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Office
01388 81 82 84
mon
fri 9am --5pm
out of
office hours 07909 630 577
For all your cycle transport needs from Tynemouth
Sunderland to Whitehaven or Workington
From
Sunderland marina (roker pier), Hartlepool
marina, Tynemouth priory (C2C finish)
to
Walney Island ~ Whitehaven ~ Workington (C2C
start)
passengers, bikes, luggage,
by
car, taxi, bus, mini coach, cycle trailer
Call T.D.K. Travel see how we can help you
at a very competitive prices
Bike Trailer 14 cycles
cycle fixed on roof mounted gutter (for 4
bikes)
party bus newcastle
Office:-
01388 81-82-84
4 bike spaces available + 2 on rear carrier .The
sense of freedom, the pleasure of moving under your own steam at
your own pace, the feelings of achevement as you arrive somewere
and park right outside. The uk's most popular 'challange' cycle
route, the sea to sea (c2c), will give you a real sense of
achievement. Linking the Irish sea with the north sea, the route
starts in ether Whitehaven or Workingham. Running through the
Northern lake districk, the route climbs the Pennines, 'the roof of
England', with great views of durham dales. It includes the highest
point on the National Cycle Network at black hill (2,000 feet).
Heather clad in summer, snow capped in winter, this remote area may
be wild on any day of the year. But, given good wether, the North
Pennines have the most beautiful empty countryside to be found in
all of England. Emerging in consett, the route passes towns and
villages with lingering reminders that this was once one of
Britain's majer industral hartlands. Here, on the eastern side of
the Pennines, you can choose to make your way to Sunderland or to
Newcastel-Upon-Tyne or Tynemouth. It also links to Carlisle,
joining the start of the Scottish National Cycle Route to
inverness. One route travels along the Consett-Sunderland railway
path and sculpture trail, passing through towns and villages with
lingering reminders that this was once one of Britains major
industrial heartlands. The other follows the River Tyne past the
Gateshead Millennium Brige to the end at Tynemouth. Several
sections of the route offer an an on-road route or an off-road
alternative to test the best mounting bike. it should ideally be
ridden from the west to east, giving the benefit of the prevailing
westerly wind-the hills are like waves with steep western faces and
long sloping backs giving encouragingly long downhills. You should
remember that some parts of the C2C are high, rugged and
exposed. Even in summer please take note of the weather forcast and
take suitable clothing and supplies.Departing from the west coast,
you can choose to begin at either Workington or Whitehaven.
Workington is the more northerly of the two starting points. The
route quickly leaves the old industrial landscape of the town and
follows a cycle path and minor roads, close to the river Derwent,
passing through a market town of Cockermouth. A short hilly
section leads down to Bassenthwaite Lake followed by an easy ride
to Keswick. Alternatively, you can begin the C2C cycle rouute in
Whitehaven, a pleasant sea port with an attractive town center. For
the first tem miles the route follows the Whitehaven to Ennerdale
Railway Path, a well surfaced traffic-free trail. Quiet country
lanes lenes lead to Keswick as the C2C passes through some of
Britain's most beautiful scenery. The next stage, from Keswick to
Langwathby in the Vale of Eden. is an easy ride of ever changing
views. The route follows minor roads from Keswick trough the
villages of Therlkeld, Graystoke and the market town of Penrirh to
reach Lamgwathby. An alternative off -road route exists following
the old Coach Road over Threlkeld Common, which is not suitabit for
heavily laden bikes. The section between Langwathby to Allenheads
is the most mountainous of the entire route, with four major hills
within twenty miles. The first and steepest is Hartside, witch is
also the watershed between the Irish and North Seas. Don't be
fooled into thinking that it is all downhill from here - after
Hartside the route crosses one more hill before reaching Black
Hill, the highest point on C2C. The next section marks the end of
the rough, hilly terrain of the Northern Pennines and the start of
the industrial landscape of the c2C: the main route through
Stanley, whitch reaches the North Sea at Sunderland, and the
alternative route through Rowlands Gill to Tynemouth. if you choose
to end your journey in Sunderland you will encounter what was the
must be one of the easiest sections of the whole C2C.Apart from one
minor climb at Cox Green it is all downhill or flat.This allows
ample time to enjoy the ever changing scenery, from the rolling
hills of Beamish to the industry of Sunderland. Along the way there
are several sculptures constructed from materials whitch reflect
the industrial history of the area. Remember, tradition dictates
that you start to ride by dipping your back wheel in the Irish Sea,
so once you have reach the coast at Sunderland make sure you
end the journey by giving your front wheel a dip in the North
Sea!
