Pennine Cycleway NCN68 (&quiz) -On your virtual Bike

[NewcastleFalcon]

I have many peoples wanting me today so my input may be a little intermittant until we get to Branton but I'll do what I can!!

We will have to accept virtual synchronisation Mick I will be virtually be there at those rendezvous to enjoy a bit of refreshment together, and slip in some questions along the way which can be tackled at any time but hopefully all answered before the goodnight record goes on the jukebox

It was early days of the new bird in bush when I last went...looks like they were moving on in their offering so a bit of custom from us will only be welcomed.

Thought better of diverting via Sweethope Lough and Ottercops- you mentioned that area on your meander, but believe me you will be passing enough "wild place" scenery you will be overflowing!

As ever I will shove some pics up but the chronological arrangement on this leg may be a touch haphazard.

Well pleased with the challenge so far really enjoying it, plenty of posts and plenty of views, and as ever if anyone wants to join in on the madness just do, we can easily conjure up some more marmite and cheese sausages for our Biddlestone Banger Fest

Cheers Neil

[mickthemaverick]

The results are in from Bob on the B&B. He said there are places with higher ratings in Wooler but since this is the last night on the trip he thought it would be a good idea to have an FCF Games Tournament in the bar, so he suggested we stay at the Anchor in order to take advantage of a wide selection of Gins and make use of the facilities:

BFTW

BFTW

BFTW

BFTW

BFTW

BFTW

[NewcastleFalcon]

So this is how I see the route for today. Does it match up?

Perfectly....the option I was mentioning to avoid the more Off road route would branch off at Branton to Powburn but you look like you are up for the challenge to yes your route is spot on. The trailers and canoes are probably more of a hazard on the A697 and for the extra effort there are a couple of stretches of open water you may get a paddle in on the way.

and the anchor looks great. I'll have to have a muse over the beers for them to get in for us.

Cheers Neil

[mickthemaverick]

OK then, we all know what we are doing, taken your advice re the trailers and found a local farmer, Jimmy Hall, to tow them up to Wooler for us with his Quad bike and he said he may join in the tournament this evening!! He will drop the disposable BBQ's at Biddlestone on his way so we will be ok with that. Taking 3 booster packs each on this leg as our legs are beginning to feel the strain. See you in Elsdon! But just to keep the grey matter ticking over

Pennine Cycleway Quiz Question Day 7 Number 2
What is Jimmy Hall's claim to fame?

[NewcastleFalcon]

Quick answer to D6Q1:

Spoiler: show

It was a picture of a BSA Gold Star
It was named to commemorate BSA and Chuck "Feets" Minert's success in the 1956 Catalina Grand Prix

You are still in day 6 with the sheepdogs Mick we are on day 7 now!

But correct answer......pity we didnt have time to partake of the fayre on offer at the Carriages up at the old Bellingham Station Nice bit of local railway history in the adjoining carriage to the one used for the cafe.

So time for a question on Bellingham.

Pennine Cycleway Quiz Question Day 7 Number 3
Why and When was Bellingham Station renamed Bellingham North Tyne
http://disused-stations.org.uk/w/wall/route_map.gif

Regards Neil

[mickthemaverick]

You are still in day 6 with the sheepdogs Mick we are on day 7 now!

So time for a question on Bellingham.

Pennine Cycleway Quiz Question Day 7 Number 3
Why and When was Bellingham Station renamed Bellingham North Tyne
http://disused-stations.org.uk/w/wall/route_map.gif

Regards Neil

Yes I was a bit dozey when I posted that answer but my ESP at range alarm sounded and I corrected it just before you pointed it out!!

As for D7 Q3 I think this little screenshot answers it nicely!

Spoiler: show

Screenshot

[mickthemaverick]

Well we've made it to the Bird and Bush tea rooms and very nice they are too. However I cannot afford to dally here as I am summoned to Tutoring duties, but before I leave I'll share an interesting titbit I have just learned in the form of a question:

Pennine Cycleway Quiz Question Day 7 Number 4
What is unusual about the Vicarage at Elsdon?

[NewcastleFalcon]

Yes I was a bit dozey when I posted that answer but my ESP at range alarm sounded and I corrected it just before you pointed it out!!

As for D7 Q3 I think this little screenshot answers it nicely!

Spoiler: show

I recognise that font in the screen shot Mick, I love railway stuff got the info from the same place, and following on from Mr Ticket Nippers yesterday my eye was drawn to the two tickets from the same page one pre-name change and one after.

screenshot

Regards Neil

[NewcastleFalcon]

Elsdon is quite a beautiful setting, and if you go for a little wander some nice gardens

nf Own Work

Regards Neil

[NewcastleFalcon]

Cafetiere of French Medium Roast, and a Carrot Cake with Icing and sprinklings of raspberry my choice for today.


Regards Neil

[NewcastleFalcon]

So to recap I've got som Chiabata buns two bottles of sauce, and Marmite and Cheese Sausages just for a taster, togherther with Northumbrian, and pork and apple sausages bought in Wark last night.

Big climb out of elsdon but nice views and a bit of surreal photography from round about this point

nf ownwork

someone has driven to the back of beyond in their leccy car too!

Irn Bru Can reaches for the sky
FCF surreal photography club outing

Regards Neil

[NewcastleFalcon]

Next stage takes us along here

Route 68 Junction

the road ahead

holystone grange

Regards Neil

[NewcastleFalcon]

Now it is worthwhlie getting off the bike and having a little detour up to Holystone village and Lady's Well.

Quite a tranquil and calming place.

geograph stamped image

Regards Neil

[NewcastleFalcon]

Glass of lemonade at the Star.......next stop Biddlestone Banger Fest

Regards Neil

[NewcastleFalcon]

View back down to Alwinton on way to Biddlestone

shadow selfie

Regards Neil