Received a pm asking if we were doing any runs mid week and although Steph and I were in Cambridge at the time, we would be back in Newcastle later that week, so a quick bit of organisation saw PorthoZ, Cherrym and Metal Licker meeting up with yours truly at Haltwhistle for a run around Kielder and the Bonchester Bridge - Hawick - Newcastleton loop.
Weather forecast was mixed with light rain clearing as the day went on - A 10am meet up saw 3 of us heading for Chollerford and then Bellingham where we'd meet Cherrym and another mate who often joins us on our runs, David. Not a bad run up to Bellingham but after that the traffic gods were really with us and we had a terrific day. Some of these roads are epic and I'll take any opportunity to get out on them - they are an absolute delight
.
Again, the forecast was spot on and the sun came out after lunch but most of us had our roofs down from the start.
Giving it 5 mins to allow traffic to clear ahead on the way to Bellingham
Davegolfr (now PorthoZ) in his newly acquired 3.0si (Great to have him using what is an immaculate example on such a filthy day Mudflaps useful! )
Coffee break to meet up with Cherrym at Bellingham Workhouse café.
We all picked up quite a few leaves and the roads were challenging but had been well cleaned by the heavy rain overnight - despite this there were tales of twitching traction lights . . .
The weather kept improving and by the time we arrived at Hawick for lunch, the sun was making an appearance
A massive free carpark at the centre of Hawick with toilets makes a useful stopping point.
Have a few more photos to upload and to post - suffice to say the roads were brilliant - the traffic, light and non existent at times and despite the road being wet and littered with leaves, we had a terrific day - nothing else like being out with like minded souls enjoying the Zed and a challenging route . The road up to Kielder is full of flowing corners and constant radius bends, then the single track section above Kielder is fun and a challenge, bringing you out on the fabulous road to Bonchester Bridge where the road then gets tighter and twistier. A real sense of fulfilment if you can get a fair run through this part of the route and sure enough - that was us! Driving at 80% on wet and slippery roads that were clear and allowed a flowing style, led to a very enjoyable day's driving - Brilliant!
Weather forecast was mixed with light rain clearing as the day went on - A 10am meet up saw 3 of us heading for Chollerford and then Bellingham where we'd meet Cherrym and another mate who often joins us on our runs, David. Not a bad run up to Bellingham but after that the traffic gods were really with us and we had a terrific day. Some of these roads are epic and I'll take any opportunity to get out on them - they are an absolute delight
. Again, the forecast was spot on and the sun came out after lunch but most of us had our roofs down from the start.
Giving it 5 mins to allow traffic to clear ahead on the way to Bellingham
Davegolfr (now PorthoZ) in his newly acquired 3.0si (Great to have him using what is an immaculate example on such a filthy day
Mudflaps useful! )
Coffee break to meet up with Cherrym at Bellingham Workhouse café.
We all picked up quite a few leaves and the roads were challenging but had been well cleaned by the heavy rain overnight - despite this there were tales of twitching traction lights . . .
The weather kept improving and by the time we arrived at Hawick for lunch, the sun was making an appearance
A massive free carpark at the centre of Hawick with toilets makes a useful stopping point.
Have a few more photos to upload and to post - suffice to say the roads were brilliant - the traffic, light and non existent at times and despite the road being wet and littered with leaves, we had a terrific day - nothing else like being out with like minded souls enjoying the Zed and a challenging route
. The road up to Kielder is full of flowing corners and constant radius bends, then the single track section above Kielder is fun and a challenge, bringing you out on the fabulous road to Bonchester Bridge where the road then gets tighter and twistier. A real sense of fulfilment if you can get a fair run through this part of the route and sure enough - that was us! Driving at 80% on wet and slippery roads that were clear and allowed a flowing style, led to a very enjoyable day's driving - Brilliant!
Don't begrudge us a great day out 
We know how lucky we are and we make the most of it 
from all those involved and one on a rare day off given an opportunity to travel quite some distance to take part - we were more than willing to meet up and get out on the road . . . . 
