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I've got a funeral to attend on Friday 17th August in Darlington (might even be a cremation), do any Darlington residents have any recommendations for cheap accommodation? Just me, my bike, a suit and some riding clothes in the car so I'm not needing anything fancy...any B&Bs that come recommended?
Also, as I'll be heading home on the Saturday (Central Scotland), where is there near Darlington that is worth a visit?
Cheers.
The Balmoral Guest House on Woodland road is good- No idea of price though
It's within walking distance to the crematorium
Biking? - not really much MTB on the doorstep, Reeth is 25 miles ish and Hamsterley Forest 15 ish
I live just outside Darlington.
Can't recommend cheap accommodation as I've never had need of it locally.
Riding wise you've got loads of options - you could take a trip across to Hamsterley Forest and ride the Red/Black (do a search on here as a route linking the best bits of both has been posted before). The black is pretty good and the newer Red sections are great fun.
Alternatively travel back north on the A68 and stop off at Edmundbyers and ride the loop starting in Edmundbyers - to Blanchland - to the edge of Slaley Forest, back round toward Blanchland and then up to Bolt Law and back to Edmundbyers on the old lead mining trails. It's one of my favourite rides anywhere. The descent from Bolts Law to Edmundbyers is really good and has a bit of everything.
I live nearby too. My mum stayed in Bannatynes hotel last time she came. Not very expensive and she thought it was pretty good. Just on edge of town so might be worth a look.
Re riding. Not a great deal straight out of the door but lots of really good riding within 30 mins. Dales, NY moors, Hamsterley all easily reachable. Give me a shout if you need more info. Jeff
Do you need to stay in Darlington itself ? If not, stay overnight somewhere in the NYM, and have a ride from the doorstep the next morning.
Don't need to stay in Darlington, just need it to be cheap! Requirements are pretty basic - place to lie down and sleep, somewhere to wash and that is pretty much it...if I can't get fed in the place I'm sure I could find somewhere near enough that would provide food. Needing Thursday night and then the Friday night (I don't think the family would appreciate me leaving 'early' from the ceremony to go ride on the Friday!
Thanks for the suggestions so far, will get phoning, ta.
Pottle round the Castle Eden walkway and its environs if you fancy something a bit easier.
Hamsterley would be the obvious place to go.
Theres a place at Fir Tree,just up the road from Hamsterley on the A68, that has rooms and its a pub as well.Been in a few times and foods good with a friendly welcome. I'm pretty sure its called the Fir Tree Hotel.
Yes,its The Fir Tree Country Hotel.
Cheers...off to check the details...ta.