The 140 mile Sea to Sea Cycle Route is probably the most popular and widely known long distance cycle route in Britain. It starts in Whitehaven, running through the northern Lake District, it then climbs into the hill country of the North Pennines and onto the roof of England with grand views of the Durham Dales. It finishes in Tynemouth, near Newcastle upon Tyne on the North sea coast.

The route is well waymarked and there are many variations on the route, so it can include some challenging mountain biking or just roads and cycleways.

Of all our Sea to Sea cycling holidays this is the one for the more serious cyclist, covering the whole route in just 2 days! You will require an excellent level of fitness and a good touring bike, (we can arrange bike hire if required).

Whitehaven - Alston
The Sea to Sea cycle route starts in Whitehaven, a pleasant sea port with an attractive town. For the first 10 miles the route follows the Whitehaven to Ennerdale Railway Path, a well surfaced traffic-free trail. The route then climbs fellsides, follows lake shores and goes through Winlatter Forest Park onto Keswick, passing through some of Britain's most beautiful scenery.

On leaving Keswick you will ride along the delightful Keswick to Threlkeld rail trail, deep in the gorge of the river Greta. From Threlkeld the route skirts the slopes of Blencathra, one of Cumbria's most distinctive mountains, en route for the hamlet of Mungrisedale. From here it continues on cycle paths and lanes through the fringes of the Lake District to the market town of Penrith and the village of Langwathby in the Eden Valley. (There is an alternative off road route across the Old Coach Road over Threlkeld Common, but this is not suitable for heavily laden bikes).

You then continue with a long climb up Hartside Pass into the North Pennines, known as England's last wilderness. This is a huge, wild upland area characterised by open moorlands and plenty of wildlife. You then arrive at Alston for your nights stay, England's highest market town.

Alston - Tynemouth
Today you will continue with a climb up Black Hill, the highest point on the Sea to Sea route and then it's onto the old mining village of Allenheads. This section marks the end of the rough, hilly terrain of the Northern Pennines and the start of the industrial landscape of the north east. Although most of the route between Allenheads and Castleside is on lanes, the traffic is relatively light allowing you to enjoy the wild grandeur of the moorlands.

Between Castleside and Newcastle the route travels mainly on cycle paths alongside the river Tyne into Newcastle upon Tyne and onto your final destination, the north pier at Tynemouth, where this ride finishes.