Pencaitland cyclepath reworked

 

17th Oct.

Having recently rediscovered the joys of the Winton route off the Pencaitland cyclepath we were keen to go again but rework the furthest section which, following some online info, guided us round  Pencaitland trails and meant less tarmac. 

We parked at Crossgatehall and set off in fairly unpromising weather. It seemed to get better as we progressed, or maybe I just got used to the unrelenting grey. The turning leaves and overhead geese cheered things up as much as possible. Not in the same way as sunshine and butterflies but hey, you can't have everything.

broken stinkhorn

acorn

Winton wonderland

Normally at the road crossing we head west along the road for 300 yards then hook up with the way we've come. Mary, last time, had suggested we cross the road into the trees and follow a sign. I strongly argued against this as the big house is just across there and we didn't really have a plan. However checking online info and a pdf, there did appear to be a valid trail that went (un-instinctively) East then round by Pencaitland and on the other side of the river. It turned out to be really pretty good and I'm sure some of it featured in the Pencaitland Trail 10k last time I ran it. 

Car tooted hello about here - turned out to be Brian D

Pencaitland Kirk
(I used to go to school with the minister's wife. Hello Ann!)

great trails

Kingfisher Bridge
(didn't see any)

bit swampy - expect 'gators

back onto the cyclepath
Wind was behind us at this point which made the gentle climb easier.

Saw 2 stars of the running world in the last mile or 2. Michelle updated us about the Wooler Trail Marathon, having done it several times. (Since M and I hadn't done sufficient training, we weren't that bothered when it was cancelled and turned into a virtual event.)

Then saw David who is looking superfit. Sadly his marathon was also cancelled - it would have been very interesting to see what sort of amazing time he was capable of. Hopefully he will get a chance to race while at his current level of fitness. (71min half in training!)

12 miles (1/4 mile longer than previous)
dotted line shows previous route