United Kingdom

C2C - Coast to Coast (5 Days Cycling)

Self-Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday

Grade

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Duration

6 days

Prices from

£875 P.P.
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This ‘must-do’ cycling holiday is a wonderful way to see the varied and beautiful landscapes of northern England, following the well-signed National Cycle Network route from the Irish Sea in the West to the North Sea in the East, cycling along quiet country lanes, cycleways and paths.
Leaving the Irish Sea behind, you head into the solitude and space of the Lake District, Cumbria and the North Pennines. This popular route and firm Skedaddle favourite, is not without its challenges, taking in Hartside Pass, where at a respectable 580m above sea level you can stop and, on a clear day, admire spectacular views across the Lake District, the Solway Firth and into Southern Scotland. The long descent into Alston which follows has to be one of the many highlights of the ride!
You can choose to spend the first night in either Newcastle or Penrith before we transfer you early the next morning to Whitehaven and the start of your ride which ends approximately 150 miles later in Tynemouth. Time for those all important celebratory photos! We will meet you in Tynemouth then transfer you back to Newcastle or Penrith for your onward journey home. 
Please make sure that you let us know whether you prefer to arrive into Newcastle or Penrith at the time of booking!
This self-guided trip is for a minimum of 2 people and accommodation, transfers, luggage transfers and emergency back up are all included. With access to the navigation app you'll be able to navigate the route with ease. Nothing could be simpler! 
You can also do this route over three or four days of cycling, or if you are looking for an even more challenging trip with longer daily distances, talk to us about our two day version.
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Holiday Highlights

  • UK’s favourite long distance cycle route
  • Dramatic English landscapes
  • Cycle friendly route
  • Stress-free cycling complimented with an abundance of pubs and cafes en route
  • Bike friendly B&Bs offering mouth-watering breakfasts
  • Suitable for adults and older children

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Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival into Newcastle or Penrith
Non Cycling Day
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Getting to Newcastle or Penrith is easy. If you are planning to arrive by air, there is an airport at Newcastle with direct services to Newcastle Central train station. For those arriving by car, you will be able to leave your vehicle at your accommodation at no additional cost, or if the train is your preferred transport mode, you can either take a taxi from the station to your accommodation or it is just a short 10-15 minute walk away.

Please make sure that you let us know whether you prefer to arrive into Newcastle or Penrith at the time of booking.

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Day 2
Whitehaven to Threlkeld
34 Miles / 55 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 775 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 775 Metres Approx.

After an early breakfast, you will be met by our Skedaddle representative at your accommodation in either Newcastle or Penrith and they’ll provide you with your rental bikes (if renting) and your map and chat you through how to use the navigation app. They will then transfer you to Whitehaven to begin your journey.

Whitehaven Harbour marks the start of your ride and it’s only a few pedals before you leave the somewhat industrial Cumbrian coast and reach some of the prettiest countryside in the UK. Initially following the Cumbrian Cycle Network, you will follow the route of a disused mineral railway to Kirkland. From here you follow quiet country lanes along an undulating route via Loweswater and Low Lorton to Whinlatter Pass.

From here an excellent descent takes you through Braithwaite and Portinscale on the banks of the River Derwent to Keswick. Keswick is in a picturesque setting between the dramatic peak of Skiddaw and the lovely Derwentwater. This is a bustling town and the main centre for the Northern Lake District. Leaving Keswick you follow another railway line, this time alongside the River Greta. You will quickly pass near the sacred Castlerigg Stone Circle; a Bronze Age meeting place, to your overnight accommodation in Threlkeld. The views here are wonderful. To the northwest stands Blencathra (868 metres) and to the southeast Great Dodd (856 metres) towers above Deepdale.

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Day 3
Threlkeld to Edenhall
24 Miles / 38 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 475 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 475 Metres Approx.

The route is now one of quiet traffic free country lanes through hillsides dotted with small farms. Next place of interest is Greystoke Castle on which the legend of Tarzan is based. Shortly afterwards you will arrive at your accommodation in Edenhall.

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Day 4
Edenhall to Alston
18 Miles / 29 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 620 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 620 Metres Approx.

From Edenhall you continue on to Langwathby. From here the route gets a little harder as you reach Hartside Pass (580 metres). Take a moment to enjoy the spectacular views before you set off again! The day ends with a long and exhilarating descent into Alston which will be home for the evening.

