TRIP NOTES
UK - Children NE - C2C - Coast to Coast - Supported Leisure Cycling Holiday
Taking place in late August, this ‘must-do’ cycling challenge 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 – all while raising much needed funds for Children North East to support babies, children, young people and their families in the region during the charity’s 130th anniversary year.
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!
After meeting in Newcastle we transfer you early morning to Whitehaven and the start of your ride, which ends 140 miles later in Tynemouth. Time for those all important celebratory photos! We will meet you in Tynemouth then transfer you back to Newcastle.
The Highlights
- UK’s favourite long distance cycle route
- Dramatic landscapes of the Lake District and Pennines
- Cycle friendly route – cycle paths and quiet country lanes
- Fully supported and awesome Skedaddle lunches
- Bike friendly B&Bs offering mouthwatering breakfasts
- Great sense of achievement, crossing the country, coast to coast
Holiday Summary
Place to place
2 nights B & B – twin share basis
Breakfast and lunch provided
3 days biking
Vehicle support & transfer
Summary of your Itinerary
| Day | Description | Distance | Ascent | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whitehaven to Penrith | 56 Miles / 90 Kms Approx. | 1,600m | L |
| 2 | Penrith to Eastgate/Stanhope | 43 Miles / 69 Kms Approx. | 1,428m | B L |
| 3 | Eastgate to Tynemouth | 44 Miles / 71 Kms Approx. | 715m | B L |
Meals: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner | Please keep in mind the distances and ascent information provided are intended to be indicative and may vary from the actuals due to accommodation changes or when compared on different GPS devices and software
What's Included
A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)
B) Meals as itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
C) Full support service including a guide qualified in First Aid and a back up vehicle carrying spares, snacks and extra equipment not needed on your bike
D) GPX files available upon request
E) Scheduled train station transfers on arrival and departure days
G) Financial Protection through ABTOT
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.
What's Not Included
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
Tour Grade : Grade 4
Grade 1
For those looking for an accessible cycling holiday with manageable daily distances, along predominately flat terrain. Distances generally between 10-20 miles / 15-35 kms per day.
Grade 2
Distances generally between 15-30 miles / 24-48 kms per day. For those looking for an easy-going route. Mainly on the flat. Some undulations and the odd cheeky challenge
Grade 3
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). Distances generally between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day.
Grade 4
For those who cycle frequently. Will include some long and / or steep climbs, often over varying terrain (some sections may see you cycling over uneven, unpaved or loose ground). Distances generally between 30 – 50 miles per day / 48 – 80 kms per day.
Grade 5
For those who cycle frequently and have a good level of physical fitness. Great for those who are looking for longer days in the saddle, some challenging climbs and varying terrain (sometimes riding over uneven, unpaved or loose ground). Distances generally from 35 up to 50+ miles / 56 – 80 kms per day.
Itinerary
Day 1Whitehaven to Penrith 56 Miles / 90 Kms Approx. LAfter meeting in Newcastle we have an early morning transfer to Whitehaven to begin your journey.
Whitehaven Harbour marks the start of your ride and it’s only a few pedal strokes 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. This is a good place for lunch and for those wishing to learn a little about the surrounding forest, the audio-visual presentation at the Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre is well worth a look.
From here an excellent descent takes us through Braithwaite and Portinscale on the banks on 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, the main centre for this part of the Lake District.
Leaving Keswick you follow another railway line, this time alongside the River Greta. You quickly pass near the sacred Castlerigg Stone Circle, a Bronze Age meeting place, followed by Threlkeld. The views here are wonderful. To the northwest stands Blencathra (868 metres) and to the southeast Great Dodd (856 metres) towers above Deepdale. 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 and shortly afterwards you will arrive in Penrith. Day 2Penrith to Eastgate/Stanhope 43 Miles / 69 Kms Approx. B LToday we encounter the hilliest and highest points on your trip. From Penrith you continue on to Edenhall and Langwathby. From here the route gets a little harder as you reach Hartside Pass (580 metres) where you can stop and enjoy the spectacular views before you set off again, descending into Alston, the highest market town in England. From here it’s a short, but tough climb up and over into the old lead mining village of Nenthead. Climbing again you reach the highest point on the route, Black Hill (609 metres).
After crossing Killhope top, you reach Allenheads. Not only boasting 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 and Eastgate where we will spend the evening. |
Day 3Eastgate to Tynemouth 44 Miles / 71 Kms Approx. B LThis morning you start the day with a big climb up Crawleyside bank to join the Waskerley Way. This 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.
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 Gateshead and the impressive Baltic Arts Centre you cross the ‘blinking eye’ Millennium Bridge over the River Tyne into Newcastle. The Cycle Hub is situated on your right just after this 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 so 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!
