C2C Coast to Coast Cycle Route ( Sea to Sea ) : Accommodation in Hostels and Bunkhouses
The Coast to Coast cycle route is also known as the C2C or the Sea to Sea.
It is 140 miles long, starts in West Cumbria, in either Whitehaven or Workington and finishes on the North East coast in either Newcastle or Sunderland.
Hostels and bunkhouses are popular among cyclists since they offer group sized rooms, budget prices and a sociable atmosphere where guests can mingle and chat about the day’s events.
Accommodation on the C2C Cycle Route
Coast to Coast Cycle Route or Sea to Sea: Whitehaven/Workington to Tynemouth/Sunderland
140 miles in length the C2C, Coast to Coast, Sea to Sea cycle route begins in West Cumbria in either Whitehaven or Workington and finishes on the North East coast in either Newcastle or Sunderland. Hostels and bunkhouses are popular choices among participating cyclists. This is because they offer great value for money, group-sized rooms, and a sociable atmosphere where guests can mingle and chat about the day’s events.
By tradition, the route is commenced by dipping the back wheel into the Irish Sea in Cumbria and finished by dipping the front wheel into the waters of the North Sea. The route takes under a week, on average, to complete. Due to the kinder gradients and prevailing winds is usually completed from West to East.
What is the Coast to Coast cycle route or as its oftern called the Sea to Sea Cycle Route?
The route passes through the English Lake District, the Eden Valley, and the Pennines, covering some of Britain’s most magnificent scenery and jaw-dropping landscapes while revealing unspoilt villages and hamlets along the way. Hostels and bunkhouses offer a friendly and convenient place to stay for cyclists, often at half the price of a B&B or a hotel. You will likely meet and exchange stories with other cyclists. Maybe you’ll share a few useful tips when planning your next leg of the route.
The main routes are the Coast to Coast cycle route from Whitehaven, or Workington in the Lake District to Tynemouth or Sunderland on the Durham coast and the Mountain Bike Coast to Coast which takes a similar route over more adventurous terrain. The map shows the locations of youth hostels, independent hostels, and bunkhouses along the traditional Coast to Coast cycle route. It suggests an itinerary for completing the ride using independent hostels for your accommodation. The map only shows hostels and bunkhouses which are easily reached from the route.
The Coast to Coast cycle ride, developed by Sustrans and its partners, has been open since 1994 and is one of England’s most popular cycle challenges. The route utilises National Cycle Network Routes 71, 7, and 14 which travel along the unused railway line, purpose-built cycle paths, unmade roads and quiet lanes.
For details of Wainwrights Coast to Coast Walk look here.
Location of accommodation on the Coast to Coast cycle ride (West to East).
DERWENTWATER INDEPENDENT HOSTEL on the route, 2 miles south of Keswick.
DENTON HOUSE in the centre of Keswick
HAWSE END CENTRE Accessible via launch from Keswick on the C2C cycle route
THE WHITE HORSE INN BUNKHOUSE is on the route at Scales, 6 miles beyond Keswick.
BLAKEBECK FARM CAMPING BARN is on the route at Mungrisedale 8 miles beyond Keswick on the C2C route.
WAYFARERS INDEPENDENT HOSTEL is on the route in Penrith. The Coast to Coast cycle route passes 100m from the doorstep. It features secure indoor bike storage, a drying room, and cleaning and maintenance facilities make this an ideal place to stay after a hard day’s ride.
ALSTON YOUTH HOSTEL is at Alston and marks the halfway point on the C2C route. It has secure indoor storage for up to 30 bikes and a large drying room.
GARRIGILL VILLAGE HALL BUNKHOUSE is approximately 4 miles from the route south of Alston.
HAGGS BANK BUNKHOUSE AND CAMPING on the route, 5 miles east of Alston in the North Pennines.
CARRSHIELD CAMPING BARN is on the route, 7.5 miles east of Alston in the North Pennines.
NINEBANKS YOUTH HOSTEL is approximately 7 miles from the route in the North Pennines.
BARRINGTON BUNKHOUSE is on the route at Rookhope. Nestled within the north Pennines and close to attractions such as the Beamish open air museum and Killhope mining museum. Barrington Bunkhouse offers cyclists comfortable accommodation in an area of outstanding beauty. The bunkhouse is popular with cyclists riding the Coast to Coast cycle route and walkers on the Weardale way.
EDMUNDBYERS YOUTH HOSTEL is on the route at Edmundbyers.
ALLENDALE BUNKHOUSE approx 10 miles from the ride in the North Pennines.
HOUGHTON NORTH FARM. North West of the C2C as it approaches Tyneside.
Coast to Coast / C2C / Sea to Sea from White Horse Inn Bunkhouse along the gated road to Mungrisedale
Suggest itinerary for cycling the Coast to Coast cycle route in 5 days (West to East)
Starting on the west coast, this challenging route begins in the North Lake District passing Bassenthwaite Lake if you travel the northern route or Loweswater on the southern route. It is possible to get to Workington by train (use National Rail Enquiries Plus Bike service to book your trains).
Day One: DENTON HOUSE in Keswick is a great first night stop off after around 30 miles. Two miles south of Keswick on the C2C route is DERWENTWATER INDEPENDENT HOSTEL a perfect overnight choice. The HAWSE END CENTRE is accessible from the C2C route in Keswick via a regular Lake Launch. Six miles beyond Keswick on the C2C route is THE WHITE HORSE INN BUNKHOUSE. A couple of miles further along the route is BLAKEBECK FARM CAMPING BARN on an idyllic Lakeland farm. With stunning views over Blencathra, it is well worth a visit. Full bedding and breakfast are provided for cyclists.
Day Two: The ride today takes you the 20 miles to Penrith where WAYFARERS INDEPENDENT HOSTEL is set up to welcome C2C cyclists, with secure bike storage and bike repair facilities.
Day Three: The route takes you on 22 stunning miles to the “Roof of England”. The North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty. After this hard day of cycling the wonderfully isolated HAGGS BANK BUNKHOUSE & CAMPING, right on the C2C route, will provide a comfortable bunk and safe cycle storage, whilst ALSTON YOUTH HOSTEL on the C2C route at Alston has private rooms. For more basic accommodation CARRSHIELD Camping Barn will fit the bill. There, you will need to bring your own bedding and cooking equipment. If you fancy going a little further from the C2C route try GARRIGILL VILLAGE HALL, NINEBANKS Youth Hostel, or ALLENDALE BUNKHOUSE.
Day Four: Today’s ride starts out with an ascent to the NCN’s highest point, Black Hill on the Cumbria/ Northumberland border. From then on the route begins to descend to Rookhope and BARRINGTON BUNKHOUSE. The bunkhouse provides a continental breakfast and meals are available in the nearby Rookhope Inn. EDMUNDBYERS YOUTH HOSTEL is five miles further along the Coast to Coast route and has private rooms or camping.
Day Five: The last day of the Sea to Sea / C2C route is the mostly gravel, former railway track route to Sunderland or via Newcastle to Tynemouth. Accommodation is available north-west of Newcastle at HOUGHTON NORTH FARM ACCOMMODATION.