| Anyone who has ridden this section
will testify as to the feelings of total remoteness that it
generates. You can literally cycle for hours on this section
without seeing a soul. Not the ideal place for your chain
to snap! The huge coniferous forests of Kielder, Kershope
and Newcastleton dominate the route giving way to the lonely
but beautiful scenery of Liddesdale and beyond. The route
takes you for an all too brief foray into Scotland, allowing
you to linger in the attractive, historic border town of Newcastleton.
Following
the Scottish side of Kershope Burn
Physically, this section can be tiring. You
will have been climbing since Falstone and, although not hugely
steep, the climb is unrelenting and gets particularly hard
after Akenshawburn towards Scotch Knowe. The forest tracks
are quite rough and energy sapping. Please note that the riding
surface deteriorates significantly in wet weather which can
make very heavy going.The gradients soon start to work in
your favour though during the latter two-thirds.
|
Note: There are no services between
Kielder and Newcastleton so make sure you are well stocked
with provisions and fluids. |
Route Details
Crossing the Border
Continue from Akenshawburn along the forest track. In almost
a mile, the track forks and you should take the LH fork to
Scotch Knowe and Kershopefoot. Follow the track for a couple
of miles until you come to a steep rocky descent towards the
bridge at Kershope Burn. Linger a while at the picnic table
on t'other side of bridge as you are now in Scotland! Follow
the burn for 6miles or so (avoiding the RH track at Scotch
Kershope signed 'Kielder and Bloody Bush' unless you want
to take the link route to Newcastleton - see right). The track
brings you out at Kershope Bridge.
|
Note: The original route in the 1998
RCR map took in Newcastleton via a right turn at Scotch
Kershope re-joining at Kershope Bridge. The current
route excludes Newcastleton shaving some seven miles
off the route.
However, given the serious lack of services on this
stretch of the route, many cyclists will take the link
route to Newcastleton in order to re-stock with provisions
and to take a break folowing the strenuous effort.
|
Lovely Liddesdale
Newcastleton is in the heart
of Liddesdale. Purpose-built by the Duke of Buccleuch in 1792,
Newcastleton has broad streets and the large Douglas Square
provides a focal point for the town. There are a variety of
pubs, accommodation, shops, bank and post office.
The Liddesdale Heritage Centre is worth a visit charting
the history of the valley and its people. Also worth a look
is the fascinating Hermitage Castle which saw lots of action
during the tumultuous Border Reiver
period.
From Kershope Bridge you turn left onto a main road which
includes an immediate lung-bursting climb. This leads to the
curious hamlet of Bewcastle congregated
around some crumbling castle ruins with origins dating back
to Roman times. It really is worth a visit. The Anglo-Saxon
cross in the church is some 1300 years old. The Past &
Present Heritage Centre in the churchyard is also visit-worthy.
Another six miles of tarmac will take you to Kirkcambeck,
a small village clustered around a church. In another 4 miles
you will reach Hethersgill where
refreshments and meals are available from the Pointer Dog
Inn. The final four miles will bring you to the end of the
section at Kirklinton. |
Facts &
Figures
| |
| Mileage |
32 miles |
| Highest point |
1,209 ft |
| Lowest Point |
109 ft |
| Off-road |
33% |
| Ascending |
2,899 ft |
Places en route
The table below summarises the main locations along this
section of route. Hyperlinked place names link to pages containing
additional information about the location including accommodation.
Route Options
|
Off-Road Heaven
 Dykecrofts
provides the base for the Newcastleton Forest 7
Stanes dedicated cycle trails. The development
is one of the best mountain biking centres in the country.
There are a variety of waymarked loops catering for
all abilities up to expert. Jumps, drop-offs, obstacles,
skills areas - it's all here.
|
Link Route to Newcastleton via forest tracks
Turning right at Scotch Kershope it is a case of
following the waymarked tracks (some of which are quite steep)
through Newcastleton Forest which will bring you out at
Dykecrofts. From Dykecrofts there is a narrow, quiet
tarmac stretch taking you down into Newcastleton
after crossing the fine bridge over Liddel Water.
Link Route to Newcastleton via minor roads
Simply press on to Kershope Bridge then turn right
along the tarmac road which will bring you out at Newcastleton.
Optional off-road section before Bewcastle
About 5 miles after Kershope Bridge and shortly after crossing
a ford, turn right then at the next junction turn left. This
will bring you onto a straight piece of track crossing two
streams in the process to rejoin the route just short of Bewcastle.
Douglas
Square in Newcastleton
|
