C2C - Coast to Coast (5 Days Cycling)
About this trip.
The Sea to Sea route across northern England
Around 150 miles, sea to sea — Whitehaven on the Cumbrian coast to Tynemouth on the North Sea, following the well-signed National Cycle Network route through the Lake District, Cumbria and the North Pennines. It is the UK's most popular long-distance cycle ride, and taken over five days it sits firmly in the leisure-cycling bracket: quiet country lanes, dedicated cycleways and a generous supply of pubs and cafés along the way. Grade 1 in Saddle Skedaddle's classification, but not flat — the route makes its name on Hartside Pass, a long climb to 580 metres where, on a clear day, you can see south to the Lake District, north over the Solway Firth, and on into the Borders. The drop down into Alston that follows is the kind of long, unbroken descent cyclists remember.
Five days in the saddle, Whitehaven to Tynemouth
The first night is spent in either Newcastle or Penrith — pick whichever suits your travel — before an early transfer west to Whitehaven Harbour and the dipping of the back wheel in the Irish Sea. From there the route turns inland, with day one running to Threlkeld at 34 miles and around 775 metres of ascent, hugging the western fringe of the Lake District. The middle days roll over the high spine of the Pennines, with Hartside and Alston the central drama. The final day brings you down through the Tyne valley into Newcastle and out along the river path to Tynemouth, where the front wheel goes into the North Sea and the photographs get taken. A Skedaddle van meets you at the finish and transfers you back to whichever city you started from.
Bookings, kit and who it suits
The trip is self-guided for a minimum of two riders. Accommodation in cycle-friendly B&Bs is included, along with daily luggage transfers, the morning transfer out to Whitehaven, the return from Tynemouth, and emergency back-up on the route. Navigation runs through the Skedaddle app, which is straightforward to use once you've had the day-one briefing. Bike hire is available; bring your own if you'd rather. Prices start from £915 per person.
It suits reasonably fit adults and older children — daily distances are manageable and the surfaces are kind, but the Pennine climbs earn the route its reputation. If five days feels indulgent, the same ride can be taken as a three or four-day version, or as a supported group trip; if you want a harder ride, a two-day option exists for those who'd prefer the climbs come quickly. Newcastle has a small airport with direct trains into the city, and Penrith sits on the West Coast Main Line, so reaching either end is straightforward by rail or road.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
