England - coast to coast - Cycling

You arrive in Newcastle and check in at your hotel. Take the opportunity to visit this pleasant city.

After enjoying breakfast, you will be transferred (included in the tour price) from your accommodation to the starting point of this cycling tour: Whitehaven. You’ll start cycling from the harbour, first cycling along the Cumbrian coast and then heading inland. You’ll cycle along a disused railway that transported minerals to Kirkland, from where you’ll follow quiet country lanes through rolling countryside via Loweswater and Low Lorton to the Whinlatter Pass. The descents from Whinlatter Pass take you through Braithwaite and Portinscale, which lie beside the River Derwent and then on to Keswick. Keswick lies between the dramatic peak of Skiddaw and the beautiful Lake Derwentwater. Keswick is a bustling town and the capital of the Northern Lake District. Leaving Keswick, you’ll follow another old railway along the River Greta. You will pass the sacred Castlerigg Stone Circle, which was an important meeting place during the Bronze Age. The evening and night are spent in Threlkeld.

Today’s route takes you along quiet country lanes, through the rolling countryside, passing several charming farms during the day. You’ll cycle past places of interest such as Greystoke Castle, where the legend of Tarzan originated. If your legs are feeling a little tired or you just want to take it easy, a cup of tea at the Greystock Café, also known as the ‘cyclists’ barn’, is recommended. Here you’ll find fantastic pastries with everything you could possibly need to replenish your energy levels. Shortly afterwards, you’ll arrive in Penrith, where you’ll stay overnight. This is a lovely little town well worth exploring.

After breakfast you will leave Penrith to head towards Edenhall and Langwathby. From here it’s a slightly rougher cycle route that will take you up to the highest café in England, located at 580 metres above sea level, at the top of Hartside. By the time you’ve reached the top, you’ll have earned yourself a rest and a cup of tea. The day’s route ends with a long descent to Alston, the final destination of the day.

Today is another slightly tougher climb, starting from Alston along the undulating road towards Garrigill. From here it’s a short climb towards the old mining village of Nenthead. You continue towards the highest point of the journey, at 609 metres above sea level. After passing the summit of Killhope you reach Allenheads. Here, in the highest village in England, you’ll find the popular pub “The Allenheads Inn”. Why not stop here and enjoy a drink after all the day’s adventures. After a short cycle ride, you’ll reach Rookhope. From here you follow the road down to Stanhope and Parkhead Station. There is a steep climb before you reach your accommodation for the night in Edmundbyers.

Today’s route follows leafy roads, crossing a variety of bridges, old railway viaducts and taking in stunning views of the countryside. On your way to Gateshead and the Baltic Art Centre, you’ll cross the impressive Blinking Eye Millennium Bridge, over the River Tyne. Nearby, the Cycle Hub is the perfect place to stop and top up your energy levels. Not far from the end of this cycle tour you will reach the Tyne and pass Wallsend, here you can stop at the Segedunum Roman Fort Museum. A great opportunity to learn more about the Roman history of the area. When you feel ready, continue along the river until you reach the Fish Quays of North Shields, which has a busy little harbour. Here you’ll also find the best fish and chips in the North East of England. Finally, you’ll reach the end destination of this cycling journey: Tynemouth. From here, a short transfer is included to Newcastle, where you will spend the last night.

We at EverTrek hope you have had a great trip!
We hope to see you again.