The C2C Cycle Route. Jeremy Evans

grind against the wind. The truth is that strong winds are not much fun from any direction. Light winds are a cyclist’s best friend.

      As to the hills, some are hard and long, but give a wonderful downhill ride in the opposite direction. Some hills are short and sharp, which makes them too steep for a really good downhill in the opposite direction. Again, the most important consideration is likely to be the prevailing weather, with contrary winds (and rain) transforming a steady hill climb into a struggle.

      Nevertheless, there’s little doubt that the majority ride from west to east. This is worth considering for those who are riding the C2C on a busy weekend. Meeting large groups of cyclists on narrow tracks and lanes can be a bit unnerving, particularly if they are hammering downhill on blind bends. It’s probably safer to go with the flow.

      A summary of the route from east to west appears in Appendix D.

When to go

      The simple answer is, ‘When the weather is perfect’. That means blue skies to make the most of wonderful views, no rain, very light wind blowing in the direction you are cycling, and the temperature neither too hot or too cold (around 20–25°C should be near perfect for cycling).

      The problem is that the Lake District is notoriously wet, and the high hills of the Pennines are very exposed to poor weather at all times of year. Cyclists have been forced to abandon the C2C due to extreme wind and rain during August, but they were very unlucky. November through to March is best left for experts seeking a winter challenge. Ice and snow are common hazards at this time of year, roads on the high hills may be closed, off-road sections may be waterlogged and very muddy, and short days leave little room for delays.

      April through to October can be a wonderful time to ride the C2C, but beware that spring or autumn can also provide gale-force winds and unseasonably low temperatures for the time of year. Summer is the best time but good weather can never be guaranteed.

      Perfect weather and superb cycling country as this C2C rider heads towards Allenheads (Stage 4)

      It makes sense to check the weather outlook on the web. BBC Weather (http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather) provides five-day forecasts, updated every few hours, for principal towns along the route, including Whitehaven, Workington, Keswick, Penrith, Alston, Consett, Newcastle, Sunderland and Tynemouth. But unless the forecast is truly terrible – gales and non-stop rain – you should go ahead and enjoy the ride. It’s surprising how much of the C2C route is relatively well protected at low levels, particularly on some of the disused railway lines. It’s also surprising how quickly the rain can clear up and go away.

      Do be aware, however, that summer is peak holiday season. The Lake District will be particularly busy, making it advisable to book hotels, B&Bs and camp sites well in advance. Away from tourist-traps such as Keswick, cycling the C2C is remarkably quiet.

Getting there and getting back

      Train stations

      The rail network does not do a great job of covering the C2C (much of the route is quite off the beaten track), but the following key places along the way have a rail link.

       Carlisle links with Workington and Whitehaven on the west coast (but avoid rush-hour trains which are likely to be full)

       Penrith and Langwathby both link with Carlisle, which has a link route (Route 7) with the C2C.

       Newcastle Upon Tyne provides a high-speed link with London and the south, as well as a cross-country route to Carlisle.

       Chester-le-Street (east of Newcastle) is within 1.5km (1 mile) of the C2C between Stanley and Washington, but has no dedicated cycle link.

       Sunderland has a cycle link to the C2C and is within 3km (2 miles) of the start/finish, via Newcastle Upon Tyne.

      For more information contact www.nationalrail.co.uk.

      Taking bicycles by train

      For cyclists planning to travel by train, it is vital to check that bikes can be taken on board, as some train companies have restrictions on this, especially at busy times. (On www.nationalrail.co.uk, go to the Train Companies page, select the train company you are travelling with and look at the Onboard Facilities section.) Where accompanied cycles are carried there is no charge. A comprehensive leaflet, ‘National rail cycling by train’ can be downloaded at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

      National Rail has the following advice for cyclists travelling by train.

       If a cycle reservation is required make it as far in advance as possible.

       Cycles are not carried during periods of restriction.

       Label your cycle clearly.

       Cover your folded cycle.

       Tandems, tricycles and bicycle trailers are not carried unless otherwise stated.

       Unaccompanied cycles cannot be carried on any services.

       Cycles must be carried in the designated area on trains and must not obstruct doors or aisles.

       Cycles are carried at owner’s risk.

      Getting home

      It is important to plan what happens when you reach the end of the C2C. There are five likely options

       ask someone to collect you from the finish

       pre-book a train ticket for you and your bike

       pre-book a minibus/baggage-transport service to return you to the start and collect your car arrange to have your car delivered to the finish

       ride your bike back to collect your car from the start.

      Motorised support team picks up the bikes at Nenthead, an interesting place to visit (Stage 3)

      The train is relaxing after such a long ride and environmentally friendly, but for those with time, the last of these options is also highly recommended. The C2C links directly to the 300km (187 mile) Reivers Route (NCN Route 10) from Tynemouth to Whitehaven and into the 280km (174 mile) Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway (NCN Route 72) from Tynemouth to Ravenglass on the west coast, passing through Workington and Whitehaven. Cyclists who have reached the end of the C2C should be fit enough to take on either of these interesting routes. The Reivers provides a more hilly challenge through remote border country, while the Hadrian’s Wall route follows the famous Roman wall and forts of the Cumbria coast.

      Other link routes

      In addition to the Reivers Route and Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway, the C2C links to three other National Cycle Network routes.

       Three Rivers – 264km (164 miles) connecting Middlesborough, Stockton, Hartlepool, Durham, Consett, Newcastle and South Shields

       Coast & Castles South – 355km (221 miles) connecting Newcastle to Edinburgh via Berwick and Melrose

       Lochs & Glens South – 425km (264 miles) connecting Glasgow to Carlisle (C2C link to Penrith) via Dumfries and Glenn Trool

      The Penrith to Carlisle route also links with the Reivers Route (NCN10), both on-road and off-road (‘Taster routes’, Ride 5)

Planning your itinerary

      Some people like to cycle the C2C in a day. A popular target for hot-riders is to complete the almost