Good Loop - 05/06/2026

I started and finished at Kielder dam, and did the Cross Crags route clockwise. The weather was changeable on the day that I rode the loop, and it started wet, but became more pleasant as I progressed. The sun made a couple of brief appearances. You need good climbing legs for this loop there are lots of fairly challenging climbs. I went prepared for weather and rough terrain and paced it well. The gravel is mostly easy rolling with a few more chunky sections but nothing a 40mm gravel tyre can’t cope with. I took care on the descents as I was solo and better to be safe than sorry, there were no dramas - nothing to catch me out at all. It was all gradual undulating and rolling terrain, some steep climbs, but I managed on a 40t front 42t rear and 160 cranks with my short legs. Even after a bit of rain the tracks were mostly hard and dry. I saw one deer, a few small birds and a field of cows. No people at all in early June when I was there, this is very remote - but phone signal coverage was excellent all the way around which was a surprise! I was navigating with the GPX but was really pleasantly surprised how well this loop was marked throughout the ride with signage arrows. I did the loop in 3 hours with a zone 2 average heart rate, so not pushing the speed at all. The views were really nice at the highest points and I enjoyed the solitude. Only the damp start for the first 10 miles was the only thing to spoil it slightly. It’s a loop I would do, and will happily do again!

Spent last weekend here, it's an incredible area...

The scenery is amazing, rolling green hills everywhere (and more rocky and rugged up in the Simonside Hills). It's so calm and relaxing here too, there were just hardly any people about everywhere we went. (Visited on a cold weekend in February though.)

If you have an interest in (Roman) history, you need to visit this area. And if you don't have an interest in history, you'll likely leave here with one. There are lots of English Heritage/National Trust sites to visit, ruins of Roman forts etc, but unless you're a member, visiting them all might get expensive.

However, you can visit Hadrian's Wall for free. Me and my dog walked about 6 miles of 'The Wall' in total. The scenery of the area and the wall snaking along the hills in the distance provides some memorable sites 

Great forest roads - 05/03/2026

I started and finished at Stonehaugh and enjoyed the route. All of the forest roads were all in great condition for riding. All good training for the Dirty Reiver event in April. Big and empty tracks, well signposted; only saw one other person apart from around the reservoir. You're out on your own up there. Be prepared!

Went to Kielder, lovely day ...

Lovely scenery. Lovely forest. Lots of places to stop and take in the views