A new challenge was needed to get away from the mundane work cycle. We'd cruised through a C2C so thought we'd attempt something a bit bigger.

The challenge was route 68 from Berwick Upon Tweed to Derby. Most blogs and comments seemed to indicate not doing more than 50 miles a day. We only had 5 days including the train ride to Berwick...and using a 10mile an hour average it was surely possible. So the plan was 30 miles after the train ride on day 1, then 80 a day. Surely enough time for 4 hours in the morning a nice lunch and 4 hours in the afternoon to get in for tea. Well that was the plan...here's the reality.

Day 1- Berwick to Wooler

The adventure started with our train journey to Berwick upon tweed with a quick change at York. Top tip is to book early so you can get your bike on the train but more importantly so you get the luxury of first class with change from a £20 note. Plenty of time to peruse over the map and imagine what is going to happen over the next few days.

The run into Berwick touches the coast line producing some fantastic views and following the traverse of the impressive bridge we arrived at the station. Having collected the bikes from the train I realised I'd already lost my biking glasses. Not the best start but maybe a sign of things to come.

After a little trip into Berwick we located the Route 68 signage and set off heading west initially along the A6105. We crossed the A1, passed through Loughaughs and Gainslawhill and then 3.7 miles in entered Scotland for a short period. Switching south along the B461 we passed Tweedhill before finding a little gem of a bridge across the River Tweed that took us back across the border into England.

The union bridge as it is known is a suspension bridge opened in 1820. At that time it was the longest wrought iron suspension bridge in the world with a span of 449 feet (137 m), and the first vehicular bridge of its type in the United Kingdom.

Today it is the oldest suspension bridge still carrying road traffic and is a Category A listed building in Scotland and a Grade I listed building in England. Pretty impressive and such a great way to cross the border.

Heading south we touched the edge of Horncliffe and then 11miles in we reached Norham Castle to the south of the banks of the River Tweed. Part of English Heritage, Norham Castle was one of the most attacked castles by the Scots. It was besieged at least 13 times, once for nearly a year by Robert Bruce.

Our journey continued south passing lovely countryside, through Grindon and Grindonrigg until after 17miles we reached the edge of the river Till. A mile of riding a lovely trail along the river Till and we reach Etal with another small impressive castle.

Built by Robert Manners as a defence against Scots raiders in the mid 14th century, it fell to James IV's invading Scots army in 1513, immediately before their catastrophic defeat at nearby Flodden. It is set back from a really lovely village with some quaint tea rooms, which unfortunately were shut. At this point the rain started. From here on it drizzled the rest of the day.

Continuing further south for an uneventful 10 miles we passed over rolling countryside on country roads. Through Ford Forge, Kimmerston and Doddington to reach the B6348 29 miles into our day.

Two miles along the B6348 and we arrive at Wooler for a well-deserved meal. Wooler is a small town in Northumberland. It lies on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, near the Cheviot Hills. It is a popular base for walkers and is referred to as the "Gateway to the Cheviots". It lies on the St. Cuthbert's Way long-distance footpath between Melrose Abbey and Lindisfarne. Perfect for us cyclists too because the town has a youth hostel, many hotels, and campsites as well as many shops and pubs for replenishing food. The lodge for the night was the cracking 'No 1 hotel and wine lodge' with a tapas evening meal. A very decorative and comfy place to stay.

The days ride totalled 30.98 miles with 1,373ft of climbing.