I’ve spent a lot of time riding in groups over the past few years. While my antisocial tendencies mean I often prefer researching routes on my own, the chats you have in groups can be brilliant, as other riders suggest roads to try – particularly if they’re in an area I thought I already knew pretty well. It's where the real hidden gems get revealed.

 

This loop around Newcastle links up some of my favourite roads on the not-so-direct run to the Border and back again, plus it plugs in a couple of fresh stretches suggested to me on recent tours with Chickenstrips. Once again it proves: you can’t beat local knowledge… even if I’ve hijacked it from a genuine local or two.

 

I hope you’ll enjoy the resulting ride: a relaxed day breaking out of Newcastle and taking some brilliant B-roads before the Scottish Border, then a short but sweet stretch to loop back to England and into the high Pennines. There are so many great roads and views up here – it really is biking heaven.