The northern bike tour continues! Another day on the bikes and this time though some different terrain as we headed south to Darlington. The storm was wild last night with gales and heavy rain but it had all abated by sunrise, leaving us with a bright still morning to set out into.
The morning's route was almost entirely on an old railway track and part of the 'Euro Velo 12' - a bike route which goes the length of the county, over to Holland, Denmark and up the coast of Sweden (we rode the Swedish section a few summers ago). There were barely any sights or villages to pass though, so we set off with supplies from the shop in Shotton Colliery and enjoyed a break by some small reservoirs.
This was the view for many kilometres!
Without the wind, things were much easier and we headed due south in pretty much a straight line...
The railway came to an end at the old station at Thorpe, where we chilled in the sun on the platform and had some snacks.
More rural cycling led through a couple of villages and just as we were ready for a break, The Talbot provided us with a good cup of tea and a seat in the sun. Right on time...
The final hour into Darlington was mostly on roads, so not quite as chilled as the rest of the tour, but soon enough, in the bright afternoon sunshine, we rode back into the town where we'd started from.
We went straight into the town centre to see the market hall and town square.
Then aimed off to the familiar sight of the station clock town were we'd started from, seemingly an absolute age ago!
The van was just where we'd left it (outside someone's house on their drive for a small fee!). Always a relief!
Next stop was to find a supermarket and pick up some food for the next few days and get ourselves into the next accommodation near Richmond (using the van for transport this time). Think we'll be okay here for the next few days!
Total Ride: 38km
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