2 days cycle camping on the Pennine Bridleway

This trip was on 18, 19 & 20 Sept 2024.
I wanted to do something on my MTB which is far more capable than I am and doesn't get much use in the summer (I bought it as a bike for winter when Lincolnshire roads get covered with thick mud from farming). I rode a little bit of the PBW in the spring (see my Peak District videos - especially day 2) and got books on it, but it sounded too hard for me. But nevertheless, I had a go!
I wanted to camp, so my load was heavy for mountain biking, and I had no idea how many days I would be away so I prepared for a long trip which meant more weight - the forecast had been really good but the meteorologists were changing their plans by the time I set off; that meant I had clothes for cold, hot, wet, etc. add in the lock, tools and 1st aid I like to carry, and the camera, batteries, charger etc and it was quite a weight. My handlebar bag was heavy with tech stuff - I was surprised that removing it made it much easier to push the bike on steep rocky tracks.
I made the mistake of downloading a GPX track without checking it thoroughly. The Great North Trail follows the Pennine Bridleway at first - but the GPX file sent me on the very difficult loop via Castleton and Mam Tor which led to me leaving the route I wanted to be on and cost me several valuable hours.
I quit after 2 days because the forecast looked uncertain and then horrible. I could have continued for 1 or 2 days more, but access to rail routes home would not be as easy as it was from Tintwistle, so it was a decision to be cautious - and anyway, I was rather tired!
Hope you like the video! I do, even though I know it's not very good. The ride took me to unbelievable places, and the video brings it back for me!
I tried and tried to produce a smooth loop from this music - I failed! Sorry - you get used to it after you've listened a few dozen times!
Music: Happy Farewell
Musician: MusicLFiles
Link: filmmusic.io/s...

[@brianwheater2497]

Well done on the ride with a fully loaded bike , amazing , its not all about the distance you travel or the hard climbs its about the enjoyment you get out of it , and for me the wild camping is a bonus ,keep it up , all the best , Brian .

[@RAsadventures-zr1ge]

@@brianwheater2497 Thanks for your nice comment! It was a difficult trip, but a wonderful experience.

[@Captain_Lockheed]

Great video and amazing scenery. Thanks for sharing.

[@RAsadventures-zr1ge]

@@Captain_Lockheed My pleasure! Thanks for the nice comment!

[@20yearsagotoday1]

One of the best videos I’ve seen in a long time. Loved the subtitles and your honesty. I’m an hour from the Peak District so I must do this. Subscribed.

[@RAsadventures-zr1ge]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! It really was a great experience even though I lacked both the fitness and skill to ride as much as I'd have liked. The Peak District has some beautiful places hidden away for you to discover. Thanks for the lovely comment. I hope you enjoy your rides!

[@davidellis5312]

The tunnel at 18:10 is the old Woodhead tunnel now used as a national grid electricity duct! I really liked your video. Some of the routes are gnarly and you never feel more alone than when you having to push a bike up some of the trails but that's all part of the experience! Well done.

[@RAsadventures-zr1ge]

@@davidellis5312 Thank you. I noticed that the tunnel entrance looked very secure and a bit technical with a red light shining, but I didn't realize it was for the national grid - but that makes sense now as I remember seeing a line of pylons along the valley just before I disappeared into the mist over the top. I'm glad you liked the video - I really enjoyed making it and it reminds me of a wonderful few days of pushing, and occasionally riding, my bike - an excess of challenge but enormous satisfaction and elation for me. It is very gratifying when I hear that other people have enjoyed it - so thank you for your nice comment.

[@essextrails]

A wonderful ride and a brilliant bit of filming. I really felt for you pushing up those hills with the fully laden bike. A proper mountain biker indeed.

[@RAsadventures-zr1ge]

@@essextrails That's very nice of you! But I saw what proper mountain bikers can do, and by comparison I'm just a bloke who pushes his bike up hills and sometimes rides it down them if it's not too bumpy. But I really enjoyed doing the best I could - when things came together the feeling was just the best! Thanks for watching, and for your nice comment which is much appreciated!

[@vincentcausey8498]

Lovely shot of you cycling into the distance in the final scene.

[@RAsadventures-zr1ge]

@@vincentcausey8498 That was in Roych Clough which was a lovely place. What the video doesn't show is that I had to get off and push the rest of the way up. While I was collecting my camera 2 real mountain bikers passed me - they weren't phased.by the climb at all and were chatting as they pedalled on upwards! Thanks for watching. You must have stuck it out to the end: Hero Award 1st class! And thanks for the nice comment!

[@tfluffybunny]

Wow the scenery is fabulous, I must get up to the Peak District, but I think I will stick with the tarmac lanes! I can't imagine a steam train going around those tight corners of the old track either!

[@RAsadventures-zr1ge]

I have really enjoyed my trips around the Peak District this year - I would recommend it to anyone. There are some lovely routes on railway paths - the High Peak, Tissington and Monsal trails which are easily rideable for most people (I have several videos which include sections of them) and there are lots of other road routes as well as footpaths if you fancy a walk. As you say, the scenery is fabulous!

[@davidwalsh566]

You certainly like a challenge! A lot of hike-a-bike on steep and rugged terrain that would be tricky for a cyclist unencumbered by all the kit you were carrying, plus the added distraction of filming, and without sufficient water! Cycling on routes intended for horses and pedestrians can be a struggle; I know from experience on coastal paths in Scotland. Next time will be easier - you'll pare down the kit and maybe pick a smoother route. The Sandstone Way in Northumberland is said to be a nice trip. Great effort, well done!

[@RAsadventures-zr1ge]

Thank you for that. It certainly was an exhausting ride for me, and it widened my cycling experience disproportionately to its mileage or duration. I do need to cut down the weight carried - but just having a better idea of what to expect will help, as will not having the wrong GPX file! I quite enjoyed the experience of being a bit "out of my depth". I hadn't heard of the Sandstone Way, but I've looked it up and am quite excited about having a go. It's a fabulous area and I'd love to explore it off-road. Thanks for your thoughtful comment once again!

[@AVFTSCycling]

I believe the mountain bikers call this "gnarly" 🤘

[@RAsadventures-zr1ge]

Thank you! That is useful information. I may not be able to ride like a mountain biker, but if I have the right jargon I can at least sound like one! Gnarly! Yes, I'll remember that!

[@johnm-wv6bo]

Welcome to the peak district if your not going up hills your coming down we don`t do flat.

[@RAsadventures-zr1ge]

That is so very true! Where I come from we only do flat; a "hill" is anywhere you won't get wet feet when the tide comes in. But I enjoyed all these ups and downs, at least in retrospect!

[@mattlast4093]

great vid.... but leave each segment that has words on the screen for a second or two longer, was a bit hard to follow/read

[@RAsadventures-zr1ge]

Yes, I try to give just enough time, but I realize some were a bit too brief! It's a balance, trying to keep the video moving, but giving time to see the text. Thanks for commenting!

[@paulannable3734]

You dared to camp above Royston Vasey!?

[@RAsadventures-zr1ge]

I guess I must have, all unwitting! It was such a steep climb from the village to the moors that, so late in the day, I pretty much fell over and fell asleep where my energy ran out!

[@davidellis5312]

The tunnel at 18:10 is the old Woodhead tunnel now used as a national grid electricity duct! I really liked your video. Some of the routes are gnarly and you never feel more alone than when you having to push a bike up some of the trails but that's all part of the experience! Well done.