Over the past five issues we've been working with TomTom to ride and map out a selection of two-day routes that, when put together, form a complete circumnavigation of England and Wales. The emphasis on these routes is to explore the best that the UK has to offer, while riding roads that are achievable and fun for riders of all ability levels. In issue 35 of ABR we headed oop north, to ride what we consider to be one of the best two day routes you can do.
Below you'll find attachment for the weekend ride, starting and finishing in Wetheral, with an overnight stop in Wooler. We've split the files in to day 1 and day 2, to make it easier for those who wish to start in Wooler (simply use day 2 first, then day 1 for the return trip). This route is a fantastic ride through some of the UK's most remote and spectacular scenery. We 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 though it's a bit confusing as to when these times are. According to the website you're to stay off the ranges when the red flag flies, though after speaking to the locals, including the post man who delivers on the Ranges daily, the only time when you can't go through is when the gate at the entrance is closed, and this is only a few days a year.
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.
We've attached the two route files below so that you can download them and stick them in your SatNav. Simply right click on the attachments below called 'ABR_and_TomTom_Routes_North_England_Weekend_Ride_Day_1.gpx' and 'ABR_and_TomTom_Routes_North_England_Weekend_Ride_Day_2.gpx' and choose 'Save Link As'. Once you've saved it to your computer, load it into your SatNav as per the manufacturer's instructions and get riding! While the route is there to be followed, I implore you to take as many diversions as you wish if you see a road, place, or sight that attracts you!
ABR TomTom issue 36 route files - North England Weekender
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Re: ABR TomTom issue 36 route files - North England Weekender
Could you post me a link to the latest route? I can't seem to find it anywhere! Sorry if I'm being stupid!
- Bryn
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Re: ABR TomTom issue 36 route files - North England Weekender
Good stuff! And what a fine bike to be doing it on - how are you getting on with the Tenere?
- philwin7
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Re: ABR TomTom issue 36 route files - North England Weekender
Hi Bryn
I'm loving the T7. Coming off a DR650 its the perfect blend of off road ability whilst still being fun on road. The fact I think it looks fantastic doesn't hurt either![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)
I'm loving the T7. Coming off a DR650 its the perfect blend of off road ability whilst still being fun on road. The fact I think it looks fantastic doesn't hurt either
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)