Having made your plans and booked your accommodation, you should now be ready to embark on a journey that will give you the opportunity to see some magnificent views, experience some tough cycling and feel that you have achieved something admirable.
From Whitehaven to Keswick
The route begins in Whitehaven, beside the large C2C sign, where it is traditional for cyclists to dip their rear wheel into the sea, in order to really feel that they have begun. From there, you will see the first of the blue Sustrans signs, marked C2C, which will guide you all the way along the route. After meandering through the streets of Whitehaven for only a few minutes, the route then quickly takes you onto a cycle path and you leave the town behind.
On a profile map, the opening 12 miles look as if you are going uphill right from the start, but the actual gradient is very slight and as you move away from the coast, the countryside becomes more and more rich and pleasant. While there will be many dog-walkers on the path near Whitehaven, the further you progress, the fewer people you will meet.
The first day of the three is the longest, and it is worth scheduling a decent length rest for lunch in Keswick, a little more than halfway through that day. The route will take you through the impressive Whinlatter Forest, where the visitor centre can provide a very welcome café stop. From this point, it is only 3 or 4 miles to Keswick, where there are plenty of places to eat, and a beautiful view across Derwent Water.
From Keswick to Penrith
Follow the blue signs out of the town and onto an old railway path that runs between Keswick and Threlkeld. This section is great fun, as it is predominantly flat and runs across several impressive bridges built into the hillside. There is a short period on the road at the end of it, before again taking a cycle path into the hills. Beware of a stunning but essentially pointless detour that the map suggests you should take. While more scenic than the road option, tired legs might not thank you for it!
Penrith is very well-signed and provides an ideal place to stay for the night. It has a good number of bed and breakfasts to stay in, but ensure that you book in advance. There is a good range of restaurants to eat out in. It will be important to refuel adequately, as day two poses a rather bigger challenge.
Worth Remembering:
- Carry plenty of liquids with you, ideally a mixture of water and an energy drink
- The weather in the Lake District can be extremely changeable: pack sunscreen and a waterproof jacket and ensure that both are accessible.
- Be respectful of other users of the paths and roads: avoid cycling more than two abreast and if there is traffic on the roads, cycle single file and be courteous to drivers.
- Take any litter with you, as these routes are extremely well-maintained and it would be a shame to spoil it for others.
Susanna Crossland - Susanna studied English Literature at the University of Exeter, before taking two years out to work with dressage horses. Having qualified ...
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