I had a great (if rather hot and sticky) ride this morning from Haltwhistle along to Bardon Mill and Beltingham and then up over Plenmeller Common – with incredible panoramic views to reward the climb!I didn’t pass a soul once I was on the byway heading up across the common and it felt wonderfully liberating riding alone through such remote and dramatic landscape. The warm and sunny weather helped of course – I imagine it could feel pretty wild and bleak up there in bad weather! The experience was enhanced by the many oystercatchers, lapwings and magnificent curlews swooping and calling overhead. I haven’t seen curlews at such close range before, or so many at a time – fantastic! Needless to say the freewheeling descent into Haltwhistle from what feels like the top of the world was an awesome finalé.
