Road ride around Derwent Reservoir / Waskerley / Blanchland / Edmonbyers

Todays plan of action was to collect a new pair of handlebars from Cycle Art at Prudhoe then cross over to Edmudbyers for a road ride.
I don't like driving to Prudhoe from ours as there is no direct route and all the roads are twisty and it takes forever but there was no traffic and got there for opening time. Once I picked up the bars I crossed over to Edmudbyers to park up. The rain was not forecast until midday but the heavens opened up on the way over but it was dry at Edmudbyers so I decided to make a dash for it on my good road bike as the roads were dry with only a few damp patches in places. I also packed the Pilgrims just in case it was a wash out. Its been quite a few years since I have been to Edmondbyers and there is a new village shop and static van park just off the green. I headed out straight up the long climb to the top of the Waskerley way. I didn't drop down to Stanhope so I turned right and took the lovely quiet road to the back of Blanchland. From there I rode up to Derwentside CC TT club circuit and turned left on the big corner and rode around the reservoir (reverse direction) which was well down. Up the climb and right at the top to Kiln Pit Hill crossroads, right and short section along A68 past the Motel and turned right and down the hill, over the bridge then the steady climb back into Edmondbyers. Only 21miles but it was dry & overcast with no rain and very little wind. Loads of roadies out and a couple of mtb'ers.
Driving home there was a heavy shower at midday as forecasted but the forecast changed to dry for the pm not the heavy storms that were due, typical could have extended the loop down to Stanhope then Rockhope and back to Blanchland for another two good climbs.
Enjoy the photos and more soon -

first of many cattle grid crossings

and up the first long climb

about 1/2 way

loads of sheep!

overcast

finally at the top

lovely road to Blanchland

don't see many of the original concrete snow poles

first big down

watch the edge as the new road has approx. 4-8" drop offs

local red necks - pot shots

old County Durham sign hiding in the ferns

must have crossed the border 1/2 dozen times

Blanchland

and onto the Derwentside CC Club TT course

where's all the water gone?

along walk from the sailing club to the waters edge!

and back to Edmundbyers

new bars- more on them soon