Final day of our epic coast to coast off road challenge.
We had a couple of very steep climbs in the first 6 miles coming out of Edmondbyers, but FINALLY we came across a relatively flat cycle path - the Derwent water cycle way. it is a disused railway line and it was basically downhill all the way to the coast!
As soon as we left Edmondbyers the landscape changed dramatically from moorlands to rolling green hills of County Durham. The Derwent water cycle path was absolutely idyllic and a great respite after 4 days of tough off-road challenge. very easy gentle cycling along a lovely tree-lined route.
The miles just flew by and by the time we got to Newcastle we had already completed 20 miles. fantastic Newcastle, with the all the bridges across the River Tyne.
Quite a shock to the system ! such an urban experience after being in such remote locations over the last few days.
After a lovely lunch stop by the river in the glorious sunshine, we took the final section of the cycle path to Tynemouth for our finish at Tynemouth Castle and the coastline - looking out to the North Sea.
146 miles and 13,819 feet of elevation. What an amazing and epic challenge it has been. very very tough in parts but the views, the locations and the landscapes were totally worth it. I would recommend this route - you are in for a treat - but be warned, it is not for the faint hearted!
I feel very fortunate and lucky indeed to have such a wonderful friends to share the experience with me, we’re all nutters!
Irish Sea - Whitehaven- Lake District / Cumbria - Pennines - Northumberland- Newcastle upon Tyne - Tynemouth - North Sea!
What a way to experience northern England the lakes, the moors, the hills. Happy days indeed.
Finish in Tynemouth
Tynemouth Castle
We did it!
Climbing out of Edmondbyers
Newcastle & River Tyne
Derwant Water Way
Bravo Ann and fellow cycle champions!