United Kingdom

C2C - Coast to Coast (4 Days Cycling)

Self-Guided Leisure Bike Tour

Grade

1
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5

Duration

5 days

Prices from

$1,110 P.P.
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This ‘must-do’ cycling holiday 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.
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!
You can choose to spend the first night in either Newcastle or Penrith before we transfer you early the next morning to Whitehaven and the start of your ride which ends approximately 150 miles later in Tynemouth. Time for those all important celebratory photos! We will meet you in Tynemouth then transfer you back to Newcastle or Penrith for your onward journey home. 
Please make sure that you let us know whether you prefer to arrive into Newcastle or Penrith at the time of booking!
This self-guided trip is for a minimum of 2 people and accommodation, transfers, luggage transfers and emergency back up are all included. With access to the navigation app you'll be able to navigate the route with ease. Nothing could be simpler! 
You can also do this route over three or five days of cycling, or if you are looking for an even more challenging trip with longer daily distances, talk to us about our two day version.
Two cyclists riding in the Lake District on the coast to coast C2C cycle route
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Highlights

  • UK’s favourite long distance cycle route
  • Dramatic English landscapes
  • Cycle friendly route
  • Stress-free cycling complimented with an abundance of pubs and cafes en route
  • Bike friendly B&Bs offering mouthwatering breakfasts
  • Flexibility to choose your own start date or one of our great value scheduled departure dates
  • Suitable for adults and older children

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The approach and clarity is what makes Saddle Skedaddle an excellent organisation. For my wife and I, this coast to coast was our first organised ride. The whole experience was outstanding, with such attention to detail.

Peter, UK

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival into Newcastle or Penrith

Non Cycling Day
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Getting to Newcastle or Penrith is easy. If you are planning to arrive by air, there is an airport at Newcastle with direct services to Newcastle Central train station. For those arriving by car, you will be able to leave your vehicle at your accommodation, or if the train is your preferred transport mode, you can either take a taxi from the station to your accommodation or it is just a short 10-15 minute walk away.

Please make sure that you let us know whether you prefer to arrive into Newcastle or Penrith at the time of booking.

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Day 2 Whitehaven to Threlkeld

34 Miles / 55 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 775 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 775 Metres Approx.

After an early breakfast, you will be met by our Skedaddle representative at your accommodation in either Newcastle or Penrith and they’ll provide you with your rental bikes (if renting) and your map and chat you through how to use the navigation app. They will then transfer you to Whitehaven to begin your journey. You can expect to set off pedalling from around 10am if you are taking the transfer from Penrith, or 11am if you are taking the Newcastle transfer.

Whitehaven Harbour marks the start of your ride and it’s only a few pedals 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. From here an excellent descent takes you through Braithwaite and Portinscale on the banks of the River Derwent to Keswick. Leaving Keswick you follow another railway line, this time alongside the River Greta. You will quickly pass near the sacred Castlerigg Stone Circle; a Bronze Age meeting place, followed by Threlkeld and your accommodation for the evening.

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Day 3 Threlkeld to Alston

41 Miles / 66 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1080 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 1080 Metres Approx.

Leaving Threlkeld the route is now one of quiet traffic free country lanes through hillsides dotted with small farms. Next place of interest is Greystoke Castle, former home of Lord Greystoke, on which the legend of Tarzan is based.

The next stop will be at Penrith before you continue on to Edenhall and Langwathby. From here the route gets a little harder as you reach Hartside Pass (580 metres). If you know anyone who has done the C2C, this is ‘THE’ climb! Take a moment to stop and admire the spectacular views before we set off to our night’s rest in Alston.

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Day 4 Alston to Blanchland

31 Miles / 49 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 1025 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 1025 Metres Approx.

