Washington and Gertrude Bell

Washington and Gertrude Bell
Saturday 3rd Sep 9.30am 26 miles
Start from Abbey Sports Centre Abbey Rd, Pity Me, Durham DH1 5DQ

Inspired by the extraordinary story of Gertrude Bell our ride’s destination will be Washington, her birthplace.

We’ll leave the Abbey Sports Centre and will initially follow the minor road towards Chester Moor where we’ll join the A167 cycle path to the Riverside Park through to Chester le Street and onwards via the A167 to the Sustrans line and on to Washington. We’ll detour via the Bell part of town and stop for a cuppa at the village centre where we can admire the trees planted by US president Jimmy Carter and Prime Minister Jim Callaghan in 1977.
Our route back will cross the Wear at the Fatfield Bridge, through Elba Park and minor roads and bridleway to Great Lumley from where we’ll head via road back to the Riverside Park and along the A167 cycle path to Durham.

The route is largely good quality surfaces. More than half will be on road but off road wise there are some short sections of rough track however it isn’t too hilly for County Durham. So most suitable for hybrid bikes but definitely not skinny road tyres.

So who was Gertrude Bell - she was was born in Washington in late 19th century and went on to be an explorer, archaeologist and instrumental in establishing the modern Iraqi state after the First World War. She was the first woman to graduate from Oxford Uni with a first class degree. And much more.... we will chat further on the day.

In order for the ride to leave promptly, please be punctual so we can carry out bike checks, etc. prior to us setting off. Expect to be out for at least 5 hours in total which will include a stop for a cuppa in Washington Village.

For any queries please contact us at [email protected] and any last minute cancellations on the day please text 07708327943 (note this phone is only for the day of the ride). If the weather is bad we will only contact you if we are cancelling the ride and will do so no later than 8am on the day by putting a message in the ‘conversation’ tab in the ride. You should receive a notification by email if there is a message. If you have not heard from us we are still riding.

Audrey