First multi day trip .Route 72 Silloth Tynemouth

[teeonethousand]

Pre booked accomodation today...we have had to lock in April dates for my brother's work commitments . If the weather turns out poor we will be on motorbikes and if its truly arctic we will go in car and do some walking.
We are thinking take a car to end point and train across to the start..I have an alert set for when early bird tickets are on sale.

Day 1 Silloth Gilsland , 2 Gilsland Corbridge, 3 Corbridge South Shields via the tunnel.

Planning some appropriate miles beforehand to hopefully ensure fitness...if the weather ever improves😂

 

[Lookrider]

Be a good journey
On your way into gisland don't forget to try the wall straight out of birdoswasld
It's very scenic and rural ,,but not officially in the rd route

Can I ask where you are staying in shields and I may be able to advise where to leave the car for a few days

 

[Lookrider]

Couple of info photos about the Roman fort
It is about 1/4 mile from the sea

 

[teeonethousand]

[QUOTE="

Can I ask where you are staying in shields and I may be able to advise where to leave the car for a few days
[/QUOTE]

Cheers for the tips...I can't wait now. ...the hotel where we are staying has a free car park do it's not a problem thx. Likewise if we take a car to the start point then Silloth is largely free parking everywhere.

 

[Lookrider]

No probs
I'm sure you done your research but just incase
Remember
The metro from shields to Newcastle only allows 2 bike per metro
They run every 10mins incase there's a few if you and it starts there so you will get the bikes on as it's 1st come basis
You must get off at GATESHEAD STADIUM and ride the last 2 mile to Newcastle train station as your not allowed with bikes in the underground sections

Or
Ride to Newcastle along the south path of the Tyne,,, this will not spoil your route home as it's on north side when you do the Hadrian's way

Or
Ride along the coastal path south to Sunderland where you can get the NORTHERN train to Carlisle ,,,some are direct some change at Newcastle
It's a very scenic of rd along the cliffs taking about an easy hour
There's one metal kissing gate to get through but it's doable with pannier bags if you have them

Or
DELLS TAXIS 01914565656 do mini van and have a bike trailer to take you across country or to Newcastle for the train

 

[AndyRM]

@teeonethousand or anyone else who may be using the Metro, I've just seen a sign at my station (North Shields) saying that only folding bikes are allowed on before 10am.

As far as I know this is a new thing and may not affect you, but heads up just in case.

 

[teeonethousand]

@teeonethousand or anyone else who may be using the Metro, I've just seen a sign at my station (North Shields) saying that only folding bikes are allowed on before 10am.

As far as I know this is a new thing and may not affect you, but heads up just in case.

Thanks for the heads up...I really appreciate it 👍

 

[teeonethousand]

It's coming together 😁. We are taking my brother's car with bike rack to Silloth and his partner will drive it back to their home and she will then come to ours on the Friday to pick him up..

Train tickets from Newcastle to Northallerton with bike reservation were £6 each..can't argue with that..and about 12 miles to cycle home. Or

Still have an option to cycle down to Middlesbrough via old train line and either get picked up or train from there.

I am increasing mileage and frequency of rides during March .

Bike rack goes on soon and I'll have a few shakedown rides fully packed.

Sunshine and none/ West wind ordered 😂

 

[Emanresu]

You could also use the tunnel and see the Wallsend end of the Wall

https://www.visitnorthtyneside.com/activities/activity/tyne-pedestrian-and-cyclist-tunnels/

 

[teeonethousand]

You could also use the tunnel and see the Wallsend end of the Wall

https://www.visitnorthtyneside.com/activities/activity/tyne-pedestrian-and-cyclist-tunnels/

That is the plan..we stay at South Shields overnight and we will get there via the tunnel 👍

 

[Lookrider]

Still have an option to cycle down to Middlesbrough via old train line and either get picked up or train from there.

If your talking about the NCN1 from RYHOPE ( south Sunderland) down to Middlesbrough
This is a good track totally off rd and reasonable flat and easy to follow
Ends at a cracking old station cafe at Stockton ( or visit posh wynyard hall a half mile to the east if the track )
You can ride south from shields along the coastal path to the river at Sunderland (wear)
Then it's the coast road with some traffic for about 3 miles to RYHOPE and the NCN1 track

 

[teeonethousand]

All packed and ready for the car up to Silloth for the start of riding tomorrow

The weather gods are smiling 😁😁

 

[AndyRM]

All packed and ready for the car up to Silloth for the start of riding tomorrow

The weather gods are smiling 😁😁

Enjoy! Been nippy in the mornings, wee bit of frost, but you'll be reet.

 

[BromleyBoy]

All packed and ready for the car up to Silloth for the start of riding tomorrow

The weather gods are smiling 😁😁

Enjoy! The weather gods are indeed smiling for you 🌞🌞 . It's looking sunnier and only a little cooler than it was last June when a couple of mates and I cycled the HCW.

 

[teeonethousand]

All done.
I have claimed the main mileages on the 50km challenge thread plus about 25 getting home today makes around 160 for the 4 days.

Things that might be useful to others:

I had a 20 litre roll bag and a rear rack and got all my stuff in there...I packed really lite and could have gone for a few weeks as just washed stuff as used.. I also had my rain jacket on top of bag in a carrier bag . I also used the carrier bag to put my helmet, head unit , gloves , phone etc in when checking in/out of places.

We stayed the night before set off at The Golf Hotel Silloth.. 67.50 each for a single room. It was OK..perfectly clean etc but definitely 3 star. Massive breakfast. Bikes locked in garage around the back.

I had never ridden over 52 miles before so day 1 at almost 60 was a thing for me but it was no problem. Stonking weather

Stayed next night near Gisland at Slack House Farm bunkhouse. ..basically a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom self catering barn that we had exclusive use of for 65 each . It was basic but comfy and we pre ordered food 🥝 ingredients and cooked a meal. Breakfast box was eggs fruit bread cereals etc and could have fed 20. Could have put bikes in locked garage but left them in bike shed as middle of nowhere and good farm dog on patrol

Gisland to Corbridge was hilly and headwind and a bit too cold sometimes. I felt ok even though I had never ridden continuous days before. We were glad to get to Corbridge where we stayed at PearTree Guest House which lived up to it's fabulous reviews and was well worth the 60 each for room each and superb breakfast . Bikes in locked garage.

Glorious day for the run into Newcastle and along the river to Tynemouth..very scenic indeed as you criss cross the river and then city riverfront on a brilliant bike path . We chose the ferry across to South Shields (2.50) where we stayed at the Premier Inn which was...a premier inn. Very welcoming and helpful with getting food delivered ..breakfast was...premier inn. Bikes in rooms. 36 each room plus 10.99 breakfast

Last day across to Tyne Bicycle Tunnel and through back to north path and back to Newcastle station for train to within about 13 miles of home. All went to plan although bike spaces were tight.

The weather made it for us and it would be been a lot more uncomfortable had it closed to blow and rain or even snow. Route 72 is very well signposted so route on Roam was only ever a backup

I have a taste for it now and would go on another .

I hope that helps .