Overview
The Coast to Coast Cycle is a classic journey spanning the width of the United Kingdom. Over four days you’ll cycle 140 miles through the challenging yet scenic countryside of Northern England. This is a must-do trip for any cyclist, it starts in Whitehaven on the West Coast of England and ends in Tynemouth on the East Coast.
This Coast to Coast Cycle is a fully supported trip so you can fully concentrate on the cycling and the beautiful scenery whilst being guided by knowledgeable, supportive and experienced leaders. Your luggage is transferred from your hotel/B&B each day and a support van is on hand to deal with any bicycle mechanical problems.
Highlights
- Dipping your wheel in the Irish Sea before setting off from Whitehaven
- Pedalling through the majestic lakes and valleys of the Lake District National Park
- Exploring the bustling market town of Keswick
- Tackling the rolling hills of the North Pennines
- Climbing the iconic Hartside Pass (583m)
- Completing the challenge on the beach at Tynemouth
Our Star Ratings
This is a challenging route with some challenging climbs. You will be cycling for between six and eight hours each day but this is not a race, this is a group trip and we like to cycle as such. You will be cycling through rolling countryside which will be hilly, and the pace will be determined by your Cycle Leader. If you are unable to keep to this moderate pace, you will be asked to travel in the support vehicle.
You must prepare before coming on the trip, anything cardiovascular will help as will of course cycling. Importantly you need to do some 6+ hour cycles so you will know what is required. You will need to get some hill practice in!
Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind and general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.
Easy: Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. Approx 20 – 40 miles a day
Relaxed: Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi-regular novices who wish to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. Approx 40 – 50 miles a day
Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained climbs. Not for those new to cycling. Approx 50 – 80 miles a day
Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. Approx 70 – 110 miles a day
Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. Approx 80 – 120 miles a day
Itinerary
Day 1: Join tour in Whitehaven
We meet in Whitehaven in the early evening for introductions, a full kit check and a briefing from your More Adventure leaders. We’ll check into our hotel for the evening then have our first group meal at a local pub and an early night in preparation for our first day’s ride the following day. If you’re travelling to Whitehaven by train and would prefer not to travel with your bicycle, please get in touch about our bicycle transfer service.
Day 2: Whitehaven to Penrith
(55 miles & 5000 feet⇧ / 88km & 1500m⇧)
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we’ll dip our wheels in the Irish Sea then head out for our first day of cycling, straight into the beautiful Lake District. Heading towards Keswick we have a number of climbs to enjoy. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of gorgeous views to take your mind off the hills, and it’d be a great shame not to stop for photos! The main climb of the day is the stunning Whinlatter Pass (317m), a fabulous stretch of tarmac which was the first King of the Mountains climb in the 2016 Tour of Britain cycling race. We’re rewarded with an incredible descent followed by lunch in the bustling market town of Keswick, one of the largest towns in the Lake District. After lunch we continue our ride east beneath the imposing Blencathra, a beautiful mountain that’s very popular with hikers. Our overnight stop this evening is Penrith.
Day 3: Penrith to Consett*
(58 miles & 6500 feet⇧ / 93km & 2200m⇧)
Today we’re crossing the ‘backbone of England’, the mighty Pennines. This range of hills stretches all the way from the Peak District in the South to the Cheviot Hills in the north. After breakfast we begin with a gentle start, riding northeast to the village of Langwathby to cross over the river Eden. Here we begin our climb up to the infamous Hartside Pass (583m). Despite its length, the climb is gradual with an average kilometre gradient of 5%. It’s a classic, and accounts for 540 metres of the total ascent of the day. We’re rewarded with some fantastic views from top (on a clear day!) and an exhilarating descent. The next section is through rolling countryside passing through quaint English villages and open farmland. There’s a final steep climb out of Stanhope, from where we cross open moorland, trending downhill to Consett.
Day 4: Consett to Tynemouth
(30 miles & 1250 feet⇧ / 47km & 350m⇧)
Our final day is short and you’ll be pleased to know that the majority of the hills are behind you! We continue northeast along the river Derwent to Rowlands Gill on a traffic-free cycle lane. Our route then meets the River Tyne and we cross over it on the magnificent Millennium Bridge, a 126-metre cycling and pedestrian bridge that was opened in 2001. From here we follow the river east to the coastal town of Tynemouth. We will of course make our way down to the beach to dip your wheel in the sea – congratulations, you have completed the Coast to Coast Cycle and have pedalled the width of England! After a celebratory lunch we will transfer you and your bike to Newcastle train station (if required) and here, the trip ends.
The single room supplement for this trip is £160, this can be added upon booking.
*Depending on hotel availability we’ll either stay in Consett or follow a series of traffic-free cycle lanes for 13km to the town of Stanley and rejoin the route the following day. This itinerary is a guide only and can sometimes be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Whilst we endeavour to uphold the proposed daily mileages, this cannot be guaranteed due to changes to hotel bookings.
Map
Includes
- Cycle leader(s)
- Support driver/bicycle mechanic(s)
- 3 x night’s hotel/B&B accommodation
- 3 x breakfasts
- All luggage transported during your trip
- Transfer (with your bike and luggage) to Newcastle station at the end of the trip
- GPX files of the route (if requested)
Not Included
- Bicycle and helmet
- Transport to and from pick-up and drop-off points*
- Lunches, evening meals, drinks and snacks
- Personal Travel Insurance
*To find out more about our door-to-door bicycle and luggage service on this trip, please get in touch.
FAQs
How do I travel to Whitehaven?
There are regular trains to Whitehaven from Carlisle. Further information about how to get to and from this trip will be issued upon booking.
How do I get back from Newcastle?
At the end of the trip you will be transferred with your luggage and bicycle to Newcastle train station where there are numerous connections throughout the UK.
Is the route hilly?
Yes. You will be cycling through two main ranges, the Lake District and the Pennines. These sections are particularly hilly, but with a bit of training it is achievable by most riders.
How do people normally get back to Whitehaven to collect cars?
You can of course travel back to Whitehaven by train if you've left a vehicle there. However, usually people prefer to either get picked up in Tynemouth at the end of the trip. Another option is they leave a vehicle in Penrith, get the train to Whitehaven at the beginning of the trip, then a train back to Penrith from Tynemouth at the end.
If there are a few of you thinking about joining us, it may be possible for us to offer bicycle and luggage transfers at the beginning and end of the trip. Please get in touch for further information.
Do you offer door-to-door bicycle and luggage transfers at the beginning and end of this trip?
Yes! Please get in touch for further information.
I'm travelling by train to Whitehaven but don't want to travel with my bike. Do you offer bicycle and luggage transfers for this trip?
Yes, we can pick up your bicycle and luggage from your home and drop them back at the end of the trip. Please get in touch for further details.
Do you offer door-to-door bicycle and luggage transfers at the beginning and end of this trip?
Yes possibly! Please get in touch for further information.
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