Ushaw Moor – Hexham – The Long Way Round 96 mls

Another glorious day and a chance for some BIG miles today. Headed up to Hexham the long way round but took a very scenic route.

Along Deerness Valley and up to Tow Law for a fast descent into Wolsingham, followed the A689 as far as Stanhope, bike starting to creak badly, DOH.. looks like it only happens when not putting pressure on pedals, getting on my nerves but plodding on. Dropped into Weardale Railway, the DMU was in and started an DIESEL with coaches, I was told they had been filming the Tv Show Vera. The DMU had slightly different colouring and station was repainted. Nothing running though,, shame really 😦

Carried on thru Stanhope and took the route south of the River Wear, much quieter. Then back on A689 at Daddry Shield, through St Johns Chapel and Ireshopeburn then onto Wearhead. Very warm, quite a few about, not that many cyclists though, maybe too warm !

Now climbing out of Werahead taking the B6295 climbing for a few miles before dropping into Allenheads crossing the C2C route. Bike still creaking getting sick of it now, stopped in Allendale Town for some food, didn’t have much but just enough to give me a boost. Now take B6303 then back on B6295 at Catton eventually getting into Hexham feeling pretty good, so decided to head onwards.

Picking up the Hadrien Cycle route over River Tyne onto Ferry Road. Hadn’t done this route back the last time, seemed a better route that I had done before. Through Corbridge went over the bridge here, should have stayed on the route, oh well I shall know better next time. Along A695 passed Riding Mill and into Stocksfield where I crossed the Bridge over the Tyne, road still closed due to landslide, but can get passed on the path.

Now back on the Hadrien Way, nice route this pretty much hugs the River Tyne into Ovingham and passed Prudhoe Station over the Bridge, took the footway. Then off-road cycle path south of the River and into Wylam, had a brief stop here trying to sort the creak but failed, decided to pour some water in the bottom bracket. After setting off and doing a few miles seemed to cure it !

Into Newburn, path had been redone here, but white dust, whole bike was covered in the stuff, think divert next time. Along Scotswood Road and followed the route next to the river till I got to Newcastle Quayside. Greggs pasta flapjacks and drinks. Had 15 mins at the “Beach”, before heading off.

Over the Millenium Bridge and usual route back to Birtley via Ladypark. Getting tired now but not as bad as I thought I would be, despite the heat. A167 all the way back to Nevilles Cross then Bearpark and home. Nearlly a Ton but not quite.