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C2C
Starting point at Whitehaven
Tynemouth Priory Finish point of the
C2C
Adventure Cycling tel: 07736816700
Penrith based firm who offer guided or self guided cycle trips on
the C2C, Pennine Cycleway North and the Lake District. Full range
of services available.
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Coast to Coast Holidays - tel: 01642-489173
Cleveland based arranged cycling and walking holidays as well
acting purely as transport and/luggage carriers
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XploreBritain.com- tel: 01740 650900
specialists in cycling and walking holidays - both guided and
self-guided.
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CycleActive - tel: 01768 840 400
Penrith based
For a carefully planned holiday with a real personal touch, check
out CycleActive's C2C trips. The company runs fixed departures
throughout the year, so it's a great way to meet up with others and
have a sociable trip. Their office is actually en-route, so they
know the trails well, and have extra loops planned out for mountain
bikers who want to do more off-road along the way. All trips
include accommodation, bag transfers, and bringing you back from
the finish. They even provide showers, tea and freshly baked cakes
at the end, before you head home!
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Glaramara Guest House etel:017687 73216/75255 mob:
07711 763 019 fax : 017687 73216
email them for more information. Keswick based, offering
accommodation, cycling activity weekends, cycle hire and also
back-up transport available if required. The owners are keen
cyclists (OTC trained and fully qualified Mountain Bike Leader) and
know lots of good rides in the area.
A new route for 2002 is the Cumbria Cycle Way, a two day ride from
Ulverston to Carlisle (72 miles) through the heart of the Lake
District, for more details on the ride visit their website
at
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Saddle Skedaddle tel: 0191 2651110
Located near the end of the C2C, we offer friendly guided, and
self-guided holidays on the C2C route. We specialise in the
personal touch and are famed for our legendary Skedaddle picnics
(guided only)! Accommodation in friendly B&B's and family run
hotels, bag transfers, professional and friendly guides are the
order of the day!
We can tailor trips to suit your needs, just give us a call at
Skedaddle HQ! We also offer holidays on the Hadrian's Cycleway,
Pennine North and South, and Northumberland Coast and
Castles.
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The Waverley
Hotel (whitehaven)
tel: 01946 694337
3 of our
drivers had breakfast here one morning in May there opinion was
(FANTASTIC) located at the begining of the C2C beautiful 300
year old building situated in the centre of town car parking
available- licensed bar discounts for groups of 12 or
more
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North
East of England Regional Portal
A regional portal database about the North East England. This
extensive regional portal database covers the five counties of
Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Cleveland and
Cumbria.
Seven of us Mick, Des, Paul, Rory, Darryl and the two Nigel’s
decided to take part in the NSPCCs Big Bike Ride, we chose to do
the coast to coast from Whitehaven to Sunderland in May over four
days, doing all the off-road sections on the route. We travelled up
to Whitehaven on the Thursday.
I would like to thank our retired Mudpacker Dave (now does the
non-dangerous sport micro-lighting) although we didn't need him he
kindly offered his services of support if we had of needed it, on
his Honda VTX 1300. (no pedal power here)
The good news came this week that we had managed to raise £1275
for the NSPCC.
