A tough day and we arrived at the Premier Inn in Stockton-on-Tees pretty tired but without having had any major problems.
We left the pub in Felixkirk in good time and continued along NCR 65.
Felixkirk is on the edge of the North York Moors and there are amazing views over the Vale of York. This beautiful tree was outside our bedroom window.
The route continued through more little villages. Lots of hills but we got up most of them without getting off. The countryside is lovely and it was a beautiful morning.
After a few miles, we turned onto a forest track and started a serious climb onto the moor. No chance of riding up this one!
The views from the top were spectacular.
As we left the track we looked back
We then hurtled down to Osmotherly enjoying the fabulous scenery. There at last we passed a shop (the first since leaving Leeds!) and bought some things for lunch.
A couple of miles on, we had just settled down to our picnic when the heavens opened and lunch had to be abandoned. We got quite wet and cold even though the downpour was short.
We managed to get a coffee, dry out and finish lunch in Swainby. After that having left the moors, the going got easier and we sped along. Quite difficult to keep up with Mr March Hare Hamilton when he’s on a roll.
The last few miles were off road on excellent cycle tracks. Stockton-on-Tees gets the prize.
Durham tomorrow. Fingers crossed, we might just make it!
