North England Weekender

Starting and finishing in Wetheral, with an overnight stop in Wooler, this route is a fantastic ride through some of the UK's most remote and spectacular scenery. You'll start by following Hadrian's Wall across the width of the country, before heading up to the fascinating Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Access to the island is via a tidal causeway, so make sure you time it right if you want to avoid disappointment. Around Wooler there are some great green lanes to take in, pick up OS map OL16 and pick out those that look most interesting to you - the Cup and Ring is a gentle track along some farm land, while the lane to the east of South Middleton has a few nice ford crossings. If you head to the village of Ingram, there's a brilliant trail that will take you up and over a mountain pass, and you really get the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere while you're up there! Head through the Otterburn Ranges and you'll be amazed at how wild the place is. It's the UK's largest military range so access is restricted at times. If you follow the route on the gpx. files exactly you'll miss out on the 12-mile gravel track that is the Kielder Forest Drive. Rather than following the route to the tea, seek out the Forest Drive when you reach Byrness and you won't be disappointed.