We managed to be in the saddle for 10:30am (not forgetting to dip
our rear wheel in the Irish sea) heading towards Keswick following
the Sustrans sea to sea cycle route. A steady climb up to Murton
Fell (850ft) via Cleator Moor and Kirkland, before descending down
to High Lorton via Lamplugh and Loweswater. Now starts the first
major climb up WhinlatterPass (over a thousand ft) then descending
down to Braithwaite and on to Keswick for our first night stop at
Grassmoor Guest House (1st class accommodation, food was excellent
and they are geared up for bikers & walkers alike)
C2C Day2
Keswick to Little Salkeld 31 Miles
Weather:- Awful, Raining & very windy
Off we go again another 31 mile ride to our destination Little
Salkeld. A steady first four miles to Threlkeld, now we get
serious, taking the Old Coach Road option to Matterdale End,
climbing 1000ft over about a distance of 1.5 miles over very rocky
terrain. But we did have a rest after 100 yards into this climb,
Pauls chain snapped, fortunately the rain had eased and we were
fairly sheltered. The climb up the old coach road is very stiff and
no! we didn't manage to ride it all the way but thats why they are
called push bikes. From Matterdale End we headed towards
Thackthwaite dissecting Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell, then
onto Greystoke and fall gently into Penrith before a small climb
out of Penrith and then dropping down to Langwathby, and onto our
2nd night stop at Little Salkeld at the Bank House Farm which is on
route.
C2C Day 3
Little Salkeld to Nenthead 20 Miles
Weather:- Cool & damp
Day 3 is supposed to be the hardest day, It was because three of
our group stayed out a little longer than intended & got s**t
faced, you can probably guess who they were from the photos, we
also put a little present in the bottom of Micks rucksack, this
will be unveiled at the end of the ride, (he couldn't understand
why his bag seemed to be getting heavier) It should have been 27
miles long up to Allenheads, taking in the highest point on the C2C
but due to not being able to get accommodation in Allenheads we cut
it short by 7 miles, which worked out well, because being a
football fan we were in the pub early afternoon to watch the FA cup
final. Anyway back to day 3 (it’s supposed to be a mtb site).
Leaving the Eden Valley behind a steady start with 4 miles of
gentle climbing, warming us up nicely for the first real climb of
the day. At Four Lane Ends we take the off road option which is a
rocky track that climbs to Hartside (1800ft), anybody want a brew
in the café? (Yes its pouring down again) After our brew we
continue on the road (A686) downhill at last to Leadgate, (how cold
was that wind & rain on that descent) carrying on down the B
road to Garrigill. From here we again take the off road option to
Nenthead south of Flinty Fell, (but not before Pauls chain snaps
again) according to the book, it is a challenge, (some found it a
bigger challenge than others after the late night) but good fun,
two waterfalls and some very steep rocky rough stuff, after this we
hopefully arrive at our 3rd night stop Mill Cottage Bunkhouse.
(well designed to sleep up to nine) Hurry up the footballs on.
Another night of drinking & playing pool in the Miners, &
Rory aquires a new nick-name Shaggy even the locals are calling him
it.
C2C Day4
Nenthead to Sunderland 52 Miles
Weather:- Hot & sunny (wheres my sun cream when I need
it)
A long day ahead, and straight into a stiff climb (no not that
way Mick follow the c2c signs) to Black Hill the highest point on
the C2C just short of 2000ft in the first 2 miles of the day, at
least our third night stop was at 1400ft so it was not too stiff a
climb. Back onto a B road and onto Allenheads, continuing on the B
road between Wolfcleugh Common and Redburn Edge onto
Rookhope,(middle of nowhere the local bus only comes once a week on
a Thursday) now for the last climb of any note, the off road
option, a 1 mile climb back up to 1700ft above Stanhope Common.
Time to relax, 38.5 miles to go but nearly all downhill. At this
point we pick up the Waskerley Way, it is described as being an
excellent, easy going and largely well surfaced dedicated cycle and
walking trail that brings you to Consett, via Rowley and the
impressive Hownsgill Viaduct before coming to Lydgetts Junction
where we make our decision to finish in Sunderland and not
Newcastle on this occasion. After bobbing and weaving through
Consett, we pick up the Consett and Sunderland Railway Path,
following this path all the way down to Sunderland, passing places
such as Stanley and Beamish (but not before Pauls chain snaps
again) then past the Stadium of Light, down to the promenade where
we dipped our front wheel in the North Sea, fairly tired and saddle
sore but with a sense of achievement. Come on Mick whats that in
the bottom of your bag, its no wonder weve been calling you Barney
Rubble for the past two days. I dont believe it! who would put a
big rock in the bottom of your rucksack? At this point we got our
transport back to Whitehaven to collect our cars using The Bike Bus
who are based in Stanley.
