Last weekend we went cycling in Northumberland with Dave’s parents. It was wonderful. Every time I reluctantly drag myself south after a weekend away I realise how much I’m inspired and energised by landscapes where you can see something other than sky above the houses from ground level; where fields give way – maybe not immediately, but eventually – to wild country; and where rocks don’t just exist in hidden-away quarries, but protrude through the pedosphere to form ground in their own right. On top of this, the seasonal decorations of blooming gorse and verdant bracken added to the sense of gulping in some much-needed fresh air.
We were based, with our two campervans, at Boe Rigg campsite and “coffee shed” near Bellingham, the self-proclaimed Capital of the North Tyne. Our first ride of about 50 miles headed east towards Rothbury, via a brief and amusing entanglement with the Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge as we passed through Elsdon. Our route later took us past the Simonside Hills, Codger Fort, through the middle of Green Rigg Wind Farm, and on a glorious descent from there to Redesmouth.
On Sunday we headed in the opposite direction, to Kielder Water. We took the Lakeside Path (not too rough on the bikes) as far as Leaplish, then zoomed back along the road to the dam before a pleasant return – except for the gravelled road to Falstone – via Donkleywood. We only really scratched the surface of what looks like a marvellous place to explore: just for starters, there is the rest of the lake, a trail of sculptures and England’s largest population of red squirrels. Beyond that stretch endless moors and Dark Skies (well, ~600 square miles). We’ll certainly be back.
New bike was excellent – once I’d adjusted the saddle properly – and I must admit to really enjoying catching a glimpse of my new bright yellow Ortlieb panniers every time I looked behind.
No photos from this trip – we were all too busy enjoying it first-hand!
Yellow Van Mountaineering 