Around Hadrian's Wall, Pennine Way, Greenlee Lough

[Tractionman]

hi folks,

I am taking my son (and our bikes) for a trip staying at The Sill YHA and am looking at a local (to there) circular route off-road that heads north from The Sill across Hadrian's Wall into Henshaw Forest, then east towards the Pennine Way, south back towards Hadrian's Wall on the PW, then looping back to The Sill via Vindolanda.

My question really is, is there an easyish way through (the forest by bike!) from the end of the surfaced road at NY723712 to PW at around NY782710?

Bonus q, is what's it like trying to use that section of PW that runs to NY782679?

Many thanks fror any pointers, GPXs, etc

We'll be there at the end of Oct

cheers,

Keith

[thenorthwind]

Someone else may have more specific advice, but in lieu of that...
The fire roads marked as tracks on the map are generally pretty well made up tracks around there, as most places, so I wouldn't worry about being able to get across that bit from the road.
I can't remember that exact bit of the Pennine Way, but I've walked it before and remember lots of very tussocky fields and rough ground. Apart from the bits on fire road, I wouldn't be trying to take a bike down there. Sorry.

[Tractionman]

Someone else may have more specific advice, but in lieu of that...
The fire roads marked as tracks on the map are generally pretty well made up tracks around there, as most places, so I wouldn't worry about being able to get across that bit from the road.
I can't remember that exact bit of the Pennine Way, but I've walked it before and remember lots of very tussocky fields and rough ground. Apart from the bits on fire road, I wouldn't be trying to take a bike down there. Sorry.

ah ok, thanks @thenorthwind, that's good to know, so we could head over to the forest from The Sill, do a circuit there, with a bit north towards Kielder perhaps, and then come back along the minor road we'd used on the outward.

the other thing I am looking at for us as a possibility is the old railway to Alston from Haltwhistle, if the weather is iffy, but I like that patch of ground north of Hadrian's Wall, it's bleak and quite awe inspiring and we can cycle from the hostel door, which I like to do (not sure why!).

cheers,

Keith

[fatbikephil]

My question really is, is there an easyish way through (the forest by bike!) from the end of the surfaced road at NY723712 to PW at around NY782710?

Yup, the fire road from the road end east past Hopealone to the PW is all motorway standard. I'd be a bit dubious about trying to follow the PW to this point, I agree with Northwind - all a bit boggy (and a footpath although of course we don't bother about such minor details round here)

I've done a few gravel loops from that point (i.e. the road end at NY 72369 71067) to the res and back - it's all fairly obvious on the map but I've probably got some gpx's if you pm me.

[Tractionman]

My question really is, is there an easyish way through (the forest by bike!) from the end of the surfaced road at NY723712 to PW at around NY782710?

Yup, the fire road from the road end east past Hopealone to the PW is all motorway standard. I'd be a bit dubious about trying to follow the PW to this point, I agree with Northwind - all a bit boggy (and a footpath although of course we don't bother about such minor details round here)

I've done a few gravel loops from that point (i.e. the road end at NY 72369 71067) to the res and back - it's all fairly obvious on the map but I've probably got some gpx's if you pm me.

Excellent, many thanks @fatbikephil for that, I can see where you mean, over towards Stonehaugh from where we could swing back through High Whygate, I love those placenames!

I'll pm you if that's ok thanks, some gpx of tried and tested would be welcome.

All the best,

Keith

[fatbikephil]

[boxelder]

Excellent, many thanks @fatbikephil for that, I can see where you mean, over towards Stonehaugh from where we could swing back through High Whygate, I love those placenames!

The Dirty Reiver gravel event uses that area and as others have said - don't try to ride the PW. Hopefully you can open the route below on OS. The out and back to the north goes to Green bothy, which may be of interest.

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/236626 ... re&type=2d

[Tractionman]

Excellent, many thanks @fatbikephil for that, I can see where you mean, over towards Stonehaugh from where we could swing back through High Whygate, I love those placenames!

The Dirty Reiver gravel event uses that area and as others have said - don't try to ride the PW. Hopefully you can open the route below on OS. The out and back to the north goes to Green bothy, which may be of interest.

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/236626 ... re&type=2d

Superb, yes indeed that map link works for me, very many thanks for this, looks like a great route. PW avoided!

All the best,

Keith

[lookrider]

GREEN BOTHY is closed indefinitely due to structural issues
You will however still have a fantastic journey in them very secluded areas in general

[Tractionman]

GREEN BOTHY is closed indefinitely due to structural issues
You will however still have a fantastic journey in them very secluded areas in general

Many thanks, I'm looking forward to it, and the yha there too, looks like a good spot for stargazing too

[lookrider]

If you want to explore different things
There's the remains of a downed Halifax ( I think )
Unfortunately it hit glendhu hill in that area
Been on my hit list to do for some time now

[Tractionman]

I'm not sure my DMs are working Phil but a big thank you for the gpxs, really appreciated, I'll enjoy looking at the routes

All the best,

Keith