Yes, it's a bit out the road, yes, there's a fair bit of fireroad. The singletrack at the start is really nice though, Loved the descent back down to the bike park just after half way round, and Pouter Lampert was most enjoyable.

I really enjoyed the bike park as well, though sh1t out a lot of things due to being on my tod! (that's my excuse anyway).

Good work.

What is the snow cover like down that way? Was thinking Kielder or Newcastleton this weekend.

there's a big bike demo day on at Kielder this weekend…

I was there on wednesday evening. Hardly any snow and only a couple of patches of ice. Good fun

Newcastleton is fine (and 100% of ace). Kielder however was covered in a substantial (thigh-deep in places) blanket of snow on Sunday.

see here
and here

I was at Kielder Monday afternoon. All of the deadwater red and the black up and over trail was rideable apart from the very last bit up to Deadwater Fell itself.

Couple of icy spots to watch out for though!