To celebrate mapping Cramlington by bicycle, I decided to treat myself to a new steed. After Wiggle delivered a large box containing a new Focus Red Falls, I have been itching to get out and about on the newly mapped Cramlington Cycleway Network.

Tonight, I decided to ignore the 7C air temperature and winter night to do something different. Starting at Cramlington, I followed National Cycle Route 1 down past Horton Grange, and through new housing developments to Blyth Adsa. What is normally a horrible place to visit by car (bad traffic!), is well appointed with excellent cycleways.

Coming back though Bebside, I decided against the easy route and turned off past an old civic amenity site to follow an old road pre-dating the modern A189 trunk route.

Pedalling along on tarmac being slowly reclaimed by nature, my head torch was the only shaft of light piercing the winter night. Slowing only where a flash of hedge showed a sharp bend, the cold night was quickly forgotten as the exhilaration of exploring the unknown took hold.

The orange sodium skyglow of Cramlington confirmed the Garmin GPS was pointing true, as eerie pinpricks of light appeared. Ah- horses have white eyes!

The glow from The Three Horse Shoes pub looked inviting, but I left the empty picnic tables and headed for home.

Hathery Lane is now mapped. Unused by vehicles for many years, but a great short cut for cycles.