Three-day Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle ride: Whitehaven to Tynemouth

Itinerary

• Day 0
  • Train from London Euston to Whitehaven via Carlisle (~5h)
  • Stay at The Mansion. Breakfast included. Convenience store nearby, several supermarkets in town.
• Day 1
  • Collect bike from Haven Cycles
  • Cycle from Whitehaven to Penrith: 87km distance, 1250m ascent, 5h30 moving time
  • Stay at the Station Hotel. Dinner and breakfast available. Several supermarkets and restaurants nearby. Semi-secure bike storage.
• Day 2
  • Cycle from Penrith to St John’s Chapel: 66km, 1750m, 5h
  • Stay at The Golden Lion. Dinner and breakfast available. Convenience store nearby. Secure bike storage.
• Day 3
  • Cycle from St John’s Chapel to Tynemouth: 78km, 575m, 4h30
  • Leave bike at The Gibraltar Rock
  • Metro from Tynemouth to Newcastle (~0h30)
  • Train from Newcastle to London Kings Cross (~3h15)

Notes

• Total distance of 230km with 2925m of climbing (GPX)
• This route provides a decent balance: the first day being the longest, the second the hilliest, and the last providing enough time for onward travel
• Suitable preparation is riding at least 100km over undulating terrain in a single day
• The route has two deviations from the conventional C2C:
  • Avoids Whinlatter Forest, which is only recommended for off-road bikes (not hybrids)
  • Passes through via St John’s Chapel rather than Rookhope due to availability of accommodation

Map