Cycling the C2C

Along with my brother, Peter, and friend, Brian,  I try to complete a couple of cycle tours each year, one often being a 'biggie'.  This year it was the turn of the C2C.  The Sustrans (Sustainable Transport Charity) Coast to Coast ride starts in Whiehaven in Cumbria and finishes on the sea front at Roker, Sunderland on the east coast, with an alternative finish at Tynemouth.  Officially it is 134 miles but we managed 160+ and then added on another 20 to get to Newcastle station for the train journey home.  Although we hoped for good weather, the important ingredient was westerly winds for the trip; in the event we were lucky with both.

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Day 1
Most of our first day was taken up with the train journey to Whitehaven.  I was packed the day before and up early and panniers loaded for the ride to the station for the 7.30 train, Brian getting on a couple of stops down the line and Peter getting a lift to Whitehaven from a very accommodating wife.  The journey went well and the weather gradually changed from gloom to bright sunshine.  I love train journeys and this one gave spectacular views of some of England's finest countryside.  Arriving on time and joined by Peter, we were soon searching for the official start, a modern stainless steel sculpture on Whitehaven harbour side.  Obligatory start photos taken, it was time to head out of town to St Bees.  The official route avoids this section (some of our extra miles), but we had plenty of time and I wanted to visit the start of the off-road version to Robin Hoods Bay, a ride I had done with my son on mountain bikes a few years ago.  We spent a very pleasant hour here in the sun and enjoyed  tea and cake before tackling the short ride to Cleator for our first overnight stop; the hotel being an old school.

The gear laid out ready to pack.

Ready for the off.

All together at Whithaven Station in the sun.

Ready, steady.....

St Bees.

St Bees.

St Bees.

St Bees Priory Church.

St Bees Priory Church.

St Bees Priory Church.

St Bees Priory Church.

On the old railway.

Our first night's stop, Cleator, with the hills of the Lakes behind.

First night's hotel, the old school.