Today you will encounter the hilliest and highest points of our trip. From Alston it’s a short, but tough climb up and over into the old lead mining village of Nenthead. Climbing again you will reach the highest point on the route, Black Hill (609 metres). After crossing Killhope top, you reach Allenheads, one of the highest village in England and 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 you skirt the contours of Stanhope Common on quiet lanes and continue along to Stanhope, where you climb the steep Crawleyside Bank, taking in the rugged, expansive scenery of the North Pennines, before descending to your accommodation.

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Day 5 Blanchland to Tynemouth

48 Miles / 78 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 625 Metres Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Ascent: 625 Metres Approx.

After an initial climb up to Parkhead Station this morning, you join the ‘Waskerley Way’ disused railway line, which is now a stunning traffic-free cycle route, down to the once thriving steel town of Consett.

With the hardest cycling behind, you head predominantly downhill towards your goal of Tynemouth. The route then follows a pleasant green route along the Derwent Valley towards the Tyne, 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 either Newcastle or Penrith.

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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)

White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain.

Please check the scales on both graphs, and both axes as they both may differ from day to day.

GPS units and navigation softwares produce different statistical information based on a number of different factors, so please keep in mind the information we’re providing here is meant to be an indicative guide only.

Gradients in particular can be difficult to measure consistently, and sometimes steepness shown can vary as much as 5-10% from what’s signposted on the ground.

Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, should however give you a good idea of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be.

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Still Thinking It Over?

Register your interest and we'll keep you up-to-date on departures, availability, accommodation and all the amazing experiences we have in store on this trip.

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 cycle paths with some short sections of hardpacked gravel surfaces; the first few miles leaving Whitehaven has some tree root damage and a very short hard-packed gravel section. The majority of the route on the final day from Blanchland to Newcastle is along a former railway line which also has compact gravel surfaces – however, there is a tarmac alternative to the standard route if preferred. This means that the C2C is rideable on almost any type of bike, including hybrid bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes with semi-slick tyres fitted or road bikes.

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, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, who are working to make it easier for everyone to cycle in the UK. Skedaddle will donate to Walk Wheel Cycle Trust for every mile that you and others ride on this route with us. If you fancy donating more to Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, you can choose to make your own donation for the development of the National Cycle Network when you make a booking with us.

Cyclists riding the Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle route

Leisure Cycling Grade

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5
Grade 3 : Moderate

Distances generally between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day

For the leisure cyclist with a good level of physical fitness

May include some steeper, cheeky climbs

Possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc).

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?

Although you may not cycle every day, you do keep yourself relatively fit and enjoy getting out on your bike at the weekend. Your preference is perhaps for flatter to rolling terrain, but you don’t mind tackling some hills, and some steep climbs if you can take it at your own pace. For those happy to tackle those ups and downs, and possibly some sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc) we’d recommend our grade 3 trips. We’d generally expect those on a Grade 3 holiday to have a decent level of physical fitness and be comfortable riding on consecutive days with some longer days in the saddle.

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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Super trip! We all really enjoyed it and thought the route was perfect with a great combination of quiet roads, cycle paths and forest trails.

Lawrence, Nottinghamshire

Dates & Prices

Daily departures available from April to end of September. If you‘re interested in doing this holiday in October please call and chat to us.

Choose your own dates from:

2027 $1310 per person

You can either make a booking online or over the phone. Once we have your details, we’ll be able to check availability.

Due to The Great North Run in Newcastle in September 2027, it’s not possible to start this tour in Newcastle between the 10th and 12th Sep, but do chat to us if you have set dates, as we can likely organise a Penrith start for you.

Alternatively for a great value holiday select one of our scheduled weekend departures below.

