Ronny's traveller blog

I traveled to Northumberland (in the north of England, almost on the Scottish border) for an event at the end of March. The week after the event I took leave to explore a little more of England. This is the first day (half day) of the bicycle tour.

It started in the valley which was already quite green. Apart from daffodils, there was very little spring in sight. But at least it was 8°C, so I could go without gloves. For most of the day I followed bike route 68, which took me to remote areas among many flocks of sheep. That was exactly what I wanted, a relaxed bike ride without being bothered by traffic. The small roads were in good condition (precisely because there is so little traffic on them). I saw a few motorbikes (due to an event) but other than that it was very quiet.

After a last hill I reached asphalt again. The rougher ground and the hills demanded more energy at 5 p.m., I was able to enjoy the meal with a great view. It was only a bit wet to sit down, but I was sitting for the two hours before that in the bicycle anyway.

I loved the landscape, boggy, hilly, stone walls, meadows and a few trees.

I thought all I had to do was head down the valley and then maybe a few yards up the River Allen to get to my accommodation (I booked that same morning when it was clear when I could roughly leave). I should have checked the altitude difference on http://www.opencyclemap.org/. I crossed the river Allen at the lowest part of the day’s route, but before the accommodation I also had to cross the highest point of the day. So I didn’t arrive until 7 p.m. (and about an hour later than planned), but thanks to the time change, the sun hadn’t even set yet. And I arrived before the shower of sleet.