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We always do our best to stick to this itinerary but please be aware that we can't guarantee to follow this schedule exactly. Very occasionally events that are out of our control mean we have to make some changes, but we'll ensure you still have a great time!
Our Team
Your Skedaddle Guide will:
- Conduct a welcome meeting
- Carry out relevant transfers at the start and end of your trip
- Give daily briefings on the route
- Provide tea stops and picnic lunches
- Be available with vehicle support throughout your trip should you have any problems
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.
Food
This particular trip includes both breakfast and lunch. The accommodation that we use usually offers a choice between a cooked breakfast, cereals and lighter options to fuel a day in the saddle.
We take our lunches out on the route, with our guides preparing great buffet-style picnics made up of plenty of locally sourced produce. Although we don’t include evening meals in the price, we do reserve a table for the group for dinner allowing for a post-ride get together.
Where evening meals are included in the price, these will be specified in the daily itinerary and a table will be booked for the group in advance.
On tours, or nights, where evening meals are not included, there may be limited choices in some of the smaller overnight stops. Your guide team therefore may organise a table for the group for dinner, but this will be discussed and organised locally depending on the group’s preference. Of course, where evening meals aren’t included in the price, you aren’t obliged to join group meals, and your evenings are yours to dine as you please.
Vegetarians and people with specific dietary requirements can be catered for – please indicate at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
Vehicle Support
At strategic points (where access allows), you have the security of our support vehicle. In the vehicle there will be some space for tired bikers, allowing the chance of a well-earned break if needed.
You will also be able to leave extra gear or spare kit here during the day meaning there is no need to carry any equipment other than that carried on your normal day ride.
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 or Liv Rove with a large 27 speed gear range, semi-slick tyres and a relaxed riding position. Our electric bikes are generally Giant Dailytour E+ Disc pedal assist bikes with batteries suitable for the daily distances on this holiday but please bear in mind that the range can depend on several variables. You can chat to our team to get the most from riding your e-bike. The e-bikes come in both step-through and cross-bar frames and we may be able to allocate your preferred style on a first come, first served basis.
Helmets and panniers are provided with all our rental bikes along with an emergency repair kit including a spare innertube, bike pump and bike lock.
Travelling With Your Bike
If travelling by train with your bike, the majority of rail operators will carry your bike for free or for a small cost. Spaces however are often very limited and should be booked well in advance.
For further information specific to your journey go to:
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/passenger_services/cyclists.html
Equipment
We provide everything except a bike (although you are able to hire these), personal equipment and clothing. If you are taking your own bike, it is imperative that it is in good mechanical order. If you are not mechanically minded, we advise you to take your bike to a local bicycle dealer for a service. Details of which spares you should take will be included in the Information Pack sent with your booking confirmation.
You will need to bring your own accessories including helmet, gloves and hydration pack / bottles for drinking water. It is also a good idea to bring shoes suitable for walking along with your cycling shoes, a light but waterproof rain jacket and a fleece / warmer layer for mornings and evenings.
While riding with Skedaddle it is compulsory that you wear a helmet. If you don’t have a helmet or don’t intend to bring your own we may, subject to availability, be able to provide one on request. You will not be permitted to ride unless you wear a helmet.
UK - Children NE - C2C - Coast to Coast - Supported Leisure Cycling Holiday
Leisure Cycling UK
Your Destination
It’s easy to see why this is the UK’s favourite long distance cycle route. First and foremost it’s simply a stunning ride, taking you from the Irish Sea to the North Sea via some of the most dramatic English landscapes; West Cumbria, the Lakes, and the Eden Valley are just the start of a memorable ride that will take you up and over the Pennines, down through the Durham Dales and meandering through England’s historic industrial heartlands before settling on the North East coast. It’ll take you a week to edit all your photos!
And it’s not just the scenery that’s great, the route has been specifically designed to be as cycle friendly as possible. There are some stiff climbs, eased by long descents, sections of easy flowing cycleway and quiet traffic free tracks.
At the end of it all, you’ll feel fit, rewarded and justifiably proud of your achievement. And above all, you’ll want to do it all over again!
Personal Spending Money
As our holiday includes breakfast and lunches we suggest approx. £35.00 per day should prove sufficient for evening meals and any general expenses you may have, (like drinks at the local pub!)
Baggage
Your allowable baggage is one main piece of luggage per person other than your bike. This bag should be preferably a rucksack, duffle bag or soft-sided case so as to assist in transportation, and weighing no more than 15kgs/30lbs.
Please note there may be additional charges for transferring additional bags.
In addition you may wish to bring a small daypack for carrying your additional outer-layer clothing and snacks while cycling. This will also be useful as your ‘travel’ bag for such items as your phone, cameras, sun cream etc.
