The Derwent Round

The weather gods looked down on Slaley this morning and decided to be good to us. After several weeks of far from ideal weather (even for mountain biking), today served up some clear blue skies and a cool but not cold breeze. The ground was still very wet, but the fantastic views across Northumberland were great compensation for damp feet and clarty arses.

Willie, Julie, Gary, Graham, Suzanne, Ian B, Ian A, Gavin, Dave and Mark made up today's pack. Suitably caffeined up we set off at about 10.15 and were quickly on the sort of slithering track for which Slaley is rightly famous. The puddle tactics ranged from the "plough on through", to the "timidly take the high ground on the central line" or "to avoid the puddle at all costs" by taking a detour around it (albeit in some places the puddles were so large that that meant going via the neighbouring county).

The bottom of Slaley Forest was soon conquered before the climbing started. Thankfully the track is good as it climbs - that is before it dives into the woods and starts to resemble a slide at wet 'n wild. Pedals strike the ground here, almost as often as the trees try to slap your face. But the views over Hexhamshire that open up at the end of this piece of track make it all well worthwhile.

Turning out onto the open moor across the Carriers Way, the wind made its presence felt a bit more. But the pack was still strong and good progress was made across to Pennypie. Rather than drop straight down to Blanchland, our route continued across the moor and then a brief steep decent (which some chose to do off-piste) to a rarely used Bridle that traverses the hillside before winding downhill and into Blanchland.

Here the call of the cafe was bravely resisted in favour of the steep ascent up onto Ruffside Moor. This ascent starts on tarmac but that soon runs out to be replaced by open fellside. All rideable, but still a fine test of stamina and determination. The following descent towards Edmundbyers makes all the hard work well worthwhile. Almost 2 miles of sweeping trail, sometimes technical, sometimes wet, sometimes challenging but always highly entertaining.

In Edmundbyers we took a well earned coffee stop in a pub that no longer serves beer (hope this doesn't catch on !). Then across the dam of Derwent Resevoir, around the shoreline, rejoining tarmac up to Minsteracres, and the fabulous redwood tree lined road that took us across to the A68. A short hop took us onto a seldom used bridle that snakes its way across to Healy, through some very beautiful sun kissed plantations and then an ancient trail through a silvian woodland, via a dingly dell and across the Reaston Burn.

A short final climb back up to Slaley Village where everyone arrived feeling well pleased with a good day out on the bikes. Whilst the weather Gods had a good deal to do with the success of the day, the splendid Northumbrian countryside and the great Muddybum company were also vital elements in a ride to remember.

So good - we may just do it all over again next week (just so Ian A can fix The Hatton's flush-less loo - thx Ian !).

Mark,

THE MUDDY BUMS  (aka "the Clarty Ars#ses")

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN NORTHUMBERLAND AND BEYOND

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