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
To see the prices for any optional extras, including bike hire, select your date below.
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
21/05/2027 (Newcastle)
Return Date
25/05/2027
Duration
5 days
Price
$1,110.00
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Start Date
18/06/2027 (Penrith)
Return Date
22/06/2027
Duration
5 days
Price
$1,110.00
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Start Date
09/07/2027 (Newcastle)
Return Date
13/07/2027
Duration
5 days
Price
$1,110.00
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Start Date
23/07/2027 (Penrith)
Return Date
27/07/2027
Duration
5 days
Price
$1,110.00
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Start Date
20/08/2027 (Newcastle)
Return Date
24/08/2027
Duration
5 days
Price
$1,110.00
Close Select
Start Date
17/09/2027 (Newcastle)
Return Date
21/09/2027
Duration
5 days
Price
$1,110.00
Close Select
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
Return Date
--/--/----
Duration
5 days
Price
$1,310.00
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The Essentials

Travel Options

Your destination is either Newcastle or Penrith and there are a few travel options.

If travelling by train and Penrith is your destination, we would recommend that you arrive into Penrith station and depart from Newcastle, which will avoid long transfers. For Newcastle you need to arrive and depart from Newcastle Central. At the end of the trip we will meet you and transfer you to your car or Newcastle train station as appropriate. Please do not book any return trains prior to 17.30.

The closest airport to Penrith is Manchester, from where you can catch a direct train. Newcastle has an airport, although transatlantic options are limited and most routes will come via London.

Please contact us for more detailed information on the specific schedules that we recommend for your holiday and please check with us before booking your travel so that we can ensure it fits with the trip schedule.

Please note, if you are travelling to the UK from overseas and are not a British or Irish national, you will need to apply for either an ETA or a visa depending on your nationality. Please check the relevant state department or foreign office guidance for your country or you can find more information here

Contact us for full details on the travel options on this trip

Accommodation

On this holiday, we book you into 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, including an excellent 4 star country pub in Blanchland on the final night of your holiday.

Contact us for full details on the accommodation for this trip

Bike Hire

If you would like to rent a bike we have hybrid, gravel and electric bikes available.

The hybrid bikes are generally Giant Roam (male frame) or Liv Rove (female frame) with flat bars and semi-slick tyres. They are set up with a rear rack, two panniers and at least one bottle cage.

The gravel bikes are generally Giant Revolt (male frame) or Liv Devote (female frame) with drop-bars, aluminium frames, carbon forks, and 700×38c gravel-specific tyres fitted with inner tubes. They are set up with a rear rack, two panniers and at least one bottle cage.

The electric bikes are generally Giant E+ pedal assist bikes with flat bars, step through frames, semi-slick tyres, and batteries suitable for the daily distance on this holiday. They are set up with a rear rack and two panniers and they will either have a bottle cage or you will be able to store a water bottle in your pannier bag.

When choosing your hire bike, we recommend selecting the type of bike you’re used to riding and feel most comfortable and confident on, whether that’s a flat-bar bike or a drop-bar setup. If you’re unsure about anything, or would like to chat through the available options, please do give us a call.

All of our hire bikes have a wide range of gears, hydraulic disc brakes and offer a comfortable riding position. All bikes have inner tubes and come equipped with a small seat-post bag containing a puncture repair kit, a multitool and a spare tube, as well as a bike pump. We will also provide a handlebar phone mount (if required), and a bike lock (one between two bikes). Please note, given the variety of shapes and sizes of on-bike luggage and the fact the mechanisms for fitting them vary, we aren’t able to safely accommodate customers’ own frame bags or on-bike luggage on our hire bikes.

We are also able to provide helmets. If you’d like one, please request this at the time of booking. You are welcome to bring along your own saddle and / or own pedals if renting a hybrid or gravel bike, but please let us know in advance if you plan to do so. Please note, all our hire bikes come with flat pedals as standard.

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

Contact us for full details on the bikes available for hire on this trip

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What's Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double rooms)

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Access to an app for holiday information and navigation

D) A printed map

E) Luggage transfer service

F) Local Skedaddle representative

G) Emergency tool kit, pump etc. (if renting your bike from Skedaddle)

H) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

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

J) Tips for guides, drivers, support staff

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C2C - Coast to Coast (4 Days Cycling) FAQs

Can I hire a bike?

