On Friday I rode down to Darlington. At this time of year, getting any bike out over any distance is a bonus. Nearly all 97 miles of tarmac were filthy, the low sun shone permanently in my eyes riding south and it took nearly two hours to clean the bike when I got home. It was all worth it. Having taken the quick route when outward bound, on return I took the scenic roads through Wolsingham, Frosterley, Stanhope and Blanchland. Riding across Stanhope Common, I was treated to these wonderful sights. All taken within a few minutes of each other, the light was changing fast. A few miles further on, I descended into the mist and damp of a very foggy afternoon – the price was worth paying:
Towards Burn Hope
A very muddy GS
Moon central with Sandyford quarry building in the distance
Towards Blanchland
More of the same
northumbrian : light 
I’m glad you thought it was worth it because I love the shots!
janet
Very kind of you to say so, Janet – always exhilarating to be in the saddle and these scenes were the icing on the cake.
I understand that. I feel like that when taking a trip or riding horseback.
Looks great, some brilliant shots!
Many thanks – getting a decent length ride out in January is always a bonus.
Gorgeous landscapes. “Towards Blanchland” could have been shot in the US, too.
Thanks Pit – yes, these wide open spaces do have a feel of the US.
🙂
lovely wide open space
✨🙏🕉☀🌙⚖🪔🕊♾🈚☯🌍🐲🙋♂️
Thanks Graham – always good to be up there (except when the weather is bad).
There something about wide open skies isn’t there – Just beautiful.
Many thanks – there is a network of roads across these moors and, they are all fabulous to ride (except perhaps for the free-roaming sheep).
They can be a bit of a nightmare can’t they!