Highlights
- The sense of achievement riding from Coast to Coast
- Sinking an Allendale Ale after a day on the bike
- The dramatic landscapes of the Lake District, Northumberland & the Pennines
- Riding classics such as Crummock Water and Catbells
- The forest of Slaley and woods of Chopwell
- Challenging yourself on the passes of Honister and Hartside
Itinerary
Our meet-up point will be in Skedaddle’s hometown of Newcastle Upon Tyne. Newcastle serves as the most convenient train station for those who wish to arrive by rail and included in the trip price is a late afternoon transfer from here to our accommodation to Threlkeld, near Keswick.
For those arriving by car, you will be able to leave your vehicle in Newcastle as we’ll be returning here at the end of the trip.
Over the evening meal in Threlkeld you’ll have the chance to get to know the rest of the group and chat with the Skedaddle guide about the next few days of riding.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,170 Metres Approx.
Following an early breakfast we’ll transfer to Whitehaven Harbour which marks the start of our ride. It doesn’t take long to leave the somewhat industrial coast behind, quickly reaching some of the prettiest countryside in the UK.
Initially following the Cumbrian Cycle Network and the Classic C2C route, we’ll follow the route of a disused mineral railway to Kirkland. From here we’ll take quiet country lanes along an undulating route to Loweswater to commence our off-roading.
Our initial riding takes us around the ‘back’ of Crummock Water and Buttermere. It’s a nice ‘warm up’ for the legs and serves as a taste of what to expect over the next few days.
Our first major challenge today is Honister Pass. Although an on-road ascent it’s very steep in places but allows us to gain back some decent height. We top-out at the slate mines of Honister before a steep on-road descent to Seatoller rewards us for our efforts.
Once in the valley we soon reach the lovely village of Grange where after a few pedal turns we head off-road once more. A tricky initial section is soon forgotten about as we‘re greeted with superb views of Derwent Water below before enjoying a great roller-coaster of a track along the side of the lovely Catbells.
From here our next section is on the road as we make our way to Keswick, the ‘hub’ of the Northern Lake District. From here the final few miles of easy off-roading along a well surfaced and flat route rounds off the day nicely to end our day in Threlkeld. The views along this section are wonderful. To the northwest stands Blencathra (868 metres) and to the southeast Great Dodd (856 metres) towers above Deepdale.
Our evening meal will be taken at our pub accommodation that we’ve been bringing tired and hungry Skedaddlers to for as long as we can remember and there’s no better place to be after this initial day on the bike.
Show Profile- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 685 Metres Approx.
There’ll be little chance to warm-up the legs this morning as we’ll be heading steeply upwards straight from our accommodation.
Thankfully these first few miles of the day are on road until we reach Blease Fell. After a well-deserved breather the off-road fun begins with the initial section being a real treat. Time to enjoy the longest stretch of un-gated tracks in the Lakes as we roll our way past disused slate mines until Skiddaw House.
Picking up the Cumbrian Way shortly afterwards, a tricky (but fun!) singletrack section soon connects to a well-maintained and well-surfaced segment through one of the Lakes most picturesque valleys down to the hamlet of Mosedale.
From here we make our way to Penrith via a series of bridleways and tracks that weave their way through the small villages and hamlets including Berrier Roman Road. After a quick pit-stop here there’s just a few miles left (including a kicker of a hill out of Penrith!) to ride until we reach our accommodation on the outskirts of the village of Langwathby in the Eden Valley.
Show Profile- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1600 Metres Approx.
A few twists and turns transport us out the Eden Valley before our date with Long Meg and Her Daughters near Little Salkeld – a superb Bronze Age stone circle is well worth spending a bit of time exploring. Our morning challenge comes soon after the village of Gamblesby when we take on the legendary Hartside (580 metres). Firmly etched in C2C folklore we’ll be taking the direct off-road route up rather than the windy road option, so make sure your climbing legs have been packed today.
From here we head down to Leadgate and Garrigill before more off-road shenanigans through the old mine workings of Nenthead until we reach Black Hill, which at 609 metres is the highest point we’ll reach on this coast to coast journey.
Some great riding across the moors follows along Issac’s Tea Trail. The trail is named after Isaac Holden, a travelling tea seller in the early 19th century who followed this route in all weathers selling tea to farms and outlying hamlets.
Soon after passing through the former mining village of Allenheads, we climb to Bolts Law in preparation for an epic off-road descent to finish the day in Edmundbyers. The Baa Micropub in the village is home to some excellent local ales.
Show Profile- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 590 Metres Approx.
We start this morning with a few ups and downs as we leave the North Pennines behind us. It’s not long before we reach the Forestry Commission of Chopwell Woods for some excellent woodland riding. A few meandering miles then takes us through Rowlands Gill, Sunniside and Springwell as we ebb and flow between County Durham and Tyne & Wear.
Popping out at Hebburn there’s a short road section before we reach the Tyne Cyclist Tunnel, Britain’s first purpose-built cycling tunnel. Running under the River Tyne between Howdon and Jarrow it opened in 1951 and heralded as a contribution to the Festival of Britain. Recently re-opened it’s a fantastic way to continue our biking adventure.
Once over the other side of the river we soon pass by the Royal Quays Marina and the Fish Quays of North Shields with its bustling little harbour area which is home to some of the finest fish and chips around. You are now at the mouth of the Tyne and a few more pedal turns lead to your final destination, Tynemouth. Congratulations – you’ve just Skedaddled our Coast to Coast Off-Road trip!