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Day 5
Alston to Edmundbyers
27 Miles / 43 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 840 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 840 Metres Approx.

Today you will encounter the hilliest and highest points of our trip. From Alston it’s a short, but tough climb up and over into the old lead mining village of Nenthead. Climbing again you will reach the highest point on the route, Black Hill (609 metres).

After crossing Killhope top, you reach Allenheads. Not only boasting that it’s the highest village in England, it’s also home to one of the quirkiest pubs – The Allenheads Inn. Containing rooms full of bric-a-brac and nick-nacks it’s a challenge to negotiate your way to the bar…never mind from it! Just a few more miles before we get to Rookhope.

From Rookhope we skirt the contours of Stanhope Common on quiet lanes and continue along to Stanhope, where we climb the steep Crawleyside Bank before descending to our accommodation in Edmundbyers.

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Day 6
Edmundbyers to Tynemouth
43 Miles / 69 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 535 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 535 Metres Approx.

This morning you will have the last big climb of the trip up to Parkhead where you join the Waskerley Way, which is a traffic free trail that takes in the rugged, expansive scenery of the North Pennines, and contours thankfully, pre-dominantly downhill towards the once thriving steel town of Consett.

With the hardest cycling behind, you head towards your goal of Tynemouth. The route then follows a pleasant green route leading over numerous bridges and old railway viaducts and affording great views of the countryside. On reaching the Newcastle Quayside the impressive Baltic Arts Centre is on the Gateshead bank just across the Blinking Eye Millennium Bridge. Continuing on the northern bank of the Tyne The Cycle Hub is situated on your right and the perfect place for a well earned cuppa and a slice of delicious homemade cake. It’s dedicated to the cyclist and also the home of Saddle Skedaddle – if you catch us during office hours, why not come and say hello? Waving goodbye, you complete your final few miles of the coast to coast alongside the River Tyne to Tynemouth.

Congratulations – you’ve just Skedaddled the Coast to Coast!

We’ll meet you in Tynemouth and load your bikes up for the return trip to either Newcastle or Penrith.

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Understanding Profiles

Use these profiles to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • Ascent / Descent in metres (vertical axis)

Click 'see gradient' to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • % Gradient (vertical axis)

Please check the scales on both graphs, and both axes as they both may differ from day to day.

White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain. Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, will give you a full picture of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be. Please keep in mind this is an indicative guide and GPS units and software produce different statistical information.

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The Cycling

Terrain

The route follows quiet country lanes, cycleways and paths including sections on old railway lines with gravel or cinder surface.

Most of the route is on tarmac roads and paths with some short sections of hardpacked gravel surfaces, so the ride can be completed on almost any type of bike. The first few miles leaving Whitehaven has some tree root damage and a very short hard-packed gravel section, which is suitable for road bikes when ridden with a little extra care. The majority of the route between Stanhope and Newcastle along a former railway line also has gravel surfaces, which can be ridden on a road bike with touring tyres fitted, however there is a tarmac alternative to the standard route if preferred. Most roadies tackling the route in a few days prefer this option.

It is possible to use an e-bike on this holiday, which would be particularly beneficial on Hartside Pass and some of the other longer climbs, if you’re after a bit of a boost. Please note, e-bikes are generally heavier than standard bikes, so it is worth considering when handling the bike over some of the rougher / uneven terrain.

For more information about riding an electric bike on our holidays please click here

Coast to Coast uses a part of the National Cycle Network, a route from the charity, Sustrans, who are working to make it easier for everyone to cycle in the UK. Skedaddle will donate to Sustrans for every mile that you and others ride on this route with us. If you fancy donating more to Sustrans, you can choose to make your own donation for the development of the National Cycle Network when you make a booking with us.

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Leisure Cycling Grade

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4
5
Grade 3 : Moderate

Distances generally between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day

For the leisure cyclist with a good level of physical fitness

May include some steeper, cheeky climbs and possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc)

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Although you may not cycle everyday, you do keep yourself relatively fit and maybe enjoy an afternoon out on your bike at the weekend. Your preference is perhaps for flatter terrain but you don’t mind tackling some hills, and the occasional steep climb if you can take it at your own pace. For those happy to tackle some ups and downs, and possibly some sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc) we’d recommend our grade 3 trips. We’d generally expect those on a Grade 3 holiday to have a decent level of physical fitness and be comfortable with some longer days in the saddle.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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Dates & Prices

Daily departures available from April to end of September, call us about October. Choose your own dates from:

2025 £995 per person

You either can make a booking online or over the phone. Once we have your details, we’ll be able to check availability.

