- The Start of the Coast to Coast Route, Whitehaven - Susanna Crossland
Cycle adventurers like Mark Beaumont have made cycle touring extremely popular recently, but this type of holiday does not have to be limited to the young and super-fit. The Coast to Coast, or C2C route across the north of England is a challenge that should be manageable for most people.
The Coast to Coast Route
There are a variety of possible routes, but the most popular starts in Whitehaven, Cumbria, and finishes in Sunderland, where it is traditional for cyclists to dip their front wheel in the sea, to feel that they have truly completed the challenge. The route takes you through the Lake District before you head into the Pennines and then down an old railway path into Sunderland. The route covers roughly 140 miles of spectacular scenery and cyclists can decide how many days to allow; the most common tour takes three days and while providing a definite challenge, does not require vast levels of preparation and training.
Organising the Coast to Coast Tour
Part of the fun of a cycle tour lies in the organisation; deciding where to stay can be particularly fun when you are planning the tour as a group. Most of the Bed and Breakfasts along the route will cater for large parties, provided you book well in advance and are prepared to share bedrooms.
Many companies specialise in helping cyclists to complete the C2C route; some of the most useful are those that make transport logistically possible. There are several companies that allow you to park your car at the finish in Sunderland and will then transport you and your bikes in a minibus to the start in Whitehaven. The beauty of this method lies in the feeling when you reach Sunderland: being able to get into your own car and drive straight home will make the added preparation at the beginning worthwhile.
Before You Start the Coast to Coast Cycle Route
You will need:
- a well-maintained bicycle – preferably a mountain bike or a hybrid, as some of the most fun and beautiful sections of the route are off-road
- panniers capable of carrying enough belongings for three days; these should be waterproof as one of the reasons the area is so beautiful and green is the rain.
- a well-equipped repair kit
- a windproof and waterproof jacket, but one that can be folded away, as you could just as easily find yourself cycling in glorious sunshine
- a helmet; although helmets are not compulsory in the UK, some of the route requires you to cycle on roads and safety should be your priority
- detailed maps and a good guide book to the Coast to Coast.
You should also ensure that you are fit enough to cycle for several hours; you can go at your own pace and take as much time to admire the fabulous views as you like, but you will need to reach your pre-booked B&B, so an ability to cycle 50 miles or so is essential.
The Start of the English C2C Bicycle Route
There are several Bed and Breakfasts in Whitehaven that accept cyclists and provide lockable storage for your bikes the night before you ride. The route begins on the waterfront in Whitehaven and is signed by the transport charity Sustrans as part of the National Cycle Network and you will quickly become accustomed to following the blue C2C signs. The route is incredibly clear; every single turn you have to make, even through the forest paths, is clearly marked and you will always feel well-supported.
Susanna Crossland - Susanna studied English Literature at the University of Exeter, before taking two years out to work with dressage horses. Having qualified ...
