C2CPage
Home ] Up ] [ C2CPage ] Coast to Coast ] Endurance Rides ] Holiday Rides ]

 

 

C2C.  Whitehaven to Sunderland  140 miles 

Taking bookings for 11th-13th July  and 12th-14th September Please email for details.

Veterans of the C2C ride we want to share this momentous cycle route with you.  Imagine the great sense of achievement you will feel cycling from one side of the country to the other.  

We will provide all we consider essential to maximize your enjoyment.  We will be with you throughout the trip ensuring that each individual achieves his or her goal. 

Group bookings are especially welcome.  We can tailor any of our cycle trips to your groups requirements including transport and bike transportation from a local pick up point. 

Look at what we offer: 

  • Travel arrangements to suit the individual or the group.
  • Cycle guides throughout the full ride
  • Support van along the route
  • Bed and Breakfast for 2 nights
  • Lunches, drinks and snacks along the route
  • Champagne Finish
  • GPS Souvenir

But most important we will provide our totally personal service- all we ask is you do the pedaling!

C2C Total itinerary

C2CPicture Gallery

 Other routes available for group bookings.

 General Information 

At 140 miles long The C2C starts in Whitehaven Cumbria through the stunning scenery of the northern Lake District into Keswick passing through Penrith and the Eden Valley with its lush valleys and sandstone villages. It then starts the climb up to Hartside and onto the unspoilt Northern Pennines - the roof of England. The route then touches the remote villages such as  Garigill, Nenthead and Allenheads (highest village in England) .  After the infamous Crawly side climb  the route then heads down (giving some good respite to those tired legs) into the Durham Dales before entering the old steel town of Consett. From here it's an easy ride mainly on a cycle path  to the North Sea and Roker Pier at Sunderland.

Tradition dictates that you start the ride by dipping your back wheel in the Irish Sea  at Whitehaven and the front wheel in the North Sea at the finish.  It has to be done!

Riding the C2C as a group has got to be the most enjoyable way to complete this epic journey.  The route is based mainly on country lanes and minor roads although there is an option for some off road sections if you feel that way inclined.  The route lends itself to the more serious cyclist but also to the generally fit person or commuter cyclist to achieve in 3 days. 

Friday Whitehaven to Threkeld-  35 miles

The first day will start around 11.30am depending on the travel arrangements.  We will ride through. the northern section of the Lake District National Park. The scenery is spectacular and you will see the impressive peaks - Skiddaw, Blecathra and the northern reaches of the Helvelyn range. You'll also cycle through lovely country villages before finishing the first days ride at the scenic village of Threkeld. Evening meal will be taken in one of the many welcoming Pubs in this wonderful town. 

Saturday – “The Big One” Keswick to Alston 42 miles

A hearty breakfast to fill those needy legs before we leave Threkeld on the pleasant cycle track. then we are up hill and down dale on a pleasant gated road heading for Penrith via  Greystokes, (Tarzan Fame) .  Today you'll encounter your biggest challenge,  Reaching the summit of Hartside will no doubt give you a huge sense of achievement.  The support van parked at Hartside café at the top of  the summit will be like a magnet as your legs work hard cycling up the hairpin bends to the top.  The homemade cakes and hot drinks from the support  van will be a just reward as well as the great coast down hill towards Alston.

Sunday – Alston to Sunderland 63 miles

Another big breakfast launches you off once again this morning. Although this day ends at the coast, there are still a few hills to cross first! The climb out of Alston  towards Allenheads will wake up the cycle legs and then a further climb towards Rookhope before turning left and heading towards the infamous Crawly side climb.  The famous Parkhead café then awaits before heading along the Waskerly way- all down hill.  The route takes you through the outskirts of Consett before heading towards Sunderland and the North Sea. 

The moment you dip that front wheel in the North Sea you will feel a rush of achievement.  A champagne finish will crown your moment of glory. 

Well done you will have completed the C2C. 

We will send onto you a souvenir GPs profile of your ride so you can captivate your friends with your exciting stories of the trip!