Yes, we have a range of high-quality hire bikes available on all of our tours that you can select at the time of booking (you can see more details about our hire bikes in the dedicated section above.) Or, if you prefer the flexibility to bring your own bike, this is also an option.

Do I need to wear a cycle helmet?

Yes. We take very seriously the duty of care we have towards our customers, and we will always ask that you wear a helmet. If you don’t own a helmet, then let us know and we’ll ensure there is one available for you. More about our helmet policy.

Can I bring my own e-bike?

Yes, you may bring your own e-bike on this tour but it’s best to chat to our team so we can make sure the bike is legally compliant and that help determine if your bike will have enough power to last each day. We recommend riding with the bike in eco mode, or lower level of pedal assist most of the time, along with other tips to conserve battery life. Remember, if you are flying to your destination, you won’t be able to take a battery on the plane. Check out our e-bike page for more FAQs about e-bikes.

What bike spares should I bring?

If you’re bringing your own bike, it’s a good idea to pack basic tools (tyre levers, pump, chain tool) and a puncture repair kit with a spare inner tube in a saddle bag or day bag. If you’re hiring a bike with us, then we’ll provide you with tools and spares. If you run into problems with your bike or have a mechanical, we’ll always be available to assist.

Do you transfer my luggage and bike box?

Yes, our tours include luggage transfers so you can enjoy cycling without the need to carry heavy bags. If you’re bringing your own bike in a bike box or bag, then we will store and transfer it for you. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing a bike box – the size, make and model.

What if something goes wrong?

Self-guided doesn’t mean left to manage on your own. One of our local representatives will be there to greet you on arrival and help get you set up with your bike and navigation. Throughout your trip, we’re always available with local support and emergency phone support aswell, so whether there’s an unexpected issue or you’ve got a mechanical with your bike, we’ll get it sorted.

How do I navigate and know which route to follow?

We’ll provide you with easy-to-use navigation and you’ll be shown how to use it at your meet and greet on arrival. Across many of our tours, we use Ride with GPS or a similar navigation app. You’ll need to bring a phone or GPS unit for navigation. On some holidays, paper maps are provided. Holidays which mainly follow National Cycle Network routes or other designated routes have the benefit of clear signposting along the way.  

Can I do this self-guided holiday on my own?

For safety reasons, we only offer self-guided tours to two or more riders. If you’re a solo traveller, why not join one of our group tours? It’s a great way to meet likeminded people and we see lots of solo travellers joining our guided holidays.

Do you cater for different dietary needs?

Vegetarians and people with specific dietary requirements will be catered for – please let us know at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.

News, Reviews & Stories

Cycling on the Hadrian's Cycleway long distance cycle route

7 Must-Do long distance cycle routes on the National Cycle Network

If you’re looking for long distance cycle routes in the UK, you’ll likely have encountered the little blue and red signs marking the incredible National Cycle Network. For more than 30 years, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust has been the custodian of this network, developing and maintaining routes that make exploring the UK by bike more ...

Cyclists riding Hartside Pass on the coast to coast cycle route

Our official guide to the UK C2C – Coast to Coast ride

  The C2C, also known as the Sea to Sea or Coast to Coast, is undoubtedly the UK’s best-loved challenge ride and attracts a vast array of enthusiastic cyclists each year to take on its legendary ups and downs. This rewarding multi-day coast to coast adventure has become somewhat of a rite of passage for us here in the ...

Customer Story: C2C, a long way up!

Juliet England joined us on the 130+ mile bike ride from Whitehaven to Tynemouth – the classic coast-to-coast route. She hasn’t been on a bike in years. What could possibly go wrong? Day 1 – Whitehaven to Threlkeld – 36 miles Riders setting off on coast-to-coast rides traditionally dunk their front wheels in the sea at ...

Reviews

15

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