Washington and Gertrude Bell

Washington and Gertrude Bell
Sunday 9th March 2025 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 via road and the Riverside Park.

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’.

We may alter the route dependent in the weather and if we cancel the ride we’ll try to make the call the night before, and certainly no later than 8.30am on the day by putting a message in the ‘conversation’ tab in the ride. You should receive a notification by email/keep an eye on the ride in let’s ride. If you have not heard from us we are still riding.

So 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.

Audrey and Janet