5 Days & 4 Nights

4.6

Sea to Sea (C2C) Cycle Route - 5 Days & 4 Nights

Journey across England by bike from the Irish Sea to the North Sea
Cycle the Lake District past the stunning Helvellyn mountain range
Discover the prehistoric Castlerigg Stone Circle
Climb the challenging 580m Hartside Pass
Visit Greystoke Castle, home of Lord Greystoke, inspiration for the Legend of Tarzan

Cycle from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, west to east, along the UK’s most popular long-distance cycle path, the C2C. Dip your back wheel into the sea at the beginning of your epic journey and your front wheel in at the end, as tradition demands. Pedal along quiet country lanes and cycle paths with the rugged mountains of the Lake District National Park and heather covered moors of the North Pennines as your backdrop. As you pass through Cumbria you will be in awe of the surrounding peaks of Helvellyn and Skiddaw, which provide some of the most stunning scenery in the UK.

From £875.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Newcastle and overnight

After arriving in Newcastle and checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore this vibrant city in England's northeast. Newcastle has excellent transport links by rail, road and air to the rest of the UK.

Overnight Newcastle

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

nclin-hotel-indigo-newcastle-daytime-exterior

Hotel Indigo | Hotel

Hotel Indigo Newcastle is a four-star boutique hotel in the heart of the city, heavily influenced by its location within the historic Grainger Town area. Relax in their stylish bar before a meal in 'Social Bird', a brand new dining concept where guests and locals alike enjoy food and drinks to rave about. They are situated near the railway station, Grainger Market, and the Tyne Theatre and Opera House.

Sandman Signature Hotel Newcastle | 4 Star | Hotel

Located in the city centre of Newcastle, Sandman Signature Hotel is a luxury accommodation only a 20 minute drive/train journey to the Northumberland countryside. This accommodation offers a laundry service, bike storage, and packed lunch on request.

Day 2 Transfer to Whitehaven and cycle to Keswick 32 miles / 52 km

You will be collected early this morning and transferred 2.5 hrs to Whitehaven on the west coast to begin your cycle. As is the tradition, dip your wheel in the Irish Sea to mark the start of your 140-mile coast to coast journey across England. Leave the west coast behind and pedal into the beautiful Lake District National Park, where you will stay in the bustling market town of Keswick on the shores of Derwentwater lake.

If you have time why not treat yourself to a traditional English cream tea and scone in one of Keswick's cosy cafes? Then later pop into one of the pubs for a hearty evening meal and a pint of local ale.

Approximate Ascent: 605m (1985ft) / Descent: 540m (1770ft)

Overnight Keswick

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Skiddaw Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

The four-star Skiddaw Hotel is set in the picturesque market town of Keswick. Each of the 43 en-suite bedrooms offers a high standard of comfort and has all the amenities you would expect from a good hotel.

Keswick Park Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

The Keswick Park was built in 1880 as a traditional Lakeland/Cumbrian slate house near the centre of Keswick. In the 1970's it was converted to a comfortable Guest House. It is conveniently located for bed and breakfast only 200 metres level walk from Keswick town centre, the "Queen of the northern Lake District".

The Kings Arms Hotel | Hotel

A friendly service and a warm Lakeland welcome awaits you at the Kings Arms Hotel, a historic 17th century coaching inn in the heart of Keswick. You will experience the legacies of a true Coaching Inn, in modern day comfort and luxury. Guests of the Kings Arms have free use of the leisure club at their sister hotel just 3 miles down the beautiful Borrowdale Valley, which includes an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and hot tub and an indoor swimming pool, sauna, gym and beauty salon.

Day 3 Cycle from Keswick to Alston 46 miles / 74 km

After a hearty breakfast, leave the hustle and bustle and Keswick behind to arrive shortly at Castlerigg Stone Circle and Greystoke Castle. Soon you'll enter the North Pennines and Hartside Pass, renowned as the toughest climb on the route. However, England's Highest Cafe provides a just reward for your efforts and is the perfect place to refuel before continuing onto Alston.

Approximate Ascent: 1075m (3526ft) / Descent: 870m (2854ft)

Overnight Alston

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Alston House Hotel | Hotel

Alston House Hotel is an imposing 17th century building situated a few minutes stroll from the centre of Alston; which is one of the highest towns in the UK. Over the last two years all of their rooms have been completely refurbished with luxury bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, deep, plush carpets and high quality memory foam beds for that all important good night’s sleep.

