Cycling UK Forum

Looking to cycle from Port of Tyne to Penicuik in two days which is a distance of 221 KM

the halfway point is just north of Kielder into Scotland

Difficulty finding a campsite just for one night, does anyone know of any good wild camping spots with at least access to a burn for a wash and water, will have filter. This will be three weeks into July on return from a continental tour.

There is a church at Hobkirk and I was wondering if it has a water tap, just a long shot but does anyone know?? It is on the B6357 just south of Denholm.

Thanks

Whatever you do don’t stop in Kielder 3rd week in July. You’ll be eaten alive
Endless opportunities for wild camping in the area you mention. Farm yards always have a tap if you don’t like knocking on doors. Also a very basic campsite a stones throw away from that church. https://rue-du-chateau.weebly.com/camping.html

I second that about Kielder, plenty of midges!

Thanks, being from the north of Scotland (all be it on the east), I well know the problem with midgies. Thanks so far for information, really useful.

I have no idea which way you are going
But the HEN HOLE below the cheviot hill at the end if the COLLEGE VALLEY seems what you are after

Lookrider wrote: ↑24 May 2022, 9:52pm I have no idea which way you are going

I have Bit of climbing involved I think
Im guessing up the Tyne valley then over the hills to Gala and on to Penicuik. Hope the weather gods are kind and he’s stocked with everything needed after Bellingham.

Try a bothy?
Wainhope, Leyburnsfoot, and perhaps Kershopehead are all reasonably accessible by bike

beeb wrote: ↑24 May 2022, 6:06pm
There is a church at Hobkirk and I was wondering if it has a water tap, just a long shot but does anyone know?? It is on the B6357 just south of Denholm.

Often pass there, and NO there is no water tap, it is sort of a half way of one of my regular rides and I have never found a suitable water fill place in that area. - and I wouldn't drink out of the Rule water there either, a lot of sheep just upstream.


A bit further than your half way mark, But this would be a nice place to over night
https://goo.gl/maps/etrkXKKhvGeP7XV9A
have seen an occasional tent in this area, don't see why you couldn't overnight here?
again its a big sheep area so fill up the water bottles above the farm.

If you get as far as Pebble suggests just carry on to Cacrabank.
Very cycling friendly farm. Used to be a control for a 400k Audax. Did catering at weekends in a caravan in the wee field by the buchts. Also did catering for LEL Ettrick control.

If you are going through Gala then following the NCN 1 there are a few nice spots alongside the Tweed.
One I would recommend is Glenkinnon Woods, just in Peel, go through the car park , keep to the right and there is a nice flat grassy area by the burn. Water tap at the side of Caddonfoot Church.
We live just by here, let me know if you need any more info.

The direction this thread is going in will end up a full tour of the Borders and we’ll have you in Penicuik before you know it.

seems like it!!!

seems like it!!!

matbe just switch the lights on and ride through the night!!

wondering about this spot to camp as it's about halfway, there appears to be a burn previously for water as I'll have a filter.

anyone know the spot and know if I could pitch a tent, seems to be a popular campervan spot

thanks all

https://goo.gl/maps/kuivYzfnb1GQNius6

did look at two campsites, Rubislaw want £35 and Rue de chateau want £20 but no showers, washing facilities so in essence wild camping

think I'll just find a spot in the woods?

Nowhere near to your chosen spot, but I once camped in a Graveyard and there was a tap! It was a Cemetery rather than a Church so technically not a Graveyard, but it sounds good! It was very quiet and peaceful but it rained. I put the tent up close to the front wall by the road because I was hidden, but admit that I was up early and gone. If anyone is interested it was near Bridgwater in Somerset.