Alternatively for a great value holiday select one of our scheduled weekend departures below:

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a £200 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
09/05/2025 (Penrith)
Return Date
14/05/2025
Duration
6 days
Price
£875.00
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Start Date
27/06/2025 (Penrith)
Return Date
02/07/2025
Duration
6 days
Price
£875.00
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Start Date
18/07/2025 (Newcastle)
Return Date
23/07/2025
Duration
6 days
Price
£875.00
Close Select
Start Date
08/08/2025 (Penrith)
Return Date
13/08/2025
Duration
6 days
Price
£875.00
Close Select
Start Date
15/08/2025 (Newcastle)
Return Date
20/08/2025
Duration
6 days
Price
£875.00
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Start Date
29/08/2025 (Newcastle)
Return Date
03/09/2025
Duration
6 days
Price
£875.00
Close Select
Start Date
05/09/2025 (Penrith)
Return Date
10/09/2025
Duration
6 days
Price
£875.00
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Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
Return Date
--/--/----
Duration
6 days
Price
£995.00
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Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin/ double rooms)

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Access to an app for holiday information and navigation

D) A printed map

E) Luggage transfer service

F) Local Skedaddle representative

G) Emergency tool kit, pump etc. (if renting your bike from Skedaddle)

H) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike and helmet rental (available if required)

B) Travel or flight costs or charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres

I) Other optional activities

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The Essentials

Travel Options

If travelling by car your destination is either Newcastle or Penrith and you will be able to leave your car at or near the accommodation for the duration of the trip at no additional cost.

If travelling by train and Penrith is your destination, we would recommend that you arrive into Penrith station and depart from Newcastle. For Newcastle you need to arrive and depart from Newcastle Central. At the end of the trip we will meet you and transfer you to your car or Newcastle train station as appropriate. Please do not book any return trains prior to 17.30

Please contact us for more detailed information on the specific schedules that we recommend for your holiday and please check with us before booking your travel so that we can ensure it fits with the trip schedule.

Accommodation

In the UK we use good quality 3 or 4 star hotels, B&Bs, inns and family-run guesthouses that are cycle friendly, located close to the cycling route and showcase the style and hospitality of the area you are visiting.

Where possible we prioritise locally owned businesses and those offering locally sourced food, drink and speciality products. This all promotes sustainability in-line with our responsible travel policy.

All our UK trips are operated on a double/twin-share basis. Single occupancy rooms can be provided for a supplement and are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bike Hire

If you would like to rent a bike we have both hybrid and electric bikes available.

The hybrid bikes are generally Giant Roam (male frame) or Liv Rove (female frame) with a wide gear range suitable for the route and terrain, semi-slick tyres, hydraulic disc brakes and a relaxed riding position.

Our electric bikes are generally Giant E+ pedal assist bikes with batteries suitable for the daily distances on this holiday and hydraulic disc brakes. E-bikes come with step through frames as standard but some cross bar frames may be available if preferred. Please let us know if you have a preference.

A rack and two panniers, a handlebar phone mount and one bottle cage are provided with all our rental bikes, along with an emergency repair kit in a seat-post bag containing a puncture repair kit, a multitool, a spare innertube and a bike pump. A bike lock will also be provided (one between two bikes).

We are also able to provide helmets. If you’d like one to be provided, please request this at the time of booking.

You are welcome to bring along your own saddle, or own pedals if renting a hybrid bike, but please let us know if advance if you plan to do so.

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News, Reviews & Stories

Cycling Coast to Coast

Strap in as we take a closer look at this classic journey by bike! Here's everything you need to know...

Customer Story: C2C, a long way up!

Juliet attempts the ride from Whitehaven to Tynemouth - the classic C2C route

12 hours in...Newcastle

Stopping off in Newcastle pre/post trip? Don't miss our ultimate guide to the city.

Reviews

6

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