be followed at all times.

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


    Andrew Carmen
    Phil Stephenson
    Cpt Simon Mclurey
    Tommy Wilkinson

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