I rode up there on Monday this week – bolts law down to edmundbyers is good going really although there are a few parts that are boggy. If you look carefully, you’ll still see the hand prints where I was stopped instantaneously by an axle deep puddle and chucked over the bars. Just watch out for that bit and you’ll be fine!
The section from Slaley over penny pie is a similar story really – bit wet but not bad at all. Parts of it from the little river crossing/bridge part have recently been gravelled anyway so theyre holding up well.
Enjoy it!