Discover Sharperton: the Bastle, village history and cycle rides

Sharperton combines the history of a medieval village with the landscape of the Coquet Valley and specific opportunities for cycle rides. The village lies on the River Coquet, providing a special setting for a trip that brings together historical discoveries and active days. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage can include Sharperton in their travel plans as a destination for cultural discoveries and cycle rides: the focus is on the local history, the landscape and the cycle rides described here.

Historical traces on the River Coquet

Sharperton Bastle is a notable reference point in the history of the village. It appears to be a fortified house dating from the late 16th or early 17th century. The older section measures 10.2 m × 6.5 m; the walls of clay-bonded rubble masonry are 1 to 1.4 m thick. These measurements provide a concrete impression of the construction, without confusing the building with an ordinary residential house.

Particularly striking is a broken lintel in the collapsed masonry of Sharperton Bastle. It bears the inscription G P E P 1615. Roger Potz. The village’s history also reaches far back: Sharperton was the site of a medieval village, and a document written in 1632 describes this village as consisting of two short rows. For visitors interested in architectural history, historic settlements and individual surviving details, this creates a clear cultural focus.

Cycle rides with different profiles

Sharperton is also the destination of the Breamish & Coquet cycle ride. The route runs entirely on roads, is 38 miles long and has 834 m of ascent. You should take these figures into account when planning your day, particularly if the route is to be an important part of your trip. For a travel group with different interests, such a longer stage can provide the active focus, while other days can place greater emphasis on the landscape and local history.

Another option is the challenging Copper Snout Ride. It is 11 miles (17.7 km) long; the stated duration for the tour is 4 to 4.5 hours. In addition, Byway Open to All Traffic No. 35 begins 250 m north of Sharperton Edge Farm.

Landscape and access as selection criteria

Sharperton lies within the Coquet Valley landscape character area. Together with its location on the River Coquet, this landscape setting shapes the way the village is perceived and complements its historical attractions with a distinctly rural environment. From the B6341 west of Rothbury, a minor road runs through Sharperton and Harbottle onwards to Alwinton; the turn-off is approximately 4 miles from Rothbury.

Those who want to take in the historical details at their leisure will plan differently from someone who places the 38-mile Breamish & Coquet route or the Copper Snout Ride at the centre of their trip. Sharperton therefore offers a clearly defined, history-focused reason to travel, supported by understandable landscape and route information.

More places to include in your search

If you would like to compare other places besides Sharperton, you can continue your destination search here: Wooperton, Widdrington, Kirknewton, Chatton, Bardon Mill, Elsdon, Ponteland and Edlingham.

To the higher-level travel overview: Northumberland.