The Coast to Coast Cycle Route

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Guidebook to cycling the Sustrans Coast to Coast Cycle Route across the north of England, from Whitehaven or Workington to Newcastle or Sunderland, passing through the northern Lake District, the Pennines and County Durham. The 137 mile route is presented in 3 stages, with alternative start and finish stages, and is suitable for all bikes.

Cicerone says

A guidebook to cycling the 220km (137 mile) Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle route from either Whitehaven or Workington to Tynemouth or Sunderland. This long-distance cycle through the Lake District, Pennines and County Durham is suitable for both first-time and experienced long-distance cyclists and can be cycled in 3 days.

• Presented as a 3-day itinerary with daily stages between 64-84km (40-52 miles) in length. Alternate itineraries are also provided
• Route passes Keswick, Greystoke, Penrith, Renwick, Garrigill, Nenthead, Allenheads, Alston, Newcastle
• Route is described west-east but a summary description is also provided for those wanting to cycle in the opposite direction
• 1:100,000 maps are included for each stage
• GPX files available to download
• Trek planner gives detailed information about accommodation, refreshments and facilities along the route

Our Verdict

For nearly 50 years Cicerone have been producing guidebooks on recognised treks, regions, areas and general tips for hikers.

We have used them countless times and they’ve always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too.

If you’re a gram counter you can easily remove sections of the book to take with you making your own ultra-lightweight guidebook with only the essential sections that you require.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Seasons: Best from April to October, but possible out of season.
• Centres: Whitehaven, Workington, Loweswater, Lorton, Keswick, Threlkeld, Mungrisdale, Greystoke, Penrith, Renwick, Garrigill, Nenthead, Allenheads, Rookhope, Consett, Sunderland, Gateshead, Tynemouth. Alston on an alternative route.
• Difficulty: The C2C is a challenging and rewarding ride with plenty of ups and downs – particularly in the route’s outstanding middle section – that is nonetheless well within the capabilities of most cyclists. A 3-day itinerary will be the perfect trip for many regular road cyclists riding around 45 miles per day. A number of alternative off-road options are included, while both more leisurely and more challenging itineraries are also described.
• Must See: The original and classic C2C route from Whitehaven or Workington to Tynemouth or Sunderland. Crosses the Lake District National Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Includes famous rewarding climbs over Whinlatter, Hartside Top and Black Hill.

Specifications

• Weight: 149g
• Published: 16 March 2023
• Edition: Second
• Number of pages: 128
• Size: 17.2 x 11.6 x 0.65cm

Table of Contents

CONTENTS

Map key

Overview map

Route summary tables

Introduction

Why choose the C2C?

How tough is the ride?

How many days?

Where to start and where to end

West to east or east to west?

What kind of bicycle?

Unsurfaced off-road options

Getting there and back

Where to stay

Before setting off on your bike

Equipment

Carrying your gear

What to wear

Maps and apps

Signage

Using this guide

The C2C

Day 1 Whitehaven to Greystoke

Day 1A Workington to Greystoke

Day 2 Greystoke to Allenheads

Day 3 Allenheads to Tynemouth

Day 3A Allenheads to Sunderland

Appendix A Accommodation

Appendix B Bike shops and other useful contacts