Preparation and Training
In order to get the most out of your trip, you need to choose a cycling tour of the right grade and make sure you‘re prepared. The amount of preparation and training you need to do will depend on your own experience, your level of fitness and the type and grade of trip you are going on.
Do feel free to contact us if you would like to talk this through in more detail.
Weather
When cycling in the UK it’s best to come prepared for sun and rain, warm and cold all in the same day – spring, summer and autumn.
Although there can be wide variations, the monthly average temperature in the UK ranges from 9-12°C (48-54 Fahrenheit) in April, up to 17-20°C (63-68 Fahrenheit) in July, and then 11-14 °C (52-57 Fahrenheit) in October.
At the beginning and end of the season (in March and late October) the weather can be a little less predictable and there could be some cooler / rainier days. In the summer months, temperatures can rise up into the thirties. This can differ from year to year.
It’s highly recommended that you carry layers and a light waterproof with you along the way, (and sun cream in the summer months!) just in case the UK’s weather catches you unawares!
Travel Insurance
If you are a non-UK resident it is a condition of your trip that you are covered by a medical and personal accident insurance policy that includes repatriation to your home country and cover for all planned activities, including where appropriate costs related to any relevant local rescue services. While travel insurance is not essential for UK residents for this holiday we suggest considering it to cover aspects such as cancellation.
If you‘re a UK resident and opting for insurance, you could contact our recommended travel insurance provider: www.campbellirvinedirect.com/saddleskedaddle who offer travel insurance specifically designed to cover travel with Saddle Skedaddle.
Alternatively, we will require details of your chosen policy including the policy name, your policy number and the 24hr medical emergency number, before the start of your trip.
The Skedaddle Approach
We’re passionate about pedallin’ and there is no better way to soak up a country, its culture, see its wildlife and its people, than by bike! Whether you’re travelling in our small guided parties of around 6 – 16 people or riding self-guided with friends or family, our handpicked destinations and a flexible approach ensure you’ll have a wonderful cycling holiday!
‘Fun‘, ‘friendly’, ‘professional’, and ‘personal’, are words that are used time and time again by our customers. Going that extra mile for our customers isn’t an obligation – it’s just what we do, ‘nowt’s a bother’. Skedaddle cycling holidays are designed to relax and recharge, challenge, thrill, exhilarate and chill-out. We are able to cater for all levels of experience and fitness. If you’re young or old, man or woman, a super fit experienced rider or a relative novice, we have a trip for you!
Our trips provide great cycling in magnificent destinations. Whatever your passion, whether off-road, road or leisure cycling, small group or self-guided. We take great care of all those who travel with us. Whether going alone, or with friends or family, all enjoy the Skedaddle experience.
We recognise our responsibility to the people and places we visit. Our philosophy is ensuring that your cycling holiday can have a positive impact on the places you visit. Developing our approach to how we run our cycling holidays is an ongoing process.
To let us know your thoughts on our approach, email us at info@skedaddle.com or call us on +44 (0)191 265 1110
Protection
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for Saddle Skedaddle, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following:
1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK;
2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; and
3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK, which are sold to customers outside of the UK.
1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Saddle Skedaddle.
Saddle Skedaddle Ltd is a Member of ABTA with membership number Y6297. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. The travel arrangements you buy from us aren’t covered by ABTA’s scheme of financial protection. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ. Tel: +44 (0)20 3117 0500 or www.abta.com
How to Book
You can make a booking by visiting https://children-ne.org.uk/coast-to-coast. Before you book we recommend that you carefully read the trip notes, itinerary and booking conditions.
If you have reduced mobility please contact us to discuss how this tour might fit your needs.
On booking, a non-refundable payment of £350 per person is payable to Children North East to secure your place. If you book less than 30 days before departure full payment of any added extra is also due on booking.
In the event that the ride itself cannot take place due to Covid restrictions i.e. accommodation is not open on route, we will work with Saddle Skedaddle to arrange an alternative date, and if riders cannot make this date a refund will be offered in this instance. Please note if a rider cannot take part in the planned event e.g. having to self-isolate, a refund will not be possible however the place may be passed to another rider.
How to Pay
Payment is taken online as part of the booking process. If you would like to pay by invoice, cheque or bank transfer, please contact us at fundraising@children-ne.org.uk to request a copy of our booking form and to arrange payment.
Payment for any extras added to your booking is due 30 days prior to departure.
Confirmation
On receipt of your booking, we will send you an email acknowledgement of your booking.
Along with the confirmation, we will also send pre-departure information about your Coast to Coast trip with Children North East and Saddle Skedaddle by email.
Contacting Children North East
To discuss the event further please contact the Children North East Team by email at fundraising@children-ne.org.uk or by phone on 0191 256 2444.