The Classic Coast to Coast Full Itinerary 

Day 1 - Arrival in Penrith 

 

Your trip begins on Thursday evening when you arrive at our chosen guesthouse in Penrith. Once you’ve checked in and received our rider pack you're free to try any of the numerous bars, cafes and restaurants in this bustling market town. With the guesthouse just a 2-minute walk from the centre and 5 minutes from the station, you're perfectly located to enjoy your stay here. If you came by car, we'll show you where to park up for the whole weekend - you won't need it again until you head home.

 

 

After a huge breakfast of freshly cooked Cumbrian produce, you and your bike will be transported out to the start point of the C2C in Whitehaven, on the Irish Sea Coast. With detailed maps of the route, the benefit of good signing and advice from our expert local guide, you should be fully equipped for the first leg of the journey. This first day of the C2C takes you through the northern section of the Lake District National Park. This is Britain's largest park, and you'll be travelling past some of its most impressive peaks - Skiddaw, Blecathra and the northern reaches of the Helvelyn range. You'll also encounter a great number of traditional Lakeland villages, as well as the focal town for this area - Keswick - which has a great selection of cafes for lunchtime. Today's ride ends back at the guesthouse in Penrith, giving you the chance to sample more great Cumbrian pub food, or a restaurant meal at any of the English, French, Italian, Spanish, Indian or Chinese places in town. We'll be happy to recommend some of the best options for you.

 

 

Accommodation:		B&B
Meals Included:		Breakfast
Cycling:		50 miles		80km
Ascent:		5167ft		1575m
Descent:		4737ft		1444m

 

Another big breakfast sees you on the road, this time direct from the guesthouse. By spending two nights here you've saved the hassle of moving on and packing up on day one, but this morning that's not possible, as you are heading for the Pennines. As you pedal your way into the Eden Valley, we'll transport your bags ahead to the next guesthouse, right in the heart of the Pennines. Today you'll encounter your biggest challenges, and as you coast down towards the river Eden from Penrith you'll see the first Pennine ridge rising up before you. The scenery takes a dramatic change now, as the sheer peaks of the Lakes become rolling valleys and open moors. We keep the distance a little lower today to account for the hills, but there’s no doubt that everyone gets a sense of achievement the first time they ride to the summit of Hartside Pass.

 

The final leg of the journey brings you through the last of the Pennines, and soon the North Sea comes into view. You wind down through the quiet villages towards the outskirts of Newcastle, where a network of carefully planned tracks and trails ensure that you stay away from any major roads as you follow the Tyne into the city. This is a superb ride in itself – passing along the bustling waterfront where the famous Millenium Bridge, Baltic Gallery and The Sage are all located. The C2C route ends at Tynemouth castle and priory, looking out across the harbour and into the North Sea. Here you'll also find our driver, waiting to bring you and your bikes back to Penrith (meanwhile, we'll have collected your bags from your Pennines stop and brought them back ready for your arrival). Congratulations are now in order, as you celebrate the success of your journey across Britain and return to Penrith for 18:15.