Sunday 25th January 2015

After a frustrating start to 2015, with cycling plans being affected by strong winds, snow and ice, a warm, still day arrived which enabled five Backpedalers to get on their bikes and ride. Early morning rain cleared so a trip to The Cycle Hub, via Tynemouth and North Shields, was a must.

Fish Quay Round

This route takes in parts of the North Sea Cycle Route, Hadrian's Cycleway and the Reivers Regional Cycle Route 10. Most of the route is on cycle paths and bridleways but there are two short sections on road. There is one short but fairly steep ascent and the route is suitable for mountain bikes and hybrids. It begins and ends at the Delaval Arms. The total distance is about 18 miles.

1. Leave the Delaval Arms and head down the hill past the caravan site.

2. Follow the track which runs south past St Mary's Lighthouse, turn right onto the road and carry on up to the cycle path which runs along side The Links. Proceed along the cycle path.

3. Turn left off the cycle path and take the path down to the promenade. This turn is easy to miss. It is after the car park and just before the Briar Dene. It is signed.

4. Proceed along the promenade as far as the Rendezvous Cafe.

5. Just past the cafe turn right and take the uphill path past the skate park and turn left at the top.

6. Head towards the Spanish City and join the cycle path which takes you along Whitley Bay promenade.

2015

2015 has arrived and it promises to be an interesting year for the Backpedalers. Top of the agenda is Cycle Challenge 2015. On 23rd May we will be leaving Edinburgh on the Coast and Castles cycle route and cycling 186 miles to the Delaval Arms over three days. As well as meeting a formidable physical challenge (and having fun), Backpedalers will be raising funds for local charity Daft As A Brush.

Fund raising is already underway with collection boxes in place on the bar in the Delaval Arms.

Other fund raising activities are in the pipe line and details will be announced in due course.

Holywell Dene

This is a ten mile route beginning and ending at the Delaval Arms. It is mostly on cycle paths and bridleways but there is a short on-road section. There are no uphill or downhill sections and it is suitable for mountain bikes and hybrid bikes.

 

1. Leave the Delaval Arms and head down the hill past the caravan site. 

2. Follow the track which runs south past St Mary's Lighthouse, turn right onto the road and carry on up to the cycle path which runs along side The Links. Proceed along the cycle path.

3. Turn left off the cycle path and take the path down to the promenade. This turn is easy to miss. It is after the car park and just before the Briar Dene. It is signed.