Photos taken, you will then be transferred back to Newcastle’s Quayside and our accommodation for the evening. Centrally located it’s the perfect spot to explore the legendary ‘toon for a few celebratory drinks and enjoy a delicious meal at one of its fine restaurants. The Newcastle Quayside is home to the impressive Baltic Arts Centre on the Gateshead bank just across the Blinking Eye Millennium Bridge. From the Millennium Bridge, you’ll be able to see The Cycle Hub; 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?
Should you be short of time then it’s possible to depart from Newcastle tonight, with a £40 per person reduction possible for those choosing this option.
- Meals: Breakfast
This morning you can take a morning transfer to Newcastle train station or treat yourself to a lie-in and have a more relaxed morning before enjoying breakfast and heading on your way.
Should you have a little more time available Newcastle is a great place to have a wander around and take in the sights and sounds.
It’s a compact place with most things centrally located and with something for everyone. Highlights include the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts, the Sage and numerous prestigious museums such as the Laing Gallery.
For those looking to take in a spot of cafe culture and wanting to kick-back and take it all in there’s lots of great options to choose from in what for us is the UK’s most fun and friendliest city.
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.
Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
This route offers some fantastic off-road riding, with technical trails, singletrack and double track. Many of the trails on these routes are rocky, with drop offs and step ups, loose stoney surfaces, mud, grass & the occasional roots.
This type of riding needs good bike handling skills and off-road experience to make the most of the trip. There are also some tough, and long, climbs (both off and on road), so a good level of fitness is required.
This trip also uses part of the National Cycle Network (notably the initial section from Whitehaven) operated by Sustrans, a charity devoted to promoting the use of sustainable transport.
Whilst predominantly off-road the route does also follow quiet country lanes, cycleways and paths including sections on old railway lines with gravel or cinder surface.
The routes are subject to changes depending on weather conditions and local alterations.
The pace of this holiday will be set by regular bikes but appropriate Electric Mountain Bikes may also be suitable. Chat to us if you would like to rent or bring your own. An E-bike is perfect if you’re wanting an extra boost to tackle those technical ascents or to assist with the distance. Please note – E-MTBs are heavier than standard mountain bikes, so worth considering when handling the bike on rough or rocky trails. It would be a good idea to try one first, perhaps at your local trail centre!
For more information about riding an e-MTB on our holidays please click here
Mountain Biking Grade
Distances of 25-50 miles / 40-80 kms per day
Aimed at regular cyclists who have a degree of off road experience
Some moderate and difficult technical sections
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?
If you have some experience of off road riding on a variety of terrain, and would like to do more, a grade 3 trip could be for you. These rides give you elements of our higher grade trips but at a manageable level with sections of singletrack (narrow trails wide enough for one rider) and shorter steep sections (both up and down) which require more bike handling ability. A day’s ride can see you on the trails for around 8 hours (with breaks) and covering between 25-50 miles depending on the terrain. If you’re generally fit and manage to ride regularly this could be the level for you.
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.
Dates & Prices
Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit
Book now with a $375 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.
Whats Included
A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)
B) Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
C) Full tour service, including Skedaddle guides
D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in first aid
E) Support vehicle and luggage transfers
F) GPX files available upon request
G) Scheduled Newcastle train station transfers Day 1 and Day 6
H) Financial Protection through ABTOT
What's not Included
A) Bike rental (available if required)
B) Travel costs and 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 museums and other attractions en route
Private Departures
Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
Our 26 favourite days in the saddle
What is the best day you can experience? Well, our expert team has some ideas...
Reviews
Shaun, UKOne of the best holidays ever thank guys!All the days were great, guides excellent. You are so lucky to have people like this in your team ! They were faultless!
Carolyn, Cambridgeshire, UKOur guides all went above and beyond...Our guides all went above and beyond. Thanks for all your support and for putting up with me in the van. Loved the bike – great saddle, very comfortable ride. Keen to try a similar MTB again.
I was interested and impressed to see how Skedaddle handled the COVID stuff – which must be a nightmare in the COVID planning.
Stuart UKThe route, scenery and places were incredible...Great holiday overall. The most significant thing was the attitude of the 3 guides who worked very hard to provide a top quality holiday. The care with the lunches, the friendly support their skills and knowledge all made it a great event. Considering what we did, what was included and where we went, it was really good value
Nick, UKThe lakes were fabulous...The guides understood the granular detail of what makes a good trip and their attention to detail did not go unnoticed. Eleven out of ten from me!
Jon, UKGreat Skedaddle team; great organisation; and great trip.My first Skedaddle trip – and what a trip it was. Fantastic trip, great guides and guests.
Kenneth, UKExcellent guides, excellent cycling!A great few days again with Skedaddle. The guides were excellent, and good company. We will be using Skedaddle again.
Al, UKThis trip was everything I had hoped for...This trip was everything I had hoped for, and more! Great organisation and support from Skedaddle, magnificent scenery, superb mountain biking through truly remote places and communities, and a massive sense of achievement on completing a real challenge. Our group all got into the spirit of our joint endeavour from the off, led superbly by our guides. Thank you!
Tom, Berkshire, UKVery well handled...Tour during the pandemic was very well handled. I wouldn’t change anything. Our guide was funny, laid back and great company throughout. When I had a dodgy stomach on day 3 all 3 guides went out of their way to help me. They were very thoughtful and considerate.