About the Packhorse Coast to Coast Experience
(Last update - 28/09/12)

For Long distance cyclists, cycling Coast to Coast offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Great Britain. From the Irish Sea at St Bees on the Cumbrian Coast, the route crosses the Lakeland fells, the Pennine Uplands, the Yorkshire Dales, the Cleveland Hills and finally the North Yorkshire Moors before reaching the lovely old fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay on Yorkshire's East Coast. On route you will discover some unspoilt villages and hamlets, enjoy the hospitality of a great variety of Bed and Breakfast establishments, sample a few good ales in the local Inns and exchange tales with fellow Coast to Coast cyclists.

Coast to Coast Routes

It is important to note that the St Bees - Robin Hood's Bay crossing served by the Packhorse is not the same as the 'Sustrans C2C Cycle route' which runs slightly further north from Whitehaven to Sunderland and which is largely road based. There are various options for a 'St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay' Coast to Coast crossing; ranging from those entirely road based to those challenging even the most experienced Mountain Biker!

Mountain Bike Route:-

There are various route permutations for the Mountain Biker: The principal (and fully documented) route was originally devised by 'Tim Woodcock'. The  trail takes you from the west coast (initially on the Sustrans cycleway) and then down the side of Ennerdale Water. From there over Black Sail (!!) past the end of Wast Water and on to Eskdale. (Since Eskdale is significantly 'off route' for our minibus - bikers are required to carry essential overnight kit with them for the usual first night here). From Eskdale the routing east is via Ambleside, Kentmere and on to Shap at the Lake District's edge. Fair to say - some of the going accross the Lakes is pretty tough - with quite a bit of pushing & carrying involved - but rewarded by some good down-hills!

(The alternative route accross the Lake District takes riders from the end of Ennerdale over to Buttermere - crossing via the Floutern or Scarth Gaps - and then on to Rosthwaite, Grasmere, Patterdale and Shap - where this route then rejoins Woodcock's. However since the track is shared by large numbers of Coast to Coast Walkers between Rosthwaite & Patterdale and also does not offer a great deal of 'on-bike' opportunity - we are not inclined to recommend this routing).

Beyond the Lake District the going does get a little easier - with generally more time spent in the saddle. After the Pennines high point of 'Tan Hill' (highest pub in England) their is some lovely riding through Swaledale to Richmond. Beyond here you take to tarmac accross to Osmotherley before some great off road along the cleveland hills and on to the North York Moors.

For those who do not want to tackle the particularly demanding mountainous stages accross the Lake District, there is a less strenuous option taking advantage of quiet roads and cycle-ways between Ennerdale & Keswick (following the C2C Sustrans route as far as Keswick) and from there on to Shap (on road or off via 'The Old Coach Road') via Matterdale End, Pooley Bridge & Bampton).

Cycle-Way & Road based Route:-

The tarmac based route is by no means a poor alternative and enjoys similarly spectacular scenery whilst taking advange of the network of quiet county roads spanning the country. Having navigated your way accross the Lake District and passed through Kirkby Stephen mid-way you'll enjoy the lovely rolling Yorksire Dales and the more challenging North Yorkshire Moors beyond.

The tarmac route options essentially differ in the way you cross the Lake District.  The three options (and probably fair to say in order of 'easier terrain first') are as follows:-

1. To take the Sustrans route (including some cycle ways on old rail lines) via Loweswater & The Whinlatter Pass to Keswick and on as far as the 'Troutbeck Turn' off the A66. The route then tracks more southerley via Matterdale and Pooley Bridge, Bampton & Shap.
2. To route via Rostwaite (up Honister pass) and from there on through to Grasmere (via Keswick) and Patterdale (via Ambleside, 'The Struggle' & Kirkstone - before joining the above route at Pooley Bridge on the end of Ullswater.
3. To track slightly further south from St Bees to Eskdale and then straight accross to Ambleside via the Hard Knott & Wrynrose roller-coaster!  From Ambleside the route also then takes you up 'The Struggle' and on to Patterdale.

Packages can be tailored with number of overnight stops / daily mileages to suit your own particular needs.

How many nights should I book?
This is a very personal choice. Whilst a 6 day crossing for the mountain bike route is typical, route deviations or the addition of rest days may extend this, whilst greater emphasis on road cycling may indeed reduce the time required. For those that are really feeling fit & technically competent crossings in 5 days (or even less!) are often achieved. St Bees all the way through to Ambleside in the first day - whilst 'possible' is certainly a very tough and long day! Opting to take to the road however between Eskdale & Ambleside makes this long day a bit more 'doable'. Given the need for an early start for those planning to go all the way to Ambleside on day one - an overnight at St Bees rather than Kirkby Stephen is recommended. Generally if time is tight it makes more sense to lengthen the days after Kirkby Stephen rather than before across the Lakes where the terrain is particularly demanding.

On road with light weight road bikes crossings in 4 days (or even 3) are perfectly achievable for the fit & dedicated. For those wishing a more leisurely crossing at a more relaxed pace with time to 'sight see' 5 - 6 days generally fits the bill.

The Packhorse policy is to tailor a package to your own particular needs and preferences. This will be influenced by the time you have available, where you are travelling from, your fitness and your preferred route. The ride should not become an ‘ordeal’ and it is important that you cycle within your own limitations. We will be pleased to discuss a number of options with you in constructing the most appropriate itinerary.

