COAST TO COAST CYCLING
Ride Across England from Ulverston to the North Sea
  This is a 144 mile itinerary we have devised combining the Cumbria Cycle Way Route and the popular C2C cycle route that offers a superb weeks cycling amidst great scenery. The route starts in Ulverston and passes through some of the best scenery the Lake District has to offer through Coniston and Grasmere, before reaching Keswick, where we join the official C2C cycle route. The ride then leaves the Lakes and rolls up and down over the Peninnes, right across high moorlands with their ancient lead mines, reaching a tour high point at 609 metres before dropping down through the attractive villages in the Wear valley. Finally you arrive at the industrial and urban mouth of the River Wear at Sunderland. Daily distances are generally short so that you can find your legs and enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer. You should find time to take off road options or visit teashops and attractive pubs. You can easily detour to take in the odd castle, museum or perhaps visit the historic cathedral city of Durham.
Whilst the C2C cycle route heads West to East from the port of Whitehaven on the Irish sea coast to the lighthouse at Sunderland on the shores of the North Sea; the Cumbrian Cycle Way Route rolls out from Ulverston northwards and the routes intersect at Keswick. The ride takes in some of the best scenery that the Lake District and the wild Pennines have to offer. 90% of the144 mile ride follows minor roads and cycle paths, so it can be enjoyed to the full without worrying too much about traffic.
After leaving Ulverston we are soon cycling along a peaceful road by the shore of lake Coniston, immortalized by Arthur Ransome in ‘Swallows and Amazons,’ with the peak of ‘Coniston old Man’ towering above. Then its on to Grasmere famous for its associations with the romantic poets, where you can visit Wordsworth’s Dove cottage. Ahead lies tranquil Thirlmere and beautiful Derwentwater. You will also get glimpses towards the inner sanctum of ‘The Lakes’: the Langdale Pikes.
From Keswick take a deviation to the stone ring at Castlerigg, for a Stone Age view before embarking upon the next section to Penrith and the Eden Valley, with its lush valleys and sandstone villages. Then the route starts the climb up to Hartside and into the rugged Northern Pennines - the roof of England. There then follows an undulating ride as the C2C meanders through old lead mining villages, such as Nenthead and Rookhope, and down into the Durham Dales before entering the old steel town of Consett. From here it’s an easy ride through one of Britain’s old industrial heartlands to the North Sea and Sunderland.
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Accommodation
7
nights/8 days - Accommodation is in a variety of guesthouses and small hotels which normally provide ensuite facilities and are cycle friendly establishments. Our first night is spent in a friendly, family run townhouse in
Ulverston. Our family-run guesthouse in Grasmere is conveniently placed right in the centre of this delightful village. In
Keswick our traditional 2* coaching inn has a high quality of bedrooms. Our hotel in Edenhall has everything a weary cyclist needs, bar, quality meals and a formal restaurant all set in over an acre of grounds. Night 5 is spent at
Allenheads our accommodation tonight offers character and charm of a bygone age at an old English Pub. Our penultimate night is spent in a newly refurbished family run hotel in Chester-le-Street. Finally we roll into
Sunderland, our hotel was built in 1842 by the famous architect John Dobson, this 3* hotel offers a great standard of service.
Terrain The route generally follows the path of least resistance through the valleys and over the passes to cross England. There are numerous hills however, as we pass through the Lake district and over the Pennine watershed before making a long gentle descent to the North Sea.
Sherpa
Notes Bike Hire
18/21 speed mountain bikes, equipped with a tool kit, lock and
saddlebag. Accommodation and Meals
On a bed and breakfast basis comfortable country inns and hotels with ensuite facilities. Start and End of Tour
Most convenient major city and international airport is Manchester from where it is 2 hours by train via Lancaster to Ulverston. From London it is 5 hours by train via Lancaster to Ulverston.
Sunderland or Newcastle both have convenient rail links to London 3.5 hours or Manchester 4 hours.
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vacations
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