many thanks for the advice guys – will look to incorporate a couple of thesuggestions in a couple of weeks time. Doingthe first couple of days of the c2c, but once to avoid the drag into Newcastle and Tynewouth and head over to Hexham instead

its the Ullapool – Bonat Bridge ride you're thinking of. Its about 55-60K and estimated 5 hours of riding. MBR covered it about 4 years ago I think. If you do a google search on Ullapool C2C, you'll find some info. I'm thinking of doing it next year. I believe its not too technical and only climbs up to about 300m – mostly on double track I understand. check out this link http://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/2129/Across_Scotland_by_bike__ndash;_with_the_scars_to_prove_it!.html

rode a circuit aound the area on saturday – travelled up from south coast so dontthe area that weell. Noticed some singletrack sections in Great wood and wondering if anyone could tellme where there are good sections of man made singletrack. Cheers Nick