Coast to Coast bike ride

Self Guided Tour -3 Day Plan

Thursday 24th September
Transfer from Sunderland to Whitehaven

Head for Roker/Sunderland, where we can advise on the best places to park (there are a range of choices from free to paid-for parking). We can then transfer you and your bikes safely over to Whitehaven (approx. 2.5 hours drive) where you can get to know your fellow riders and stay the night in a nice guest house or hotel in readiness for the adventure ahead!

Friday 25th September
Whitehaven to Penrith: 53 miles, 1380 metres of climbing

From your accommodation it’s just a short ride to the iconic start point for the C2C route where you can get the mandatory photos by the C2C sign and dip your back wheel in the Irish sea! It is a great day of cycling to start the trip, with some beautiful biking bringing you into the Lake District National Park.

A good challenge awaits to get over the Whinlatter pass and wonderful scenery accompanies you past Blencathra and Skiddaw as you head through the Lake District. You end the day passing through Greystoke, home of the Tarzan legend before reaching the bustling town of Penrith. Overnight in a lovely guest house or hotel in Penrith.

Saturday 26th September
Penrith to Weardale: 46 miles, 1640 metres of climbing

For many people this is the toughest day with a long but very scenic climb over the infamous Hartside pass, reaching over 1900 feet above sea level. It is a great place to stop and take in the view back towards the Lake District.

There is also a big downhill on the other side and some challenging, steep hills to tackle through the old mining towns of Nenthead and Allenheads with fabulous scenery along the way. You’ll almost cross the Pennines before the end of the day and can overnight in a comfy hotel in Weardale.

Sunday 27th September
Weardale to Roker: 40 miles, 600 metres of climbing

You'll climb up to the top of the moors again today which gives you fantastic views right over to Newcastle. Then you hit the old railway lines and it’s good, fast going and almost all flat or downhill to the North Sea coast. You'll cut a cross section through Sunderland and make your way to the beautiful beach at Roker, the official end of your epic journey. 

Get more tips about cycling C2C

What's included:

• Three nights comfortable accommodation in a shared room
• Breakfast each day
• Transport from Sunderland to Whitehaven at the start of the trip for you and your bikes
• All baggage transfers throughout the trip
• Phone support from an experienced ride support team
• Map of the route plus GPS files if required (including any small road bike detours that you will need)
• Detailed route information including suggested places to stop, eat and visit along the way,and bike repair shops - in case you need them
• Free use of a GPS app for the duration of the trip (this will show the route and many other route details straight to your phone)
• Cycling Jersey
• Fundraising support and advice

Accommodation 

You'll be staying in tried and tested comfortable hotels and guest houses (rated 3-4 star), where we know you'll enjoy great service.

Your hotels will be close to places to eat and drink in the evening, and of course there will be bike storage.

Riders will share a twin, double or family room on a B&B basis.

 What do you need?

• Your own bike
• You'll buy your own dinner and lunch every day and any snacks
• Riders are advised to arrange their own insurance to cover cover injury and bike damage (Sports Cover Direct, for example, provide this kind of cover.)

FAQ

What does a self-guided ride mean?

The AAT's partner tour company will organise everything you need, including your accommodation, breakfast and the route. They won't be on the ride with you, but will be a phone call away in case you need support (they'll be moving your luggage each day.) So you'll never be stuck.

This is a small bike ride with approximately 10 participants riding together and supporting each other, so you will not be on your own!

We recommend riders arrange their own insurance to cover the costs in the very unlikely event of injury or bike damage. 

What do I do with my luggage?

You'll leave it at your hotel with a member of the team, and it'll be moved for you, by van, to the next hotel while you ride.

What support is available while we're riding?

You'll be following the route together as a group. If you run into any difficulty, you will phone rider support and they will provide advice and arrange local transport if you need it. You'll be provided with a list of bike repair shops along the route in case you have any mechanical problems.

As well as our partner tour company, Hannah our Community Fundraising and Events Manager will also be in a van in the local area, and is a trained first aider. Hannah will also be supporting you with your fundraising plans, to help you hit your target.

What happens if I get a puncture or have an accident?

Hopefully you won't need this but if you get a puncture or if there is accident, you will ring rider support and they will help get you to a repair shop, and arrange local transport if you need it. If this is a taxi, you will need to cover the cost. Our partner tour company are not accompanying you on the route, but they have local contacts in the area. 

Participants will be sent a list of repair shops along the route in advance of the ride. Hannah from our team will also be in the area with a van, so she can also come and pick up you and your bike if she's nearest! 

What type of bike do I need?

The route can be adapted depending on the type of bike. For example anyone with a road bike can take non-bumpy options with some small detours. The company will provide mapping and GPS files for any requirements.