Trip to Kielder.

[Darkest-Star]

As it was such a good day for the weather today I planned to get out somewhere, anywhere. Did a little DIY in the house and was asked by the Missus to run an errand, IKEA no less for a bin for the Bathroom.

I couldn't refuse. The sun was out and I had the rest of the day to play. The humdrum first IKEA. full of the usual people with nothing to do but saunter around while I an trying to rush around.

I was bl**dy boiling with my jacket on but never mind. soon on the bike again and left thinking of where to go.

I live on the East coast so usually head further North in Northumberland, there are tons of twisting A,B and C roads and more than enough unclassified bits of tarmac to run around on, but I never look to go west much but today was the day Consett In County Durham was a good bet so took the B roads there but bypassed Consett in favour of Corbridge. Nice place, some good pub grub been consumed in the passed there.

Most roads around here will signpost Kielder Water and Northumberland National Park at some stage. In all the years I have lived in the North East I had never been to Kielder. For those who will know this fact is boring but for others, Kielder Water is The largest artificial Reservoir in the UK the largest artificial lake in the United Kingdom by capacity and it is surrounded by the largest man made forest in Europe. So, off I toddled.

I didn't have a route in mind but have a good sense of direction, B road to the A68 North off at Bellingham onto the minor roads and keep west. I do like the A68, its famous for its blind summits. It's arrow straight in parts (Roman Road I think, Dere Street) and is part of the European E15 Route down to Southern Spain. The views are great all around, it's a road where I want to slow and enjoy the view.

I must add at this stage I'm no speed freak but can get to the limit sharpish if I have/want to. Circa 70 ponies only in 650 Vstrom but for me its enough at the mo.

Back to the ride, Left the main road at the sign for Bellingham. I'd live somewhere like that If I could. Out of there and follow the brown road signs for Kielder. The road largely follows the river North Tyne which itself feeds into Kielder Water, Id been riding for a while and stopped to take in the view on some tiny single track back road:

Further along I had to turn around as I saw these:

The black one stared and stared, maybe it was planning an attack if sorts.

Anyway, back on the road, by now called Shilling Pot and I wish I'd had my helmet cam. The road was so good sweeping and undulating while skirting the water, pine trees both sides of me.

Riding a bike with the weather as it was with the scenery as IT was, could not have been better. Flip helmet up internal visor down and hardly any other traffic bar the 4x4 driver hanging on

I passed a turn for a viewpoint (thought I'd go there later), through Kielder Village and then beyond more forest until I came across this:

 

Come September it could be a foreign land. I never realised Kielder was so close to the border. Behind me was the Mother Land:

 

Went back to the water and checked out a campsite there, will go back with tent and do some stargazing as the area has the darkest night skies in England. Slightly further on stopped to take a rest at the waters edge:

Not one for sailing or fishing and the like but enjoy the beauty of the land

 

Stayed for a while to stretch but not long as IT was getting on and the Missus worries. There was no mobile phone signal so I was out of contact.

Went up to the viewpoint I passed earlier, steep ish stone chipped track with ruts and potholes. I don't enjoy that style if riding unless the bike is more suited:

 

And so home back largely the way I came, A68, A69 where I was passed by another Vstrom rider caning it, A1 and A189. Wife relieved, Feta salad and a beer on the patio while chilling watching the birds and rabbits. Great day.

Hope the pics load!

Funny how Harley and chopper riders don't nod.

[Darkest-Star]

Pics are in wrong order dammit Tapatalk.

You may get the idea though.