I was trying to remember what it was about this trail that so enraptured me the first time my self and "she who peddles behind" cycled this section.

After all is not long and all of it is along an old railway line, yes it has wonderful views and a varying countryside but what was it we really enjoyed.

It was, as my wife pointed out, the totally invigorating feeling of space, see if you agree.

I always try to add extra interest to my rides and as you are well over 1000 feet you will spend a lot of time looking at clouds. Therefore the education on this ride is to learn to differentiate the 4 most popular clouds you may encounter.

I wont insult you by describing how clouds are formed, enough to know they originate from all the kettles in America

Cumulus Clouds are fluffy 'cauliflower' clouds that form low in the sky below 6,000 feet. (We like these)

At the starting point you should be near a giant red bucket on rollers that was no doubt used on the Waskerley way and acts as a marker for where several trails converge.

We are heading west along what is a delightful trail for cyclists. Nice and easy with wonderful views to keep you occupied the first of which you encounter is the viaduct shown below.

Although you have just started out take a couple of minutes in the middle to appreciate not only the views but also the engineering that went into this railway bridge.

The first couple of miles lead you out from the agricultural farm land into upland farming where denim is replaced by tweed and everyone listens to the Archers (I can say this as I am related to many upland farmers and know it to be true)

You are now starting to find the track opens out and is more obvious as an old railway line.

History Lesson

This railway line was opened in 1834 to transport aggregate from the Wear valley, initially using a cable and gravity system (the full ones went down and pulled the empty ones up.

However in 1854 this was improved to include steam engines and was used until 1969
when it was closed to all rail traffic.

Cumulonimbus clouds are thick fluffy clouds that form low in the sky and can rise high into the sky 50,000 feet. They have a flat anvil-shaped top and can mean thunderstorms. (We don't like these)

Again the powers that be have made a good job of this trail with several information points along the way informing you of not only the history but also the flora and fauna you may encounter on your journey.

Did I mention there were no hills? Well by now you will realise you are travelling upwards on a gentle incline where the only steep bits are short but rewarded with a free wheel of a couple of hundred yards.

These are where the tunnels have been filled in and you do have thankfully a couple of sections which will increase your heart rate. However what goes up must come down so look up at the clouds and you will soon reach the turning point.

Another interesting feature you will encounter where the track zig zags is a run down area surrounded by high wire fencing that looks to be from the 2nd World War. I originally thought it might be a POW camp but could be gun placements. If any one would like to inform me I would be interested as my extensive research (Google) let me down.

Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy and form high in the sky above 18,000 feet. They are made of ice crystals because it is very cold high up.

This final pull to the top is not difficult except that you can see where you are going and it looks a long way.

You are greeted at the top of the hill by a wonderful bicycle pub/hotel that promises to never close. On an agreeable evening you can sit outside and enjoy the altitude or there is a café atmosphere within.

This is an out and back again ride but please don't let my lack of description lead you to think this is an uninteresting sojourn.

There is plenty to see and do on the way including a half mile detour to a reservoir which provides a great picnic site however please be aware of the midge opening hours.

Choose the weather carefully (you are now cloud experts) and this is a ride you will enjoy and return to whenever the big city crowds your personal space

Stratus clouds are thick blankets of cloud which produce light rainfall