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About the Packhorse Coast to Coast Experience
(Last update - 17/10/2007)
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: These include Woodcock's route which deviates south down to Eskdale in the early Lakeland section -making Packhorse servicing more difficult. Those opting to go via Eskdale will either need to carry overnight kit with them for the night if overnighting at Eskdale or ride on to Ambleside for the night - where bags can be delivered/collected. 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). The Mountain Bike Routes served by Packhorse broadly shadows Wainwrights’s walking route(with the notable exception of the Eskdale deviation). Where bridleways permit, the walk and bike routes coincide otherwise the routes follow different courses to reach the overnight destinations. Some of the Lakeland stages are particularly tough and do involve quite alot of carrying or pushing - so be prepared!Taking to the tarmac is also inevitable over some stages. However 'off bike sections' are generally compensated by some good down hill runs. For those who do not want to tackle the particula rly 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 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. Indeed the cycleway starting just above St Bees and taking you the first 9 miles or so over to Kirkland provides a lovely car-free start to your trip! After a first day following the C2C Sustrans route as far as Braithwaite (just outside Keswick) the route then takes you out of the Lakes, through Kirkby Stephen and on to the rolling Yorksire Dales and more challenging North Yorkshire Moors beyond. The alternative to the Whinlatter pass Sustrans routing through the Lake District is to route via Rostwaite (up Honister pass) and from there on through to Grasmere (via Keswick) and Patterdale before joining the other route at Pooley Bridge on the end of Ullswater.
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!) have been achieved.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 Schedules:
Mountain Bike Route: (Lake Option 1): St Bees - Rosthwaite - Patterdale - Kirkby Stephen - Danby Wiske - Blakey - Robin Hood’s Bay
Mountain Bike Route (Lake Option 2): 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 - Reeth - Osmotherley - Glaisdale - Robin Hood's Bay
Tarmac Based Route: St Bees - Braithwaite - Bampton - Kirkby Stephen - Reeth - Ingleby Cross/Osmotherley - Glaisdale - Robin Hood's Bay
Tarmac Based Route: St Bees - Pooley Bridge - Kirkby Stephen - Reeth - Ingleby Cross/Osmotherley - Glaisdale - Robin Hood’s Bay
Tarmac Based Route: St Bees - Rosthwaite - Patterdale - Kirkby Stephen - Richmond - Gt.Broughton - Littlebeck - 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!
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!
2008 Season Prices (7th April - 30th September 2008)
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.
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No. Nights
(Incl. Night before start) |
Self Guided Package
(Incl. night before start) |
| 4 |
£265 |
| 5 |
£327 |
| 6 |
£388 |
| 7 |
£448 |
| 8 |
£508 |
NB: For other number of nights - price on application
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Options & Supplements:-
Single Accommodation Supplement:
 £5.50 per person per night applies.
Night before starting not required:
£36.50 per person may be deducted from Package Price.
Extra nights / Rest Days at any of your on-route stops:
£36.50 per person per night.
Packhorse Transport not required (for those making their own way direct to St Bees and home from RHB):
£22.00 per person + £7.50 per bike may deducted from the Package price for half ride (to KS) and £44.00 per person + £15 per bike for full ride.
Maps & Guide books:
OS Maps & Tim Woodcock Guide Book 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.
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