Join me on another 2 day solo bikepacking adventure in the UK, heading out with no real plan—just a rough direction towards Barnard Castle and a sense of adventure.
Riding through the stunning countryside, I take in the beauty of spring with vibrant wildflowers, flowing rivers, and hidden waterfalls along the way. This trip is all about spontaneous route finding, navigating on the fly, and embracing the unknown that makes bikepacking so addictive.
After stopping for some well-earned food beside a peaceful riverside spot, I continue towards Hamsterley Forest, where things quickly get more challenging. Expect brutal climbs, tough terrain, and plenty of hike-a-bike moments as the trails push me to my limits.
Reaching Barnard Castle, I top up supplies and pass by the historic Bowes Railway, before heading off in search of a wild camping spot. What I find is something special—a secluded woodland surrounded by bluebells and bright yellow fields, creating the perfect setting for a peaceful night under the tarp.
Despite temperatures dropping to just 2°C overnight, the next day brings warm sunshine as I continue towards Bishop Auckland, exploring new trails and enjoying the freedom of off-road cycling. A well-earned stop at Knitsley Farm Shop for a pasty is the perfect way to refuel before heading on.
This trip had everything—unplanned routes, tough climbs, incredible scenery, wild camping, and plenty of laughs along the way. Not every trail was rideable, and as always, there were a few classic bikepacking struggles—but that’s all part of the adventure.
#adventurecycling #bicycle #bikepacking #cycling #mountainbike #bikevlog #adventurebike
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/francesco-dandrea/a-day-late-and-a-dollar-short
License code: PGNGFNT5RSZTIL0Z
Tracks: Red Sky and I was Born by Lee Sheridan.
CHAPTERS
———————-
0:00 Intro
01:10 Nice!
01:52 Yellow Fields
04:31 Sarnies
05:48 Witton Park Viaduct
08:17 Hamsterley Forest
09:23 Hamsters
15:10 Barnard Castle
16:14 Bowes Museum
18:24 Camp Spot
29:14 Next Morning
33:11 Bus Stop
35:45 Trails
38:31 Newton Cap Viaduct
42:53 Epic Pasty
43:42 Outro
17 Comments
Great watch and a mint find 👌 looks mint bivi spot would mind going one day 😀
Always enjoy your videos Lee. Lovely areas and nice crack mate. I been going farther field these last few weeks when we've had good weather. Done a cracking circular tour of the Tyne 40 miler in a day, a big circular Gateshead-beamish-roker-southshields. And done a smaller one up the coast a circular to Seaton sluice. Thanks for the inspiration to get out me and my brother have really enjoyed getting out on the bikes more. 👍🏻 My favourite outdoorsy movie is The Edge(97) ive never seen the man who cycled the world, il have to give it a go sometime 👍🏻
Another great ride with loads of nonsense and some facts. Got it wrong with the sandwich, I thought cheese n pickle. Thanks for the ride, Lee
Wonderful 👍 Bike packing and Beautiful View
Them corned beef pasties are unreal from Knitsley, expensive but worth it.
Cracking route as always Lee and a nice bivvi spot keep the nonsense going 😂😂 balaclava kids nothing but a pain on the roads atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍
nice one, looks like a fab trip 👍. Used to ride through to Bishop Auckland regularly , so will have to head down that way again soon. I was close on guessing the sarnie….but went for ham & piccadilly 🤣
Good shit, man
cracking ride…it is pronounced 'crook' and not cruck' as far as I'm aware – i live a few miles from there (but from the toon so could be wrong !)
one rout I'd take to barny is to cycle to willington (on the disused railway lines) – then continue down on the line to bishop auckland, then through bishop auckland on another line and some back lanes over that way (as i fancied riding back from an overnight stay at headlam hall hotel)…aha – i see you went back up the trail to willington..now it's my turn to talk rubbish..!
or…ha…on the way down to barny you can cycle down to wolsingham – then up wear bank and navigate to hamsterley forest over the moors (or on the road via st johns hall)
fun fact 15:03 that junction where the van pulled out, it's quite dangerous there – as traffic comes flying out from both directions without stopping and there's often crashes there…the farmer there has a camera and posts the incidents on social media!
I reckon the Wizard of Oz Yellow Brick Road was inspired by those Oilseed Rape Fields ! One day you might come across the Lion who wants to be Brave, or the Tin Man looking for his heart – or the brainless Scarecrow 😄
Class mate, lovely video👏👏
Love your videos mate👍 great adventures and great nonsense bits 😂👍😂
Great video Lee that bivi spot was the best love the crack and nonsense 👍🤟
Good ride. Sound like me when I’m on my bike. But I’ve a Brummie accent
Hey Trail Mix! Love how you're still riding with a Garmin Edge 839! I still do to the same with my Garmin Edge 200! It's just the ticket!
I’ve been doing the Huel Hot and Savoury meals, work out at around £3 each and they’re not bad at all
Brilliant video. I never said thank you for making it.