For a change I thought I’d try something flat and easy, and on that criteria, this ride really delivered!
I’ve long been a fan of the old railway lines of County Durham and this loop
included bridges, viaducts, countryside, pubs and tea rooms, plus a couple of golf courses, if that is your thing.
The tour takes you through Spennymoor, Tudhoe, Croxdale, Brandon, Brancepeth and Willington before returning to Bishop Auckland via the Kynren site. There’s probably places for refreshment in other places, but the @Daleside Arms and @Brawns Den look ideal candidates as starting places, as long as you check opening times!!
I took the basic route from a Komoot suggestion but made a couple of amendments to avoid the main roads in and out of Bish and I was really glad I did. I’ve been stuck behind cyclists climbing out of Bishop Auckland and thought it was stressful for both parties, so being able to miss that and get on the rail trail earlier was a benefit. Avoiding the Newton Cap viaduct was another win, dropping down over Skirlaw Bridge was a big improvement on the route, giving an interesting end to the ride.
I enjoyed my coffee and cake at Fifteas Vintage Tea Room – I’ve always just driven past on my way to Hamsterley and was impressed with the town centre – it has a wide variety of shops, and the eyesore abandoned pubs are being demolished, hopefully to be replaced with something a bit more useful.
I nearly didn’t edit the footage as the angle of the GoPro dipped during the ride, but I’m reasonably happy with it and have another thing to remember next time I film!
The footage is from a GoPro Hero 7 Black and DJI Neo 2, the bike is a 2019 Whyte E150S, supplied and serviced by Wetrocknride, Hartlepool.
For the route visit
https://www.komoot.com/tour/2516503452?share_token=ajOz7rp4JI3SjoGWtzMfW6px7IAfHlEh4Voho9ghOmhFujFvFc&ref=wtd
or just scan the QR code at the end of the video.
Follow me on Strava or Komoot @bob manwaring to see all my activities and planned routes, and, of course, like comment and subscribe!
I’ll see you soon for more quality bimbling….
4 Comments
I hope you enjoy this very easy ride. I apologise for the camera angle dropping through the ride, there's always something new to check when making a video!!
hit the nail on the head with this one Bob i look at the Auckland way every time ive been to Hamsterley now i know what its like Thanks for the ride Bob
Nice chilled out ride Bob! š
Looks like a nice ride. Great use of the drone too, Iām too scared of losing mine to send it up that high!!