The 2006 event was the first time we'd cycled this route, and
what a time of year to pick! We rode through every type of weather
imaginable, including sun, rain, sleet, hailstones and snow! 13
riders gathered a total of almost 20 punctures between them, we had
two ripped tyres, broken cables and a rear mech that simply fell
off! This year we're bringing the start date back a month to try to
avoid the extremes but we can't promise anything!!
Please feel free to read the 2006 ride report below. There are
photos in there as well as some amusing stories!! We raised over
£2000 for Sustrans and want to beat that amount this year!
Craz's 2006 Ride Report (PDF)
In the middle of October we're taking a team of mostly novice
cyclists on one of the most famous cycling routes in the country,
the C2C route from Whitehaven to Sunderland. We're doing it to
raise money for Sustrans, the organisation that give us the
National Cycle Network and the Safe Routes to Schools Scheme. For
more information on Sustrans, please click on the Sustrans logo to
the right.
We're leaving Leeds at 8.30pm on Thursday 11th October by Rock
Tour Bus so that we can get to the start point at Whitehaven in
time for a nights sleep before we have to start cycling!
We start early on Friday morning with a traditional dip of the
back wheels in the Irish sea, and then head off for Penrith, a
little over 50 miles away, where we stay for the night in the tour
bus at the excellent Penrith Truck Stop. This part of the route
takes us over the north of the Lake District, including some of the
hilly bits (Whinlatter, etc)! The sight of Penrith will come as a
welcome relief for the riders!
Saturday morning arrives and we'll set off for Rookhope some 45
miles away. This will be the toughest day of the 3 as we cycle (or
walk!) up some pretty steep climbs including the snowy Hartside and
Black Hill. We'll stop for numerous photo opportunities, including
a lunch break at the Hartside Cafe.
After another nights sleep outside a lovely pub (the Rookhope
Inn) we'll set off for Sunderland, approximately 40 miles away.
During the first few miles there's a 200 meter icy climb followed
by a huge climb up to the start of the Waskerly Way and the
Parkside Inn and then some pretty plain sailing for the rest of the
day. The last 20 miles is a nice gradual downhill run to the coast
where we'll dip our front wheels into the North Sea before we rush
to the nearest fish and chip shop!!
Business Sponsors
Thank you to all our Business Sponsors. We send out thousands of
emails that link to this page. All newspaper articles and radio
play mentions this site too. Look at our previous sponsor pages to
see who took advantage of this cheap form of local advertising and
supported our fundraising!
This page is dedicated to the team spirit and courage and
determination shown by 19 members of Sacriston Colliery Cricket
Club who succeeded in cycling 135 miles from Whitehaven to
Sunderland in order to raise funds for the junior section of the
club.
The ride was completed over three days starting on 7th April
2006 finishing on 9th April 2006. The weather was atrocious, with
rain and wind then blizzards and freezing conditions and finally
some sunshine.
Day one took the riders to Greystoke. On day two they finished
at Allenheads and the third day the group finished by the north sea
(or, in Mussy's case, in the northsea) at Sunderland.
The group rode 21 speed (sorry gears) Trek Hybrid bikes and had
vehicle support. A transit mini bus to transport the riders to and
from the start and finish and a transit van to transport the bikes.
The mini bus was provided by Langley Park Community Transport and
the bikes and vans were donated by Outdoors Easy. The riders
provided the energy to pedal the bikes. The pubs provided the
"anisthetic" to relieve the pain.
This was not designed to be the purist's, or off road, route but
a safe route for the time of year. They rode a mixture of the
official sustrans route and did some sections more direct based on
advice from their tour organiser.
All of them completed the ride, that's 19 people riding 135
miles each, a total of 2565 miles and only one pucture. The money
raised is still coming in and is currently in excess of £1 per
mile. In other words, more than £2565 has been raised.
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