United Kingdom

C2C - Coast to Coast

Supported Leisure Bike Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

5 days

Prices from

$1,160 P.P.

E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE

This tour is well-suited to both regular bikes and pedal assist e-bikes, and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities. You may choose to hire an e-bike on a group or supported tour but bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders without an e-bike.

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The Coast to Coast by bike (C2C) is a ‘must-do’ cycling holiday in the UK! With its quiet country lanes, cycleways and paths it's a wonderful way to see the varied and beautiful landscapes of northern England, on the National Cycle Network route from the Irish Sea across to the North Sea.
After leaving the sea at Whitehaven, we head eastwards into the solitude and space of the Lake District, Cumbria and the North Pennines. This well paced cycling holiday ends 150 miles later as we cross the fabulous Millennium Bridge in Newcastle before reaching Tynemouth.
Newcastle is our chosen rendezvous point for cycling the Coast to Coast. With its excellent road, rail and air connections getting to Newcastle is easy. From Newcastle we transfer by minibus to our first night’s accommodation near Keswick. After breakfast we make our way again by minibus to Whitehaven. Over the next few days our cycling takes us through Cumbria, across the rugged scenery of the North Pennines and along the River Tyne to Tynemouth.
Self-guided UK Coast to Coast cycling options (3, 4 or 5 day) are also available.
Like any of our UK supported trips, The Coast to Coast cycle is also available as a private departure for groups of friends, colleagues, families or anyone else! If our standard dates don't work, you would like a slightly altered itinerary or you would prefer a private group trip please give us a call for a chat.

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

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What a fantastic trip you guys have put together for the C2C! Communication, planning, and information before the ride was spot on. That was before the ride even started!

Mark, UK

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Newcastle
Non Cycling Day

With its excellent road, rail and air connections getting to Newcastle is easy. From Newcastle we transfer by minibus to our first night’s accommodation near Keswick. For those arriving by car, you will be able to leave your vehicle in Newcastle for the duration of the trip at no additional cost.

We aim to leave Newcastle by no later than 4pm today, for the transfer to Threlkeld, near Keswick, where we will spend the night. There will be an opportunity to meet your fellow coast to coasters over a meal and a drink, and the Tour Leader will have a chat with everyone about what to expect for the next few days.

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

After an early breakfast we make our way by minibus to Whitehaven. Whitehaven harbour marks the start of our ride and it’s only a few pedals before we leave the somewhat industrial Cumbrian coast and reach some of the prettiest countryside in the UK.

Initially following the Cumbrian Cycle Network, we follow the route of a disused mineral railway to Kirkland. From here we follow the quiet country lanes along an undulating route via Loweswater and Low Lorton on to Whinlatter Pass (our first real climb of the route). From the top there’s a rewarding descent that takes us through Braithwaite and Portinscale along the banks of the River Derwent in to Keswick. Keswick is in a picturesque setting between the dramatic peak of Skiddaw and the lovely Derwentwater; the main centre for the Northern Lake District.

Leaving Keswick we follow another railway line, this time alongside the River Greta. We quickly pass near the sacred Castlerigg Stone Circle; a Bronze Age meeting place, followed by the village of Threlkeld. It is here you will once again spend the night and sample yet more of the local produce on offer.

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Day 3
Threlkeld to Alston
41 Miles / 66 Kms. Approx.
Ascent: 1,080 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 1,080 Metres Approx.

Setting off today, the views are absolutely breathtaking. 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.

The next place of interest is Greystoke Castle, former home of Lord Greystoke, on which the legend of Tarzan is based. Penrith follows, before we continue on to Edenhall and Langwathby. From here the route gets a little harder as we reach Hartside Pass (580 metres), if you know anyone who has already done the C2C, this is The Climb! The day ends with a superb descent that leads you all the way to Alston, and your accommodation for the evening.

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Day 4
Alston to Edmundbyers
35 Miles / 56 Kms. Approx.
Ascent: 1,095 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 1,095 Metres Approx.

Today we encounter the hilliest and highest points of our trip. Our first tea stop is at the old lead mining village of Nenthead. Climbing again we reach the highest point on the route, Black Hill (609 metres). After crossing Killhope top, we reach Allenheads. Not only boasting 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 nic-nacs, 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 5
Edmundbyers to Tynemouth
43 Miles / 69 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 535 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • 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 Newcastle.

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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.

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

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 3-4 : Moderate/Active

Aspects of both our grade 3 and 4 trips

Suitable for the leisure cyclist who rides frequently, and who’s comfortable with some moderately challenging climbs

Some of the terrain may vary, potentially including sections of uneven or unpaved ground

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?

Trips that are graded as a 3-4, will have aspects of both our grade 3 and 4 trips. These tours are suitable for those who keep themselves relatively fit and maybe enjoy an afternoon out on the bikes at the weekend. Your preference may be for flatter terrain, but you don’t mind tackling some hills, the occasional steep climb and some varying terrain (forest tracks, gravel paths etc.). It might be however that on some days the distances will be longer than a standard grade 3 trip, or some of the climbs may be quite challenging. You may also require some previous experience of tackling some uneven / unpaved ground to comfortably and safely ride certain sections of the route.

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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The support and thought that had gone into every element of the holiday added a bit of luxury to our C2C experience.

Liz, UK

Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $200 deposit and nothing more to pay until 30 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
25/04/2025
Return Date
29/04/2025
Duration
5 days
Price
$1,160.00
Start Date
30/05/2025 Guaranteed
Return Date
03/06/2025
Duration
5 days
Price
$1,160.00
Start Date
11/07/2025 Fully Booked
Return Date
15/07/2025
Duration
5 days
Price
$1,160.00
Start Date
19/09/2025 Guaranteed
Return Date
23/09/2025
Duration
5 days
Price
$1,160.00

Whats Included Tick

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 in a back up vehicle carrying spares, snacks and extra equipment not needed on your bike

D) Access to the Skedaddle App for holiday information

E) GPX files available upon request

F) Scheduled train station transfers on arrival and departure days

G) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Riding guide

B) Personal clothing and equipment

C) Travel insurance

D) Bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.

E) Bike & helmet hire (available if required)

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

G) Single room option (may be available if required)

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

I) Other optional activities

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Private Departures

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

Travel Options

We will meet in Newcastle on Friday at 15.00 so please bear this in mind when making your travel arrangements.

If travelling by plane, Newcastle has an airport, although transatlantic options are limited and most routes will come via London. If choosing to arrive by train from elsewhere in the country, your destination is Newcastle Central Station. Group train station transfers are included in the holiday price and there will be a Skedaddle transfer at 14.30 from Newcastle train station to the meeting point. Alternatively, you can make your own way to Threlkeld or travel by train to Penrith on the Friday evening, where we can collect you at approx 18.00.

You will be expected to finish in Tynemouth at around 16.00 and we will transfer you back to your car in Newcastle or to Newcastle train station. Please do not book any return trains prior to 17.30 or flights prior to 19.30.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements to make sure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee your holiday and to ensure your arrangements fit with our scheduled transfers and logistics.

Please note If you make alternative travel arrangements, which fall outside of the planned train station transfers, there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.

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, 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 multi-tool, a spare innertube and a bike pump.

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 saddles, or own pedals if renting a hybrid bike, but please let us know if advance if you plan to do so.

If you are planning to bring your own e-bike, please let us know the make and model of your bike and we can check its suitability.

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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

30

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