Example Routings (number of stops & locations to suit - refer schedule planner):

Mountain Bike Route (Woodcock): St Bees - Eskdale* - Ambleside - Kirkby Stephen - Danby Wiske - Blakey - Robin Hood's Bay

Mountain Bike Route: (Sustrans to Keswick): St Bees - Pooley Bridge - Kirkby Stephen - Danby Wiske - Osmotherley - Robin Hood's Bay

Tarmac Based Route: St Bees - Braithwaite - Matterdale - Pooley Bridge - Kirkby Stephen - Osmotherley - Glaisdale - Robin Hood's Bay

Tarmac Based Route: St Bees - Ambleside (via Hard Knott Pass) - Patterdale - Pooley Bridge - Kirkby Stephen - Osmotherley - Glaisdale - R.H. Bay

Tarmac Based Route: St Bees - Rosthwaite - Grasmere - Patterdale - Kirkby Stephen - Osmotherley - Glaisdale - Robin Hood's Bay

*Eskdale can not be serviced by the minibus - so basic overnight kit will need to be carried with you if you plan to stop at Eskdale for the night (your baggage will be held overnight and carried on to your next overnight stop - generally Ambleside).

Which ever route you opt for... it is vitally important that you cycle within your own limits!

Click below for....

Cycling Schedule Planner

Packhorse Holidays & Services:-

The Packhorse has been serving Walkers and Cyclists Coast to Coast for many years and is ideally based at Kirkby Stephen; close to the trail's half way mark. The Packhorse provides a comprehensive range of services and self guided accommodation packages inclusive of passenger, bike and daily baggage transfers.

Those opting for the full Packhorse accommodation packages will typically arrive at Kirkby Stephen where they will leave their car in the secure parking facilities. From here they (and their bikes) will be taken by licensed minibus out to St Bees to start the trip. Alternatively they may (particularly if travelling from overseas), arrive at St Bees independently. Accommodation is provided right the way along the route in a variety of B&Bs, Guest Houses and Country Inns/hotels. Rooms may be en-suite wherever available or otherwise with adequate bathroom facilities for the weary cyclist. Evening meals are available at nearby pubs or sometimes at the overnight accommodation where offered. Packed Lunches are generally available from the accommodation establishments for a small fee. Everyday the Packhorse will pick up baggage from one Accommodation and move it on to the next ahead of those on the trail and ready for their next night's stop. Cyclists are asked to limited their luggage to one piece of baggage per person which should not be over 20kgs in weight. Should the need arise, cyclists can use the bus to travel to their next destination if they do not feel up to biking that day. Non-cycling partners or friends can also use the Packhorse minibus over stages. Those cycling to Robin Hood's Bay will (if required) be picked up on completion of their ride and returned to their car at Kirkby Stephen.

Overseas customers who are travelling by train from Heathrow, Manchester or Glasgow may find travelling straight to St Bees, rather than Kirkby Stephen is more convenient. Manchester is the nearest international airport and there are rail stations at Whitehaven and St Bees on the west coast and at Whitby and Scarborough on the east coast. An allowance against the package price is made for those not requiring Packhorse transport.

For those travelling by car to Kirkby Stephen, the town is centrally situated between the M6 (junction 38) and the A1 and for those travelling from Europe into Hull, public transport can get you to Robin Hood's Bay in order to catch the 3.30pm Packhorse bus direct to Kirkby Stephen if you do not wish to bring a vehicle.

The Packhorse is owned and operated by Simon & Lindsay Jones who will do all they possibly can to ensure your Coast to Coast experience is one you will thoroughly enjoy.... as many happy customers testify!

2013 Season Prices (8th April - 30th September 2013)

Self Guided Cycling Package prices are per person based on two persons sharing a room and include:-

Bed and breakfast accommodation in a variety of carefully selected B&B's, Guest House, Country Inns / Hotels. Secure car parking at Kirkby Stephen. Passenger + Bike transport from Kirkby Stephen out to St Bees. Return passenger + Bike transport from Robin Hood's Bay(or from other locations by arrangement) to Kirkby Stephen. Backup passenger & bike transport between stages if required. Daily door to door baggage transfer between all your accommodations. Coast to Coast Packhorse momento for those completing the ride.

No. Nights (Incl. Night before start) Self Guided Package (Incl. night before start) 4 £311 5 £381 6 £449 7 £516 8 £582 NB: For other number of nights - price on application

Options & Supplements:-

Single Accommodation Supplement:

Single Occupacy can prove difficult on the C2C:  One x single we can generally accommodate and make an averaged cost supplement of £10.50 per night. However we may well not be able to accommodate more than one single within any party and any additional singles in the party will be charged at cost incurred - up to double accommodation cost.  Please consult us if you anticipate more than one single in your party.

Night before starting not required:
£45.00 per person may be deducted from Package Price.

Extra nights / Rest Days at any of your on-route stops:
£45.00 per person per night.

Packhorse Transport not required (for those making their own way direct to St Bees and home from RHB):
£26.00 per person + £10.00 per bike may deducted from the Package price for half ride (to KS) and £52.00 per person + £20 per bike for full ride.

Maps & Guide books:
OS Maps & Tim Woodcock Guide Book (£7.99) covering the route are available - delivered postage free. Please ask for details.
Packhorse Route-Cards are provided for the On-Road Route.

Booking an Accommodation Package:-
Packhorse services may be booked using the booking form found on this web site.

When your booking is received, confirmation of your booking will be sent along with a receipt for the 25% of payment required with booking. Balance payment is due 6 weeks prior to departure. Your accommodation schedule, bag tags, accommodation labels and car park location map will be issued 6 weeks prior to departure along with a list of helpful tips and information. Please make cheques payable to 'Coast to Coast Packhorse'. (We do not accept credit cards)

Stand alone Packhorse Services:-
If you do not require the Packhorse to organise your accommodation, but want to otherwise make use of Packhorse baggage, passenger transport services - you are welcome to do so. Please ask for details and prices or refer to the 'Baggage & Transport' section of this Web site.