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: 1,100 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.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,300 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.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,200 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.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 700 Metres Approx.

This morning you will have the last big climb of the trip up to Parkhead where we join the Waskerley Way, which is a traffic-free trail that takes in the rugged, expansive scenery of the North Pennines, and contours, thankfully, predominantly downhill to the once thriving steel town of Consett. With the hardest cycling behind us we head towards our goal of Tynemouth.

We follow a pleasant green route leading us over numerous bridges and old railway viaducts and affording great views of the countryside. On reaching Gateshead and the impressive Baltic Arts Centre we cross the ‘Blinking Eye’ Millennium Bridge over the River Tyne into Newcastle then a short pedal along the riverside for lunch at ‘The Cycle Hub‘, the home of Skedaddle with its great Cafe and Bike Shop.

Fully fuelled we start cycling the final few miles of the Coast to Coast alongside the River Tyne to Tynemouth. Not far to go now as we head into the heart of the former ship building area of the Tyne. On passing Wallsend, literally the end of Hadrian’s Wall, keep an eye out for Segedunum Roman Fort Museum. Continuing along close to the river we soon reach the Fish Quays of North Shields, where you’ll find a bustling little harbour, home to some of the finest fish and chips in the North East.

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 the Coast to Coast! Photos dutifully taken, you will then be transferred back to Newcastle.