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
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!
Itinerary
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.
- 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.
Show Profile- 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.
Show Profile- 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.
Show Profile- 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.
Show ProfileUnderstanding 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
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.
Leisure Cycling Grade
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.
The support and thought that had gone into every element of the holiday added a bit of luxury to our C2C experience.
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.
Whats 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 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
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
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
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
Peter, UKIn one word, superb. In another word, awesomeHard to single one day out really because they were all so good in different ways. The views of Ennerdale and Loweswater on the first day were beautiful. The second day was inspirational, with its transition from Lakeland Fell to pennine moorland. The climb up to Hartside Summit was hard but very rewarding, and made easier by the encouragement and advice from the guides. The Crawleyside climb on the third day seemed the hardest, but again the rewarding views at the top were amazing. The Waskerly trail on the last day was great, especially after the long hard climb up out of Edmundbyers, but unfortunately we had rain on that stretch – the only rain on the whole trail. But it cleared up in time for the final stretch, and the sense of achievement at the end was huge.
The guides were both excellent. Thorough, friendly, encouraging and knowledgeable. They took time to understand us as individuals and as a group. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble for them.
Mark, Bedfordshire, UKWhat a fantastic trip...What a fantastic trip you guys have put together for the C2C! Communication, planning, information before the ride was spot on, and that was before the ride even starts. No problems at all with meet-up, parking or transfer out to the 1st night. Can’t fault the drinks, snacks or lunch. Plenty of variety with the food at every stop. I was quite amazed at the selection of salads, meats, cheeses, breads and of course cakes & biscuits. Something for everyone. Superb.
I’d like to save my biggest thanks to the guides, Dave & Dan. Personally, having an illness like MS, I was unsure whether I would complete every day, before I started. With everything the guys did, it meant I could focus 100% on efforts out on the road. Without their assistance, I may not have made it, it’s as simple as that!
Most of the riders in the group made use of their skills at some point, whether it was mechanical or medical. They were worth their weight in gold, as far as i’m concerned. Best selling point for Supported Rides…
Sense of achievement (tick), great memories (tick), good company & support (tick).
Would I recommend it? In a heartbeat! We also had terrific weather, unlike anything you’d expect from the Lake District & Northumberland. Happy, happy!
Ann, Nottinghamshire, UKOutstanding on every level...Our experience was quite frankly outstanding on every level! We had a few medical issues which were dealt with professionally and sensitively and on every level Dave and Dan are a credit to your organization. Nothing was too much trouble and the care we felt at a tricky and emotional time was perfectly handled. Thank you and we will be rebooking next year for another adventure…
Kathryn, North YorkshireIt could not have been better! I enjoyed every minute from start to finish!Every day was a favourite day! Scenery and route were very pleasurable. Paul and Kate were knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the route which enhanced the experience. The group was also great. I could not have done it without an e-bike. I’m already looking at my next Skedaddle holiday!
Diane, AustraliaExcellent guides!I could hardly believe how nice the the three tour guides were. Excellent wouldn’t do it justice. They propbably need a pay increase!
Dervla and Oss were wonderful. Such people are hard to find I imagine. Please let them know how much I appreciated their kindness and professionalism.
Liz, Hertsfordshire, UKWe would definitely recommend Skedaddle!My favourite day was day 2 from Thekeld to Alston. The cycling was scenic, not too hilly and a fantastic hotel at the end of the day. Our guide, who was excellent, kept us stocked up with water and snacks during the afternoon and a few encouraging words! He was brilliant. He was very knowledgeable about the areas we were going through, giving detailed information so the route was easy to follow and he picked beautiful places for coffee and lunch breaks. He brought us extra snacks one afternoon when he thought we may be flagging – he was right we were! Seeing the van up ahead was like a mirage at times and very welcome. He was also good company in the evenings and really made the trip memorable.
My favourite accommodation and hosts were at Alston – friendly without being intrusive. A beautiful room and great dinner. The dinner in the evening at Parkhead, lasagne, was excellent and greatly appreciated after a long day of climbing hills! Our tour leader did a fantastic job with the lunches – beautifully presented and different each day. I especially liked the tea stop set up in the rocks of a dry stone wall – a lovely touch. He told us about other Saddle Skedaddle trips without being pushy and we definitely want to do another holiday and hopefully will get him as our guide again – he is a real asset to your company. The member of office staff we dealt with was also very helpful and friendly.
We would definitely recommend Skedaddle – you were recommended to me by a fellow cyclist on a Spice cycling weekend and I am delighted we followed his advice to book with you. The support and thought that had gone into every element of the holiday added a bit of luxury to our C2C experience. We are already thinking about the Newcastle to Edinburgh trip – just trying to work out when we can fit it in!
Jane, Bristol, UKEvery aspect of this holiday was superbI was very impressed with a team member from the Saddle Skedaddle headquarters; she was always attentive to our needs in the pre-holiday buildup and had such excellent personal service. Everything about the holiday was superb, from the initial contact with Saddle Skedaddle through to the very end of the trip. It was fabulous to have timed stops where refreshments were served by our guides. They were always cheerful and encouraging and the refreshments were so welcome and delicious.
Alex, London, UKExcellent...Les was the best guide that any group could’ve gotten. His detailed knowledge of the route made our navigation a breeze. Thanks again for the experience, Les!
Julie, Norwich, UKEnjoyable, stress free and loads of fun...The service was top notch throughout. The accommodation supplied excellent breakfasts even for vegetarians. The lunches and snacks supplied during our rides were top notch, in the evening we choose to eat at our accommodation and every night we had brilliant meals with a great choice.
Every day was a favourite day and a new experience thanks to our leader Wayne who told us what was coming (such as another hill) but in a nice way so we were not shaking in our boots!! Wayne was helpful at all times, he always accommodated our every needs. We are already looking for our next holiday…
John, Newark, UKThe holiday exceeded expectations.The holiday exceeded expectations. We were very fortunate with superb weather on all four days. Day 2 was probably the favourite because of variety of scenery and attractive villages for the two stops. Our tour leader was very professional with an ideal personality for the role – a great ambassador for the company and I would hope to enjoy his company on a future holiday.