Can I Make It Up Crawleyside? | C2C Training Ride to Tunstall Reservoir

On this mountain bike adventure I head out on a warm spring-like day for a scenic ride to Tunstall Reservoir in Weardale, County Durham — one of the most beautiful cycling locations in the North East of England. The ride begins on the Lanchester Valley Railway Path (Sustrans Route 14) before joining the Waskerley Way (Sustrans Route 7), which forms part of the famous Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle route. Along the way I pass peaceful rivers, streams, quiet villages and open countryside, with plenty of wildlife including curlews, lapwings and newly born lambs enjoying the sunshine. Leaving Waskerley Way, I take a rough moorland track which is perfect for bird watching before reaching Salter’s Gate, where the views overlooking Tunstall Reservoir are absolutely stunning. A steep and sketchy gravel descent takes me down to the reservoir picnic area where I stop for some food and a chat before continuing the ride. From there I explore hidden riverside trails along the River Wear through Wolsingham, Frosterley and Stanhope, stopping to refill my water at the Lakes & Dales Co-op before visiting the impressive Stanhope Castle. To finish the ride, I tackle the legendary Crawleyside Bank climb, known as one of the toughest hills on the C2C cycle route. With plans to bikepack the Coast to Coast route soon, this seemed like perfect training — but you’ll have to watch to see if I make it to the top! This ride is all about relaxing cycling, adventure, scenic views and a bit of my usual talking nonsense along the way. #adventurecycling #bikepacking #cyclinguk #cycling #c2c #gravelride #mtbuk #cyclingadventure #coasttocoast Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/twin-ponds License code: UD6MEYOEPDBDIKC4 Other music: Solace by by Lee Sheridan. Dark Momentum by Lee Sheridan. ---------- CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro 1:04 Whitehall Moss 4:21 View over Tunstall Reservoir 5:55 Sketchy Gravel Downhill 6:57 Frog 7:23 Tunstall Reservoir 11:46 Scenic Trails 16:40 Stanhope 17:50 Flapjack 18:40 Stanhope Castle 19:17 Starting the Climb 23:48 Parkhead Cafe 28:42 Sigs 29:35 Outro