Start of the track that leads up towards the final high point at Bolts Law (Stage 4)
Stage 4
At Nenthead an alternative off-road route leads directly to the top of Black Hill – the highest point of the C2C. It’s shorter than the road route, not too steep or rough, and a very good choice for those who prefer to avoid traffic and tarmac.
At Rookhope there are two routes to Parkhead. The road route is slightly longer and goes via Stanhope, which is an interesting village. The main drawback is that it ends with just over 3km (2 miles) of riding quite steeply uphill on the B6278, which may be busier than cyclists would wish with traffic. The off-road route crosses grouse moors run by the Stanhope Syndicate. It is a superb ride with magnificent views, but the route is closed occasionally during the grouse-shooting season (12 Aug to 10 Dec). This is indicated by signs at either end but the closure dates are not publicised in advance.
Taster Route 4
The Old Coach Road provides a superb off-road route leading eastwards from Castlerigg Stone Circle near Keswick, which links via minor roads to the main C2C route at Greystoke (Stage 2). Some of the Old Road is steep and rough. It provides a far more dramatic view of the Lake District than the road route, but will probably take twice the time.
Stage 5a
A new optional route connects Consett to Sunderland in a southern loop via the cathedral city of Durham.
West to east or east to west?
West to east is generally regarded as the best direction to cycle the C2C for two reasons. First, the prevailing winds blow from the west, and, secondly, the hills are longer when approached from the east, and shorter (but also steeper) when approached from the west.
However, it is conditions on the day that really count. West to east is perfect if there are steady westerlies pushing from behind, but not so great if there is a strong easterly while crossing the Pennines, where cyclists can be very exposed to a hard grind against the wind. The truth is that strong winds are not much fun from any direction. Light winds are a cyclist’s best friend.
As to the hills, some are hard and long, but give a wonderful downhill ride in the opposite direction. Some hills are short and sharp, which makes them too steep for a really good downhill in the opposite direction. Again, the most important consideration is likely to be the prevailing weather, with contrary winds (and rain) transforming a steady hill climb into a struggle.
Nevertheless, there’s little doubt that the majority ride from west to east. This is worth considering for those who are riding the C2C on a busy weekend. Meeting large groups of cyclists on narrow tracks and lanes can be a bit unnerving, particularly if they are hammering downhill on blind bends. It’s probably safer to go with the flow.
A summary of the route from east to west appears in Appendix D.
When to go
The simple answer is, ‘When the weather is perfect’. That means blue skies to make the most of wonderful views, no rain, very light wind blowing in the direction you are cycling, and the temperature neither too hot or too cold (around 20–25°C should be near perfect for cycling).
The problem is that the Lake District is notoriously wet, and the high hills of the Pennines are very exposed to poor weather at all times of year. Cyclists have been forced to abandon the C2C due to extreme wind and rain during August, but they were very unlucky. November through to March is best left for experts seeking a winter challenge. Ice and snow are common hazards at this time of year, roads on the high hills may be closed, off-road sections may be waterlogged and very muddy, and short days leave little room for delays.
April through to October can be a wonderful time to ride the C2C, but beware that spring or autumn can also provide gale-force winds and unseasonably low temperatures for the time of year. Summer is the best time but good weather can never be guaranteed.
Perfect weather and superb cycling country as this C2C rider heads towards Allenheads (Stage 4)
It makes sense to check the weather outlook on the web. BBC Weather (http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather) provides five-day forecasts, updated every few hours, for principal towns along the route, including Whitehaven, Workington, Keswick, Penrith, Alston, Consett, Newcastle, Sunderland and Tynemouth. But unless the forecast is truly terrible – gales and non-stop rain – you should go ahead and enjoy the ride. It’s surprising how much of the C2C route is relatively well protected at low levels, particularly on some of the disused railway lines. It’s also surprising how quickly the rain can clear up and go away.
Do be aware, however, that summer is peak holiday season. The Lake District will be particularly busy, making it advisable to book hotels, B&Bs and camp sites well in advance. Away from tourist-traps such as Keswick, cycling the C2C is remarkably quiet.
Getting there and getting back
Train stations
The rail network does not do a great job of covering the C2C (much of the route is quite off the beaten track), but the following key places along the way have a rail link.
Carlisle links with Workington and Whitehaven on the west coast (but avoid rush-hour trains which are likely to be full)
Penrith and Langwathby both link with Carlisle, which has a link route (Route 7) with the C2C.
Newcastle Upon Tyne provides a high-speed link with London and the south, as well as a cross-country route to Carlisle.
Chester-le-Street (east of Newcastle) is within 1.5km (1 mile) of the C2C between Stanley and Washington, but has no dedicated cycle link.
Sunderland has a cycle link to the C2C and is within 3km (2 miles) of the start/finish, via Newcastle Upon Tyne.
For more information contact www.nationalrail.co.uk.
Taking bicycles by train
For cyclists planning to travel by train, it is vital to check that bikes can be taken on board, as some train companies have restrictions on this, especially at busy times. (On www.nationalrail.co.uk, go to the Train Companies page, select the train company you are travelling with and look at the Onboard Facilities section.) Where accompanied cycles are carried there is no charge. A comprehensive leaflet, ‘National rail cycling by train’ can be downloaded at www.nationalrail.co.uk.
National Rail has the following advice for cyclists travelling by train.
If a cycle reservation is required make it as far in advance as possible.
Cycles are not carried during periods of restriction.
Label your cycle clearly.
Cover your folded cycle.
Tandems,