Lowbyer Manor | Country House

Lowbyer is a Grade II listed Georgian Manor House, each of the nine guest bedrooms have been designed with the guest in mind, All rooms are en-suite with either a bath or shower room and have complimentary refreshments tray, colour television, radio alarm clock, hair dryer and complimentary toiletries. Their cosy snug Bar with inglenook fireplace offers a wide selection of wines, spirits, liqueurs, soft drinks and bottled cider, lager & beers. The Guest Lounge with real wood fire, is a very comfortable and relaxing room. It offers a good selection of books, magazines and daily newspapers.

Cumberland Inn | 3 Star | Inn

The Cumberland offers you a warm welcome. The comfortable rooms were fully refurbished in 2006, and all offer en-suite bathrooms, hairdryers, colour television and tea and coffee making facilities. In November 2008 they were awarded 3 stars by Visit Britain in the 'Inn' category of Guest Accommodation.

Day 4 Cycle from Alston to Consett 37 miles / 59.2 km

Cycle through the historic mining village of Nenthead, where remnants of its mining heritage remain and miles of accessible mines await exploration. Afterward, brace yourself for a demanding climb to the highest point on the route—Black Hill, towering 609 meters above sea level. The rest of the journey eases with a more relaxed ride as you make your way to your next overnight stop in Consett.

Approximate Ascent: 1991m (6532ft) / Descent:764m (2506ft)

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Crown & Crossed Swords

The Crown & Crossed Swords Hotel is situated in Shotley Bridge on the outskirts of Consett, Co Durham.

Renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, excellent hospitality and tastefully decorated rooms, The Crown and Crossed Swords has established itself as a notable place to stay.

The Old Mill - Knitsley

The Old Mill is a converted Mill House set in the peaceful countryside, nestled in its own valley, tucked away in 100 acres of beautiful County Durham countryside between Consett, Lanchester and a short drive from Durham City and Newcastle. Please note on Sundays they do not serve dinner past 5pm so please plan your day accordingly.

Day 5 Cycle to Tynemouth, transfer to Newcastle for onward travel 27.1 miles / 43.6 km

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 20kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 20kg is equivalent to 182 bananas. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

Cycling primarily along quiet country lanes and cycle paths through England’s largest National Park, outstanding countryside and the North Pennines Geopark it's easy to understand why this is the most popular long distance cycle on the British Isles.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

This trip is suitable for:

Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 16 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails

Grade & Terrain

Our 5 day/4 night tour is rated moderate (with one day rated as moderate to strenuous due to the elevation involved). The steepest climbs and highest point are in the middle in the Pennines. You should be used to cycling between 30-50 miles a day on rolling terrain and in good physical condition. Ebike are also available for hire - which will help if you are concerned about the hills. Please ensure you manage the battery life as you cycle.

The terrain covered includes short sections on main roads (mainly entering and exiting towns - approx. 5% of the route), about 50% on quiet country roads and 45% on traffic-free routes. The surface specifics are as follows: 83.8% asphalt, 14.3% "unsealed firm" tracks/cycle paths, and 1.8% "unsealed loose" tracks/cycle paths.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Overnight in hand-picked B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
Transfer from Newcastle to Whitehaven, the start point
Baggage transfer
Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office
Transfer from Tynemouth back to Newcastle

Excluded

Travel to / from Newcastle
Bike hire
Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route
Bike hire

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items for the weather and the riding. A detailed equipment list is supplied in the Trip Info.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Equipment

The following bikes are available for hire:

Hybrid Bike: Flat bar. Giant Escape, Merida Crossway or Merida Speeder

ebike: Scott Sub, Cube Kathmandu or Merida Espresso

Gravel bike: Drop bar. Marida Silex or Giant Revolt

We do not recommend tandem bikes for this route due to the sharp bends and gates. We do not recommend road bikes for this route due to small sections of unsurfaced terrain.

Brand and model may vary depending on availability. Minimum age for ebike hire is 16yrs.

Please provide the following information on booking:

Your height for bike size
Head circumference if you wish to hire a helmet
Preferred frame stye: crossbar, full step through or trapeze
Different pedals (flat is the standard): cages, Spd mtb, Combined, Spd SL, Look KEO

Bike Hire Inclusions

Spare inner tube
Helmet (we recommend you bring your own)
Repair kit & pump
A pannier bag (excluding gravel bikes)
One lock
Water bottle holder

Many people choose to hire an e-bike, as the battery-powered assistance can be helpful when needed. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than standard bicycles. For more information on how ebikes work click here.
Gravel/Road bikes are only recommended for experienced cyclists who understand the riding position and have the physical fitness needed for this style of biking.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.