Stage 9: Barnard Castle to Blyth

Bring on Blyth

Distance: 70.77 miles

Climb: 3,081 feet      




This leg from County Durham into Northumberland should be a breeze - it's the stage with the lowest mileage and least amount of climbing. An early bump is followed by a generally downhill profile. 

A small detour to see friends as we pass through Durham, then Newcastle, crossing the Tyne Bridge and popping out into Northumberland.

Fun Fact: ‘Blyth’ comes from the old English word ‘blithe’ meaning ‘gentle’ or ‘merry’. Let's hope it lives up to its billing!

Post-ride Debrief

A real mixture of a ride today. encompassing small-town beauty, rural lanes, academic splendour, urban grit, and city riding.

A change from yesterday when Paul was actually herding sheep on his bike at one point.

Leaving Barnard Castle, vowing to return to spend time exploring places like the fantastic Bowes Museum, we were soon on winding trails through fields. Both feeling a little jaded, the gentle countryside enabled us to get the legs moving again. A long former rail track let us make good progress.

Our midway point today was a rendezvous at Stephenson College, Durham University to lunch with Rob and Marta. Cake and coffee, as well as a college tour for the support team, were the reward. Ignoring the advice of 1970s chart-topping folk icon, Roger Whittaker, we did Leave old Durham town.

Exiting through the student-laden streets, fuelled by cheesecake, we headed due North. Much of the riding was now on cycle paths next to busy A roads, so conversation was limited. After negotiating complex roadworks, we were almost surprised to find ourselves next to the magnificent Angel of the North. Close up it really is a stunning work of art. With the support crew meeting us, it was a photo opportunity too good to miss.

We had to gird our padded loins for the urban grind up to Newcastle, as school and white-van traffic swelled. We were rewarded on arrival in Newcastle with a ride through the heart of the city, cycling over the famous Tyne Bridge. Like the long-distance cycling version of Ant and Dec, we moved on through the Toon. Passing nearby St James’s Park, home to Newcastle United’s ground, we were hopeful of some Saudi backing but no such luck.

Today's final destination was Ashington, famous for producing footballers Jackie Milburn and nephews Jack and Bobby Charlton. Although not raised here we hope that we have added further sporting lustre to the town.

Of note today is that we completed our very own coast-to-coast ride as we passed the estuary of the River Wansbeck.

So Stage 9 done, now it's off to the border country tomorrow.

If you are able, please sponsor our ride in aid of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care. Click through to our JustGiving page.










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