Borders loop
Paul with his wife Donna
Paul Emmott's Border Loop
A circular route via the Northumberland National Park, crossing the Scottish border close to Jedburgh, before returning to the east coast and a ride south along the gorgeous Northumberland Coast AONB.
Paul Emmott and his wife Donna from Bishop Auckland share a love of biking. Donna rides the NC750S whilst Paul is on his Suzuki GS1250FA. They are reguarly out at weekends and are lucky to live close to a great "playground" for bikers, Northumberland. This sounds to me the perfect idea for a harmonious marriage.
Approximately 160 miles (257 Km)
Paul's Suzuki GSX1250FA a perfect mile muncher for this route.
We have started the run in the pretty town of Hexham and The Small World Cafe. Though as it is a circular route you can join at any point.
There are numerous place to stop and eat on route. From the burger bar (no loos) at Carter Bar (the Scottish border point) to any number of cafes in the many towns and villages, such as Jedburgh and Seahouses. But if you fancy some posh nosh fish and chips? Why not take a look at the Fish Shack in Amble? This place was featured in a recent Hairy Bikers programme on national TV.
Craster is the home of the kipper. If you have time a visit to the smokehouse is a must. There is a shop so you can take some home...and don't worry, they are vacuumed packed so wont stink out your topbox.
Paul explains that it was down to a chance meeting with a fellow biker on the Scottish border that he found a new route.
"This ride was particularly good due to new road suggested by a stranger while on the border at Carter Bar. This lead us down a very quiet stretch of road that had as many long sweeping bends as it did right angle corners. Not too many hills, but certainly a few peaks and troughs, but visibility of the route ahead was fine. A great country road. We were on it for around half an hour without going through any villages or seeing another vehicle. Truly biking heaven!
As you return to the coast you reach Bamburgh. You are in for an outstanding view of Bamburgh Castle, which has stood guard above the spectacular Northumberland coastline for over 1,400 years. Spanning nine acres of land on its rocky plateau, Bamburgh Castle is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country.
Beyond Bamburgh you head south towards Amble and then Seahouses.
Paul continues, "After Seahouses we took the coast road along the beautiful Northumberland coast. This was even better than normal due to the sun being out. Yet again lots of lovely country roads to ourselves. If you like fast country roads with the odd technical section and a fish n chip lunch, then this ride is for you".