Day 8 and our last on the trail was wet and cold. We had hoped to get to Kielder Forest but Hadrian's wall was a huge achievement for us. We didn't see much of Northumberland for the mist and were glad to get the train at Haltwhistle. Thankfully no battle needed to get all three bikes on either. Kielder and Scotland...we'll be back. Please be drier. #GreatNorthTrail #CyclingUk

Day 7 was Great Dun Fell. The climb is a treat - a sealed service road closed to traffic. The route from the top though is tough with much unrideable bog and rocks. We found the first person riding the route - a Dutch man who offered us all some cheese. Funny thing I had crackers to share so we had an impromptu bikepackers picnic. A Hen Harrier and Kingfisher made up for smallest child being stuck in knee deep bog. Shame it was too chilly for a swim in the Tees. #GreatNorthTrail #cyclinguk

Day 6 and we rolled down the road for a rest to Pendragon Castle picking up the trail after Kirkby Stephen. 1 mile from our campsite at Dufton my tyre blew out beyond repair and I discovered the bike shop in Appleby closed at lunchtime. Lucky for us some friendly campers provided a lift to Penrith for a new tyre so our trip could continue. I recommend carrying a spare for this route. My problem is with the kids I would need 3 different sizes so I took none. Oops. #GreatNorthTrail #Cyclinguk

Day 5 was a stunner. We barely saw a soul but had Curlews, Ravens and a couple of massive bulls for company. We stuck to the route climbing Ingleborough to see the incredible limestone pavement at Thieves Moss, then taking on Cam Fell and Wold Fell with the best flowing descent between. We had a night of luxury at the Goats and Oats B and B in Garsdale Head. They serve up a vegan breakfast feast and even did our laundry. 5 star review for getting close to those socks. #GreatNorthTrail #cyclinguk

Day 4 we bundled away a sopping tent and jumped on the Leeds canal to find a hot breakfast at the lovely Esse Factory cafe in Barnoldswick. A flatter day was tough going in knee high grass bridleways so we took minor roads to Settle. It was a cycle tourers gathering outside Booths! Riders on The Two Roses route were also stocking up on supplies. We picked up the route again and the trail into Austwick is fantastic - quintessential Yorkshire Dales. #GreatNorthTrail #CyclingUK

Day 3 we diverted for some of the day to the Rochdale canal to spare our legs but still climbed 1300m in our 60km ride. It's a tough route this #GreatNorthTrail. We did get sunshine for most of the day, great descents and big spaces though. #cyclinguk #BikeTooter

Day 1 is complete. Tough going in parts but no rain and Dame Sarah Storey gave us a wave as she passed on her bike on a minor road. How cool is that! #Cyclinguk #Greatnorthtrail

The soundtrack for the MTB tour up the Pennines tomorrow with my kids is chosen. First time carrying full camping kit and often will be wild (many caravan only campsites it seems). Rain forecast every day. Much climbing. Cheeky boys have chosen "I Will Wait". I've hit back with "She Moves in her Own way" and "I'm still standing". We're hoping to reach Scotland (but might not). We have The Proclaimers ready. Wish us luck please. #GreatNorthTrail #cyclinguk #BikeTooter