I finally got a few days away on the XT660R doing what I'd bought it for, a bit of distance touring, camping and riding minor/Byways Open to All Traffic(BOAT).

Brimham Rocks nr. Pately Bridge


The Dales are about an hour and a half away from where I live in the East, and although I've been over there a few times before, there's plenty of untravelled stuff to do and discover.

Upper Nidderdale looking down from Middlesmoor.


...then back to

Lofthouse to Leighton Reservoir via Pott Moor High Road


After a refuel at Masham and more unclassified road bimbling, I ended up on the main A6108 that runs down Wesleydale. This wasn't part of the plan. I'd also done Coverdale/Cam Gill Road before, so the next turn off after that was the B6160....





As I'm travelling on this bike I'm looking for the Red coloured footpath arrows that signify BOATs, or any untarmac'd roads that look like they go somewhere... It was on this road I found a good 'un.

B6160 to Stalling Busk





Semer Water in the distance..




Then finally off to Hardraw for camping - handy campsite next to the Green Dragon pub.


Next day's weather was a bit grey/damp which I spent touring the southern area of the Dales......
Hawes to Kettlewell road


Yesterday was much better

Leaving Wensleydale climbing over the Buttertubs


On via Keld for pee break and bevvy at


Turn left out of the front door of the pub and you skirt along the top edge of the Dales, at Eskelth Wood I turned left down Stang Lane and headed for County Durham.



Towards Barnard Castle I came across a forest trail or two that allowed for a bit more challenging stuff.



I eventually returned via Richmond and Wensleydale back towards home having had 3 days brilliant riding on the bike, which was superb in this role. Comfy, quick enough for short M'way/dual carriageway blasts, tough enough to carry luggage, robust and reliable to take on trails.

Sooooo glad I got it.