The C2C Cycle Route

Guidebook to the Coast to Coast (C2C) Sustrans cycle route. The 140 mile route from Whitehaven or Workington to Tynemouth or Sunderland is mostly on cycle paths, forest tracks and minor roads with off-road options and taster day rides described. The cycle-friendly route is suitable for all abilities, and is described over 5 days.

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Overview

Guide to the 140 mile Coast to Coast (C2C) Sustrans cycle route from Whitehaven or Workington to Tynemouth or Sunderland. It takes in some of northern England's finest scenery on cycle paths, forest tracks and minor roads, with off-road options and a selection of taster day rides also described in the book.

The route is described as a 5-day ride, from west to east with variant first and final legs, from Workington and to Sunderland. Itineraries are also included for 2, 3 and 4-day options, and riding the route from east to west.

Detailed profiles and OS mapping illustrate each stage, and information is provided for those riding the route with children. The C2C is a popular cycle challenge, whether undertaken over a single day or a full week. The Hadrian's Wall and Reivers' Way cycle routes also offer great options for a return trip.

Table of Contents

Contents
Introduction
Why do it?
Choosing your route
When to go
Getting there and getting back
Planning your itinerary
Specialist C2C companies
Where to stay
Choosing your bike
What to take
Food and drink
What to wear
Fitness
Navigation and waymarking
Stamp collecting
Using this guide
The Route
Stage 1a Whitehaven to Keswick
Link route St Bees to the C2C
Stage 1b Workington to Keswick
Link route Whitehaven to Workington
Stage 2 Keswick to Langwathby
Stage 3 Langwathby to Nenthead
Stage 4 Nenthead to Consett
Stage 5a Consett to Sunderland
Stage 5b Consett to Tynemouth
Taster Routes
Route 1 Lakeland Loop
Route 2 West Coast Loop
Route 3 Western C2C Loop
Route 4 The Old Coach Road
Route 5 Penrith to Carlisle

Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Suggested itineraries (4, 3 and 2 days)
Appendix C Useful contacts
Appendix D Riding the C2C from east to west
Appendix E Pre-ride bike medical
Appendix F Mending a puncture

Maps

Navigation and waymarking

The C2C follows sections of Sustrans’ national cycle network (NCN) that spans the UK (see www.sustrans.org.uk for further information). The C2C uses parts of different ‘national routes’ that link many of the UK’s major towns and cities (National Route 71 covers the western area of the C2C; National Route 7 covers the central area and extends to Sunderland (also linking to Carlisle); National Route 14 links Consett to Gatehead and South Shields; National Route 72 provides a route to Tynemouth via Newcastle; and National Route 68 provides a short diversion to Alston).

The NCN is very well signposted – blue-and-white signs along its length show a bike logo and the national route number in white in a red box, while regional route numbers are in a blue square. Signs may also show a destination and distance. Signposting is extremely clear, and there are C2C signs at every twist and turn of the route.

This guide shows the route highlighted on sections of OS mapping. (Although OS maps are not required for the C2C, they are useful for exploring the surrounding area.) Sustrans produces an excellent Sea to Sea (C2C) Cycle Route Map, which is updated every few years to record any route changes. Cyclists may find it useful to take this map with them, as it shows the NCN route numbers.

GPS provides a modern alternative to a paper map. Waypoints for the route can be programmed into a cycle-oriented unit such as the Garmin Edge, which fits on the handlebars, is waterproof and includes speed, trip, time, altitude and many other functions. The advantage is that you don’t have to scratch your head and consult the map when there are no signposts. As long as the correct information has been put into the GPS you can just keep riding. A GPS is most useful for completing a one- or two- day C2C challenge, but optional for riding the route at a more leisurely pace, as it is well waymarked.

Updates

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April 2018

Updates

P63 -

The Lakeland Pedlar cafe has closed

February 2014

p34 + 142

Bike hire from Haven Cycles is now £40 for up to three days then £5 per day thereafter. Full contact details are:

Brian Robb
Haven Cycles
2 Preston Road
Whitehaven
www.havencycles-c2cservices.co.uk
Tel: 01946 63263

Reviews

"Extremely useful"

Having cycled the C2C with my friend Bob last year we found the Cicerone guide extremely useful. With the Way of the Roses planned for 2019 I bought the guidebook all in advance of starting to plan the trip. We were not disappointed, it was even more useful as it focussed on a three day trip unlike the C2C book which had up to 5 stages. Extensive advanced study of the guide in conjunction with the Sustrans and OS maps resulted in a relatively trouble free three day ride. If only we had studied the route through Ripon City Centre in more detail we and two other parties would not have done the circuit twice. As a longtime user of Cicerone Scrambling and Walking guides I can recommend the cycling guides too.

Jonathan, by email

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‘This guide is for everyone taking up the challenge, whether in a single day or a whole week, and is full of advice on planning and preparation for everyone from first-time cycle tourers to trail-hardened speed fiends.

This is a ‘must have’ guide for anyone tackling this demanding but very rewarding bike ride.’

The Keswick Reminder, 5th August 2011

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