C2C Routes

richard36

Hi

Hoping to do the C2C next July over 2.5 days. I'm trying to decide on the best (most scenic) route from Whitehaven to the east.

I've read what I can on the internet (and on this forum) however I've still not been able to find what different routes are available.

I know there are a variety of routes - some on road and some off road - but I was wondering whether there was a website or book that lists the different ways to get from the west to east. I've seen the book 'Coast to Coast' on the C2C website but don't know whether it just mentions the one route or many.

Anyone any suggestions of websites, books or even based on personal trips?

Many thanks

Richard

PeteinSQ

I did this with my dad this summer and we used the route listed in the C2C book. Essentially there is one main route which quite often has diversions onto off road sections which you can choose to either take or avoid.

We did the route in three days:

1.) Whitehaven to Penrith, 2.) Penrith to Rookhope 3.) Rookhope to Sunderland.

The route was all pretty scenic until the last little bit which can't really be avoided regardless of which route you take. The route from Whitehaven to Penrith was really nice and scenic lots of off road routes that are suitable for a touring bike (I used my cross bike).

On road sections largely avoid busy roads but when they don't they tend to direct you along cycle paths that run adjacent to the road.

richard36

Pete

Thanks for that

So by the sounds of it I just need to get the Coast to Coast book and possibly the map?

By the time I get to Whitehaven I'll have a few hours to get from there to Keswick (on Sunday). I'll start from Keswick (on the Monday) and hopefully arrive at Rookhope and the next day go from Rookhope to Sunderland/Tynemouth and then train home.

I would probably do it on my mtb with semi slick tyres (size 1.5) which should be ok

Thanks again

PeteinSQ

Yes, they do a special offer for the map and the book. I bought both but I didn't really use the book very often.

The route is actually very well signposted though and we only went wrong a couple of times.

If you're using a mountain bike and were feeling adventurous you could leave your knobbly tyres on and do some of the off road bits that weren't really suitable for my cross bike or my dad's hybrid.

Also another thing to bear in mind is that when you choose the date to go book the accomodation in Rookhope first as there isn't a great deal of choice at that end of the route. This can then determine what date you do the ride on.

It's a nice route and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I loved the climb up to Hartside, it was sort of like riding in the alps, not too steep but very long!

richard36

Cheers Pete

Will probably end up camping for the night in Rookhope so that shouldn't affect when I can go

andymiller

Just to confuse the issue a bit there is an MTB C2C - often called the 'Woodcock C2C' after the guy who wrote the guide:

http://www.mbruk.co.uk/mbruk_CoastToCoast_details.htm

but it has the reputation of being pretty tough.

richard36

Thanks Andy

amaferanga

andymiller wrote:

Just to confuse the issue a bit there is an MTB C2C - often called the 'Woodcock C2C' after the guy who wrote the guide:

http://www.mbruk.co.uk/mbruk_CoastToCoast_details.htm

but it has the reputation of being pretty tough.

I've tried that route twice (both times in winter) and packed both times. Annoyingly both times I got past the really difficult Lakes part so had the easier bit ahead, but the weather did me in. I only had 4 days available both times. With bad weather it is VERY tough. If its wet many bits are unrideable, particualrly if like me you try to do it with (minimal) camping gear. Even without camping gear in the dry many bits rae still unrideable.

By way of comparison, I've done the C2C (Whitehaven to Tynemouth) in a single day once and through the night once and found it quite easy. The proper offroad route is in a whole different league (e.g. lugging a bike over Black Sail pass doesn't really compare to spinning up Hartside).

richard36

Thanks for info amaferanga. I think I'll stick to the 'usual' route

spanspoon

i did the c2c in june just gone, its a good ride some bits are tough (hartside hill) but you'll easily get it done over 2.5 days.

the route is well sign posted and there are different options you can take whilst completing it, but if you get the map and book its straightforward to follow. the only bit you'll probably struggle with is navigating your way through newcastle, after cycling from whitehaven, over the lakes and penines etc its a bit of a anti climax to end on! the sign posts at newcastle do confuse you a little and the odd one has been kindly removed by the local teenagers!

if i did it again i'd aim for Langwathby on day one.
Langwathby to Rookhope for day 2
then finish in Tynemouth which should only take you a half day.

We finished day 1 in penrith and found day 2 pretty tough - its definitely the hardest day out of he three and you may as well keep the mileage to a minimum.

richard36

spanspoon thanks for your reply.

galaxyboy

There is a c2c guide web site, a google search should bring it up. There is a lot of information on there.

richard36

galaxyboy - thanks for that. I did look at the website before I posted (in fact I have it in my favourites) and it contains some good info but it wasn't clear (at least to me) whether there were a number of routes or just one with a few variations

cheers

sirmy

It's one route with two starts/finishes in the west and two start/finishers in the east. I sometimes get the feeling that Whitehaven to Sunderland is the "offical" route with the others being alternatives (don't know how accurate that is, just my impression)

galaxyboy

sirmy wrote:

It's one route with two starts/finishes in the west and two start/finishers in the east. I sometimes get the feeling that Whitehaven to Sunderland is the "offical" route with the others being alternatives (don't know how accurate that is, just my impression)

with a few areas in the middle that you can go off road - or ride past it if you're on a road bike.

thefartingcockeral

Which actual C2C book did you use. I only ask this as when I did a search at amazon 2 came up.

richard36

The one on the C2C website is Coast to Coast by Mark Porter

galaxyboy

Please don't attempt to do it over the next couple of weeks anybody. There is no chance of starting at Workington, there are bridges washed out due to flooding and Keswick areas are also badly affected.

galaxyboy

Hadrians wall route also affected - 70-90 mile diversion.