Having had the week of work this week, I decided to take a break from tech stuff and do a bit of exercise (something that i have neglected a little of late). My aim was to get out and enjoy the lovely sunshine we are currently having and to loose a few pounds. I managed to get out and do a 10-15 mile run everyday for the last 5 days, but only managed to loose literally a couple of pounds. Unlike Lucinda who has lost a stone in the last month!
On Wednesday I look the 38 mile drive to Kielder Water and jogged around the newly opened “riverside way” multi-purpose track. Having been to Kielder in the summer before, I did have my reservations, expecting to be eaten alive by the midges and having to hack through undergrowth. However I have to say that i was very impressed with the new track, sandwiched between the forest and the lake and intersected by numerous streams, its about 2 meters wide all the way around, made of a grit/dirt on hardcore (so its not too bad on the joints) and has new handrails and bridges on all the steep sections.
I jogged about 16 miles on a there and back again route on the North shore, so I saw 8 of the 26 miles circuit. I would describe the route as mainly trail, and as reasonably flat being around a lake, but it does have a nice gentle rise and fall, so it would be ideal for doing recovery runs after a long fell run or for road runners wanting to make the transition to hills or fells.
I can’t wait to get back when i have a little more time and have a crack at doing the whole 26 mile circuit, must be one of the nicest marathon courses around, and its practically on my door step.
Hi David, Kielder was actually one of the reasons why I moved to the North East, a fabulous place full of great trails and paths. I used to travel up to the water sports club regularly…I should ensure I go more often too!