The phrase 'taking coals to Newcastle' (or pointlessly taking something to a place where they already have plenty) is fair enough unless you're in one of the places that actually did take coals to Newcastle.
Today I thought I'd take a ride down to one of the coal-producing parts of the north east, a place that fuelled the industry and manufacturing in the area. Of course, today, the area is a much different place and the colliery that I rode past is now a tourist attraction but it's nice that the mine still looks something like it used to.
The ride down there was a real slog, into a headwind with icy rain in my face all the way. It was one of the few moments during this challenge that I've wondered what I was doing and wondering why Dr No on the telly and a sofa wasn't a better option, but given I'd done all the hard work getting down there the ride back—with the wind behind me—was quite fun! So, I swore a bit, gritted my teeth and put my head down and eventually got to Woodhorn. Although the road I spent most of my time on is much more busier that I have been used to in the last few days.
The museum at Woodhorn Colliery is in Ashington in the south of Northumberland, near the coast. The museum has an amazing array of archives and buildings including 'headframes', a winding house, a steam winding engine, stables, blacksmiths and joiners shops. But Woodhorn is not just a museum but a art space for the Ashington Group—a group of artists, mostly miners, with no formal art training.
There is still some industry on the coast with the Alcan aluminium manufacturer but the power generated in the area now comes from Lynemouth Wind Farm who's huge wind turbines tower over the original mine workings of Woodhorn.
Distance: 74.2km
Remaining: 71.8km
Strava Ride Data
Next: Festive 500 Stage 7: The Reservoir and The Romans...and Vikings!