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Only just got around to watching 10 o clock live from 3rd feb, they had a bit about the forestry sell off and the old ex-tory seemed to be saying "look at kielder! bloody awful place, full of trees!"
eh?
MIDGES!!!!!!!!!!!
(IME)
it's too far away and there are far too many better places to ride on the way, cut it down I say 😉
Very true.MIDGES!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe they rode the newer loop with the decking section. What a waste of human effort. The other trails there are ok, but that is by far and away the most awful purpose built MTB trail i've ever ridden. Truly awful.
I like Kielder - it's always quiet! But yes, the midges there are the worst I've ever experienced (and my folks live on Skye). The campsite by the pub is the perfect breeding ground - a nice, sheltered valley with a stream running down one side.
Is all that north shore stuff open yet?
IA +1
And its miles away from anywhere and really awkward to get to. Its 50Miles away from me and takes 1h40m to get too. I can get to GT in 2 hrs so never bother with Kielder.
On a seperate note though I dont think its used enough as a holiday type destination (centre parcs kind of place) For a day trip if it was closer to Newcastle or A69 then it would be great but I think it suits a holiday destination better. If there was more investment in infrastructure there it could create more jobs for Northumberland - but they would need to do something about midges
old ex-tory
jobs for Northumberland.
don't tories like to un-employ northern types?
I've never been, but I'm sure I am going to absolutely hate the place after doing 100 miles around there in September...
Why did I ever think signing up for that race would be a good idea??
If it's a nice day Nick you'll love it, if its orrible...dunno guess it could go either way, good luck.
Wasn't really thinking about the quality of trails there, was more wondering why this tory guy didn't like the place, wrong trees? badly managed? or is it just cause it's publicly owned?
I'd disagree with it being an awful place. The boardwalk section is there because underneath it is peat, many metres deep. It's effectively a link section. Plus, the views from that section are incredible. I think they've done a good job of creating some decent riding in what is a vast remote area.
I was riding there yesterday. Whilst I have no comments to make on the trails themselves as I only rode a few of them I have a little piece of advice for funkynick...
Mate...it was HARD work...if you want to do the 100 mile thing there get some serious training in!
It has a unique sandy soil that turns into grinding paste in the wet, you can see your componements wearing away in front of your eyes.
I rode there for a morning and was left with just a frame, handle bars and one pedal..Everything else, gone, vanished...........
It has a unique sandy soil that turns into grinding paste in the wet
As a part time Welshman I can assure you that's not unique 🙂
I thought Kielder was a sterile monoculture aimed at maximum timber production and minimum biodiversity?
Theres some very nice fire roads up there which are accesable (and I think legal) to drive on 🙂 unless its just opened up a bit when rallys are on.
there is a long fireroad you can pay a toll to drive on - i did it once never again, it was a bit rough and car was covered in dust by the end of it.
My uncles cottage was drowned when the lake was formed. It was lovely around there once.
The road leading up to it from the A68 is great on a motorbike.
Oh, I'm sure I'll enjoy parts of it, like the finish, but...
Mate...it was HARD work...if you want to do the 100 mile thing there get some serious training in!
People saying things like that really isn't helping you know! ;o)
There's a collection of small valleys in remote Mid Wales somewhere that look like I imagine the ones around Elan Valley must've done before they were destroyed.. Beautiful. Can't remember the names but might be able to find them on a map. Went through them on a Polaris once.
Molegrips - sign yourself up for TransWales then. You'll see every valley, reservoir, bog and forestry commission patch in Mid Wales. Some of them twice even!
Kielder dam under construction...
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I know a lot of 'em already. And Trans Wales is definitely on my list 🙂