Sea to Sea (C2C) Cycle Route

About

The C2C Cycle Route is one of the most popular cycle routes in the UK starting in the West of the country at Whitehaven or Workington and finishing in the East Coast at Newcastle or Sunderland.


Distance: 140 miles.


The UK's most popular 'challenge' cycle route passes through the northern Lake District before climbing the Pennines, 'the roof of England', and then descending to the railway paths of Durham. It includes Black Hill, the highest point on the National Cycle Network (609m) and the Consett-Sunderland railway path and sculpture trail.


The C2C can be done in 3 days but most people tend to do it over a 4 day period starting on day 1 at Whitehaven or Workington in Cumbria and cycling to the Penrith area. The next stage from Penrith to Stanhope area is the most demanding so unless you are extremely fit it may be advisable to split it into 2 days. Day 2 takes you from Penrith to the Alston, Nenthead or Cowshill area followed by Day 3 from The Pennines/Cowshill to Stanhope or Consett area. The final stage is from Stanhope or Consett to Tynemouth or Sunderland.

Please note: The map location shows Stanhope in the Durham Dales but the route starts in the west of the country at Whitehaven or Workington and finishes in the East Coast at Newcastle or Sunderland.