Coast to Coast Biking Season 2012

Chestnut House, Crosby Garrett, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria CA17 4PR, UK
Phone / Fax: +44 (0)17683 71777

The Coast to Coast Route for Cyclists

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.

How many days/ nights will I need for the trip?
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 moe 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):

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 - Blakey - Robin Hood's Bay

Tarmac Based Route: St Bees - Braithwaite - Matterdale - Pooley Bridge - Kirkby Stephen - Osmotherley - Glaisdale - R.H. 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!