The route starts in the former coal mining and industrial lands of West Cumbria, travels through the stunning scenery of the northern Lake District and heading into Keswick before passing through Penrith and the Eden Valley with its lush valleys and sandstone villages. It then starts the climb up to Hartside and onto the unspoilt Northern Pennines - the roof of England. There then follows an undulating ride as the C2C meanders through old lead mining villages, such as Nenthead and Rookhope, and down into the Durham Dales before entering the old steel town of Consett. From here it´s an easy ride through one of Britain´s old industrial heartlands to the North Sea and Sunderland. There is also the option of starting at Workington and/or finishing at Tynemouth and also a link route at Penrith to join up with the Glasgow to Carlisle section of the National Cycle Route. The route is made up of approximately....
Main Roads - mainly short sections thru urban areas - 4%
Minor Roads - quiet, country roads - 50%
Cyclepaths/Off Road - disused railway lines etc- 46%
The route is best ridden from West to East to take advantage of the prevailing winds (supposedly!) from the West as well as having the gradients in your favour i.e. short uphills and long downhills! Tradition dictates that you start the ride by dipping your back wheel in the Irish Sea and only ends when your front wheel gets a dip in the North Sea at the finish.
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