Notable North East women - In search of Gertrude Bell

In search of Gertrude Bell
Sat 30th May 2026 10am 16 miles
Start from Chester le Street Market Place, Front St end DH3 3BQ

Inspired by the extraordinary story of Gertrude Bell our ride’s destination will be Washington, her birthplace.

We’ll leave Chester le Street via the A167 to the Sustrans line at North Lodge and continue on to Washington via Columbia. We’ll detour via the Bell part of town and stop for a cuppa at the village centre where we can admire the trees planted by US president Jimmy Carter and Prime Minister Jim Callaghan in 1977.
Our route back will cross the Wear at the Fatfield Bridge, through Elba Park and minor roads and bridleway to Great Lumley from where we’ll head back via road and the Riverside Park.

Our ride is part of a collaboration of celebrating notable women in the North East with Cycle with Jan and North East Breeze Leaders. We are attempting to start rides near to train stations so they are as accessible as possible. This one starts a few hundred yards from Chester le Street station which is on the East Coast mainline between Newcastle and Durham with an hourly Trans Pennine service in each direction. Bikes must be booked on their trains in advance and if you need any help with booking, message us and we can assist.

And who was Gertrude Bell - she was was born in Washington in late 19th century and went on to be an explorer, archaeologist and instrumental in establishing the modern Iraqi state after the First World War. She was the first woman to graduate from Oxford Uni with a first class degree. And much more.... we will chat further on the day.

The route is largely good quality surfaces. More than half will be on road but off road wise there are some short sections of rough track however it isn’t too hilly for County Durham. So most suitable for hybrid bikes but definitely not skinny road tyres.

In order for the ride to leave promptly, please be punctual so we can carry out bike checks, etc. prior to us setting off. Expect to be out for at least 4 hours in total which will include a stop for a cuppa in Washington Village.

For any queries please ‘message ride creator’ in this posting.

If you cannot make it please cancel your place and if last minute, ie the morning of the ride, please also put a note in the ride ‘conversation’ which will increase our chances of seeing it.

Audrey