The C2C route crosses northern England from west to east starting in Whitehaven and finishing in Sunderland. A journey of 140 miles thro' some of the most beautiful and spectacular countryside in England
Allow at least 3 days for the trip or more if you want to explore off the route. You need a sturdy VTT bike as the route is almost entirely off road following forest tracks, bridle paths and old railway tracks- there are very few miles on roads. Buy the C2C route map from Sustrans, available on the internet. We used youth hostels or camping barns for overnight sleeping. You will need a sleeping bag and and cooking equipment for the camping barns but you can self cater in the youth hostels ( YHA). Costs vary between £15 to £20 per head per night.The route is very well signposted and the C2C map has route notes and route profiles. The route involves some hard but generally short climbs so keep the weight down and get fit first. The whole route is suitable for bikes with pannier bags.
Favourite spots:
First Day- Remember to put your back wheel in the sea and off you go. We cycled from Whitehaven to Keswick thro' the Lake District and stayed in a basic camping barn offering minimal but clean facilities . A fairly gentle day to begin, only one climb over Whinlatter.
Second Day-From Keswick to Alston up onto the Moors. We stayed in the youth hostel in a small dorm with bunk beds. a fully equiped kitchen was available for self catering. A hard ride with a very stiff climb over Hartside
Third Day- From Alston to Consett. Perhaps the hardest day with a stiff climb over Allenheads and Black Hill the hightest point on the route but beautiful countryside, the nearest you get to wilderness in England. A camping barn proved to be luxurious with a good kitchen and TV
What's really great:
Fourth Day- Consett to Sunderland. An easy day generally down hill all the way. Don't forget to put your fron t wheel in the sea to complete the trip.
I was looking forward to read your report as I'm a keen cyclist. The views must have been stunning along your route. Your report is a little breif but informative.
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