Cracking roads in Northumberland #7 : To Hethpool 

Thank you v.much for the name check and this excellent example of a cracking ride, its something to ride along simply for the sake of immersing oneself in beautiful countryside - pure bliss. It matters not that it may be a dead end, the purpose of a motorbike is to be used, thanks also for popping the details on start/finish this is another route to stick in my log for when I'm back in Wooler once more. When you (or any subscribers) are next down North Yorks way, can I suggest a recent discovery that I made last Friday and which I've been compelled to do once again today, Sunday. Starting at Strikes Garden Centre just outside Stokesley, turn left and follow the A172 to the roundabout and left onto the A173, turning shortly afterwards right down Battersby Lane towards Easby & along the Kildale valley. Shortly after Kildale Cricket Club, take the right hand turn down Crag Bank leading to Sleddale Road. Follow this through Westerdale to Young Ralph's Cross situated on Blakey Ridge. Take a right then immediate left down Knott Road heading for Rosedale East, as you come down the bank the right turn onto Daleside Road is on a difficult left hand bend so take care there. Then follow Daleside road until the dead end where you will find the delight that is Dale Head Farm Tea Room. It is quite remote but well worth the trip to sample a pleasing selection of soup, cakes, sausage rolls, leaf tea, coffees etc. and a nice view from its garden, back up the valley that you came along! You will score additional points if you return along Daleside Road and turn right, past the amusing Bell End Farm to the pretty village of Rosedale Abbey with its pleasant cafe's and pub but do not be distracted by their charms, instead take a left at the Milburn Arms Hotel and travel up Heygate Bank which changes its name a few times as it crosses the NYorks National Park towards Goathland and you are aiming for Beck Hole and the Birch Hall Inn - the smallest Pub in Yorkshire . And an excellent spot to stop by the Eller Beck after an entertaining ride. The Tripadvisor review left by the contributor 'Roaming the Ridings' best describes the pub's atmosphere and the ale. Be aware, its a cash only bar!

We are so lucky to get your cultural insight on this part of beautiful Northumbria ... : So the next time you visit the Hethpool agricultural show make sure to see the outstanding hand crafted lamp shades next to the walking stick booth ... A nice quiet elderly Welshman named Mr H. Leckter just moved into that carivan up the hill on the top of Graham's patch ... Beautiful workmanship at affordable prices ... Has anyone seen Graham latley ?

Really enjoy the eloquent quality of your vlogs, well thought out content, edited, and provides value with good humour. Thanks and ride safe

Great road, found it by accident getting ‘lost’, living in Northumberland I never cease to be amazed by the variety of landscape.

Lovely part of the world. My cousin used to have a cottage on the A697 near to Humbleton outside of Wooler. The Cheviots are stunning. Glad you’re back in t’saddle lad. Hats off.

wonderful to go along for the ride with you, roads look so much better then here down south where there'e no pot holes just craters

Great stuff. I'm still hoping for beer.

Amazing spot to ride on bro. Really nice.

Great ride along. Perfect looking scrambler roadways. And that surely does look like 🇺🇸 🐺 territory .

The smartphone on the left of the screen gets in the way. Glad you like the CL. Racing sheep. Haha!.

Very clever. My Serow would eat those roads for breakfast too.

That's a big topbox. Mind you I'm one to talk. I took mine off the other day - after a number of years - and the FJR started handling like a, er, motorbike. Funny what 10kg cantilevered over the back end will do.

You’re right. The roads are cracking up along with the rider of the motorcycle. Come on Phil a Sinnis could never get up to those speeds. Or was the 16mm cine camera speeded up? Beautiful countryside though, I’m a bit jealous. Still when I visit I’m sure you’ll give me a guided tour? 😊

Many thanks for the ride-a-long. Not a fan of the phone, though.

Beware the moon

You might not be so wrong about the property at end of the lane, one post van and the large white van and a motorcyclist 'filming', allegedly, the only traffic that week, very dodgy!