Coast to Coast Walk Season 2008

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

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: 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 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 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!