C2C Trip - 4 days General Information & Itinerary

  At 142 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, Alston 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 a generally fit person to complete in 4 days.

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. 

With lots of endurance cycling event experience and hands on - actually doing the event on a cycle, we are in a position to know first hand how to make a successful C2C work for you. 

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.

Thursday  -  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 little village of Threkeld. 

Friday  – “The Big One” Threkeld to Alston 45 miles

A hearty breakfast to fill those needy legs before we leave Threkeld on the pleasant gated road which takes us  up hill and down dale to Penrith via  Greystokes,(Tarzen 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 into Alston.   The day ends at here and a hearty meal in the local pub.

Saturday  – Alston to Castleside 35 miles

Another big breakfast launches you off once again this morning. 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-to our third overnight stop.

Sunday - Castleside to Sunderland 27  miles

  Its all downhill to the finish mainly on traffic free cycle paths. 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!

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