Four
Backpedalers were fortunate enough to spend three days in North Northumberland to
hone their cycling skills by exploring some of the local cycle routes.
Day One
The
day started with a frost but the sky was clear and the sun was shining and
later on the temperature reached a maximum of 22 C – perfect for a bike ride.
The
chosen destination was Coldstream so the route took us across to Kimmerston and
Ford before crossing the A697 and heading towards Branxton and Flodden.
From
Flodden the group made their way to Cornhill then on to Coldstream. After a break
for refreshments at The Hirsel, it was back to Corhill, down to Howtel and Millfield and a brief
stop at The Anchor Inn, Wooler before cycling home to Doddington.
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The
total distance cycled was 45 miles.
Day Two
The
weather on the second day was a stark contrast to the day before. Thick fog
reduced the visibility to about 100 metres so it was necessary to fit lights to
the bikes.
The
plan was to cycle east to Beal, cross over to Holy Island then return to Wooler
along a section of the Sandstone Way.
The route coincided with the Wooler Wheel, a local cycle event, so the group
had to contend with cyclists emerging from the mist in front of them.
Fortunately
conditions improved by the time the group reached the Holy Island causeway so a
safe crossing was possible.
The
return journey along the Sandstone Way proved to be a challenge. The terrain
varies from minor roads to rocky forest trails and grassy moorland bridleways
with a fair sprinkling of steep ascents thrown in for good measure. The group
arrived back at Doddington and were too tired to go to the pub – an indication
of how tough a day it had been. The total distance cycled was 48 miles with 1
774 feet of ascent.
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Day Three
An
easier day was on the agenda with a ride across to Hethpool, up College Valley
as far as Goldscleugh and then back home. The route profile shows the nature of
the route with the return being mostly downhill.
The
weather was cool and cloudy but cycling through one of Northumberland’s most
beautiful locations completed the weekend nicely. The total distance cycled was
25 miles giving a total of about 113 miles over three days.
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