Official Opening Ride
Day 7 - 21th. July 2006
Featherstone Castle to Haltwhistle to Corbridge
Distance 30 mile


Mile 138.0 near Hexham
Link to Hexham Town centre

Leaving NCN 72 at Tyne Green we climbed up to Hexham Abbey and our meeting with the school children from the Sele First School. Arriving in the Abbey Grounds were greeted by Roman Centurions and Gladiators in full regalia who guided us into the school playground where we were greeted by hundreds of children riding around the school playground out into the park and back.

Arriving at the Sele First School - Hexham

Once again the school children had been busy making cakes and biscuits for everyone. A plentiful supply of water and juice was on hand and quickly everyone drank their fill.
An ice cream van arrived in the park and soon there was a long queue waiting.
Hexham Abbey and Gardens

Soon it was time for the children to go home and start their summer holidays, we bid them farewell and headed back down to the river to cross over the County Bridge at Hexham.

Despite arranging a police escort, none arrived, so it was up to the Rangers to organise the crossing. The bridge is narrow with only narrow footways each side - one of which is blocked by an emergency water pipe to supply Hexham after the Jan 2005 floods washed away the pipe where it crossed the River Tyne.

With traffic in Hexham at gridlock we crossed the bridge - most motorists were understanding but some were not, but we all got across safely.

Next stop Corstopitium - Corbridge Roman Site and Tyne Tees Television who were waiting for us there along with the Roman Re-enactors who using their "Chariot" had proceeded us.

Corstopitium - Corbridge Roman Site - Mile 142.0

Photo shoot and interviews complete we had one final river crossing that day at Corbridge to the camp site at the Rugby Club ground in Tynedale Park.


The oldest bridge over the River Tyne at Corbridge

Owing to the club secretary being not available the Rugby Club bar was not open - so we descended on the local Devells PH. Here the riders made presentations to various people who had organised or helped on the ride - this was very much appreciated by all those concerned.

After another long hot day it was time for sleep and gather strength for the last day.