Beyond Hamsterley

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Comment by Keiron Routledge on March 2, 2010 at 0:13

The new (ish) section 13 is an absolute blast, went up the other day - pottered along with mrs. 10 mile max for her... Blasted it on my own - great little addition, keep up the good work.
Might even take the singlespeeder next time for more balls out fun.

Comment by MARK on January 12, 2010 at 6:47

Edmund Byers/Blanchland is mint. As Chris said,avoid Brusselton,especially now that Toytop picnic area is closed its being used a meeting place for middle aged homosexual doggers!!!!!!!!!!!!! I shit you not,Ive ridden past twice on my road bike and its scary man!

Comment by Dean Bowen on January 12, 2010 at 3:04

I done a few of the routes further out Yorkshire and Weardale. I especially like the Langthwaite ride too and the Slayley. I now what Andy means about the closed gates on the route. It was after that ride I upgraded to a 203 front disc. The Beamish and Causey is my local quick blast, but ride from Washington to get there though which adds some miles on. Haven't been to Chopwell for donkeys.. Should have look really.

Comment by Andy on January 12, 2009 at 13:33

Right, I've had this guide for 3 years and have averaged one route per year. I'm determined to get more of them under the belt this year though.
One's I've done:

Chopwell - ditto Crispys comments

Beamish & Causey - nothing technical so would suit beginners. Just a nice ride out in the country with some nice scenery and the odd roe deer in Beamish. Can be very muddy at Causey as I found out on Sunday...

Slaley Circuit - a nice ride out. A nice, fast downhill (watch out for sheep hiding behind walls and in the braken & closed gates) and an absolute git of a climb (steep, loose and step ups) just after the 2 fords which I have yet to make it up without dabbing. I now do a slightly 'improved' version to miss out the long tarmac drag at the beginning & park in slaley wood entrance and do a figure 8 with some of the Edmundbyers & Blanchland route tagged on.

Comment by Crispy on January 2, 2009 at 22:34

Ones I've done are:

BRUSSELTON WOODS - yawn apart from the fun descent through brussleton woods - not worth it just for this though.

AUCKLAND AND BRANCEPETH CASTLES - yawn but OK for a lunchtime spin as it passes close to my house.

EDMUNDBYERS AND BLANCHLAND - I'll 2nd Jim, good route

BEYOND HAMSTERLEY - Doing it on Sunday so I'll let you know

CHOPWELL WOODS - An OK introduction but misses some of my favourite bits - get a local to show you around instead

LANGTHWAITE - nice route, includes Fremington Edge which is great fun.

Comment by earthworm jim on January 2, 2009 at 20:07

the edmundbuyers/blanchland is a favorite of mine. good post ride food and pint too

Comment by Andy on July 2, 2008 at 13:29

I got this the first month i moved up to the 'toon in 2006. Only ever done Chopwell, can you recommend any? Planning on doing a good few more of them this tear now I've got a nice new shiny bike to break...