Arrive in Whitehaven and check into your accommodation. Use the rest of your day to explore the local area, receive your bike hire from us and prepare for your adventure.

Begin the ride with the customary dip of your rear wheel into the Irish Sea before heading east towards the rolling hills and dramatic landscapes of the Lake District. Loweswater lake appears in distance and is well worth a visit should you wish to. 

The first real test comes in the shape of Whinlatter Pass. A 3.7km long climb at a gradient of 6.7%. A stop at the visitor centre cafe allows for a refuelling stop before you head down to the busy market town of Keswick. 

The second half of the day is spent on disused railways & quiet lanes, before getting to your accommodation in Penrith. Why not head into town for a well-earned drink?  

You will quickly warm up on the bike this morning as you head uphill and east out of Penrith. The hill can be quite a challenge so early in the day but you will soon be heading downhill towards the village of Langwathby.

As the ride continues the scenery begins to change and you start the climb up Hartside Pass, one of the longest continual climbs in England. Whilst not particularly steep, the length of the hill will provide a good challenge. A fast descent follows into the picturesque village of Alston.  

Be prepared for the ride that follows Alston as you head towards Nenthead - it's a tough one! After Nenthead you will reach the highest point of the C2C route and cross into Northumberland. Another good descent follows before a short climb and then descent into Allenheads. The route to Stanhope, and your accommodation, is generally downhill from here. 

We would recommend spending your evening exploring the picturesque market town at your leisure. 

As with Day 3 you start the day with a climb and the ascent out of Stanhope takes the award for the steepest of the lot. From here you you cross open moorland along disused railway lines, before starting the descent towards Consett.  

You soon join another disused railway line now known as Derwent Walk which leads you towards the outskirts of Newcastle. Heading around docks and over bridges you approach the city along the Tyne. Beyond the city centre you pass through Wallsend and North Shields before pedalling the last few miles to the sea. 

Your journey ends at Tynemouth Castle, remember to dip your front wheel into the North Sea! From here its a short 30 minute journey on the metro back into Newcastle.

If hiring your bike from us we can collect it in Tynemouth or Newcastle. Whichever you prefer.

If you are booking train travel on this day we recommend booking for 6pm at the earliest. Road transfers back to Whitehaven or Penrith can be booked for a fee - just ask us how.  

Spend time exploring Newcastle before heading for home.