I wasn’t sure I would even make this video because the weather made filming almost impossible – but this is what cycling is like sometimes, so here it is in all its grey drabness!
I’ve tried to give an idea of what the route is like and I’ve shown what could be the major attractions (that I am aware of) on the way, even though I didn’t stop and visit any of them. Ford and Etal in particular is a very nice estate where you could while away a pleasant hour or two on a fine summer’s day. Apart from that, I have made no effort to spin out the video to fill a time slot; I’ve just shown it as it was!
Will you permit me a rant about the signing on cycle routes? It’s bad enough that the signs are often buried in hedges or covered over with posters to the village fete – but I have some particular hatreds for:
– Signs in cities that give the route number and an arrow without indicating which way along the route they are sending you (North or South for example). I once rode round Carlisle 3 times!
– Signs which show the same route number for 3 different roads. It is unclear which is the main route and which just gives access to a nearby town. Imagine driving up to a roundabout and seeing A1 signed on EVERY exit! Think of the traffic jam!
– Signs which don’t give the NCN route number but just some local route which may or may not share the NCN route (those little red numbered squares could usefully be added with little pain and expense). It’s great that there are local routes, but how do I know where they will take me? NCN route numbers are shown on OS maps!
– Signs where some half-wit has decided to cover up the NCN route number with meaningless symbols such as squares and triangles – you can’t even look those up on the internet! (Sorry if you’re not a half-wit, but that is how it looks from my perspective).
Ok… Rant over… I’ve calmed down now… honest!
I’ll eventually add a bit more information here about my ride along the Pennine Cycleway Route, so check back later if you think that might be helpful to your own planning!
6 Comments
Pity the weather didn't hold up for one more day, but I am glad that you managed a bit of damp filming to finish this very enjoyable series. I certainly still have mental images of some of the wonderful picturesque countrysides you passed through. Thank you I enjoyed the scenery (and the humour). All the best.
Shame about the weather but another great route under your belt. Are you going to give the PBW another go before your knees pack in altogether and how are they by the way ?.❤👍
So pleased for you that you made it to the end. Its been a great series and I will look forward to any further adventures.
Thank you for sharing your journey. You've definitely inspired me to do this route. I've walked the PW twice so it will be interesting to do it from a different perspective and different route.
Thank you for the final part of your journey.
When I ride PCW in June I am keen to stop and see interesting places (& cafe’s) en route, time and weather permitting. Are there any particular places, towns, buildings etc you would recommend I try and find time for ?
what a shame about the rain, after all that glorious sunny scenery the previous days! Cycle route signs, they are an absolute MUDDLE.You definitely wouldn't get a motorway sign just saying "M1", without a north or south! Good job some of us can still read maps. Looking froward to your next adventure, after the knees have rested!