Coast to Coast (C2C) Cycle Route: 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.
Coast to Coast (C2C) Sea to Sea Cycle Route: 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 a popular choice among participating cyclists since 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 in the shores of the North Sea. The route takes under a week, on average, to complete and due to the kinder gradients and prevailing winds, is usually completed from West to East.
Route of the Coast to Coast (C2C) Sea to Sea
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 and maybe even share a few useful tips when planning your next leg of the route.
The main routes are the Coast to Coast (C2C) 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 take a similar route over more adventurous terrain. The map below shows the locations of youth hostels, independent hostels and bunkhouses along the traditional Coast to Coast (C2C) Sea to Sea cycle route and 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. Details of all the hostels and bunkhouses in the North of England are available on our Lake District, Yorkshire, North Pennines and Northumberland and Tyneside maps.
The Coast to Coast (C2C) Sea to Sea 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 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 / C2C / Sea to Sea cycle ride (West to East).
SUMMERGROVE HALLS is close to Whitehaven, one of the starting points of the C2C cycle route. Summergrove Halls provides self catering accommodation in twin rooms, double and family rooms with inside and outside cycle storage. Cyclists on the C2C are eligible for a 10% discount on accommodation cost. Quote C2C when makeing your booking.
SWALLOW BARN CAMPING BARN is right on the C2C cycle route around 20 miles from the start at Whiteheaven. Swallow Barn lies in the picturesque Loweswater Valley and couldn’t be more convenient being right on the door step of the Coast to Coast cycle route. The camping barn is situated on a working beef and sheep farm and dates back 1670.
DERWENTWATER INDEPENDENT HOSTEL on the route, 2 miles south of Keswick.
DENTON HOUSE on the route in 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, 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.
GREENGILL BARN is 6 miles south of the traditional C2C / Sea to Sea cycle route and is included on the Wiggo’s Loop extension of the C2C.
NEW ING LODGE 9 miles from the route at Shap.
ALSTON YOUTH HOSTEL is at Alston and marks the half way 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.
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 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.
ALBATROSS Close to the end of the Sea to Sea / C2C route in Newcastle. After dipping your front wheel into the North Sea to mark the end of the 140 mile Coast to Coast cycle ride, why not spend your final night(s) in this centrally located backpackers hostel. The vibrant hostel is located on Grey Street, one of Newcastle’s most prestigious and architecturally pleasing streets.
Suggest itinerary for cycling the Coast to Coast / C2C / Sea to Sea 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). SUMMERGROVE HALLS, 3 miles from Whitehaven, provides an overnight base at the start of the route. Corkickle Station, one stop beyond Whitehaven on the Carlisle to St Bees Line, is 2 miles from the accommodation. SWALLOW BARN CAMPING BARN is right on the C2C route in Loweswater around 20 miles from the start in Whitehaven.
Day One: Keswick is a great first night stop off after around 30 miles. Two mile 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 and DENTON HOUSE is on the C2C route in Keswick itself. Six miles beyond Keswick on the C2C route is the 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 and full bedding and breakfast 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. If you are cycling with a group GREENGILL BARN is only 6 miles away and is on the Wiggo’s Loop of the C2C. The award winning NEW ING LODGE is 9 miles off the coast to coast cycle route at Shap.
Day Three: The route takes you on 22 stunning miles to the “Roof of England” up into the North Pennines AONB. 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. If you fancy going little further from the C2C route try GARRIGILL VILLAGE HALL (approx 4 miles), NINEBANKS Youth Hostel (approx 7 miles) or ALLENDALE BUNKHOUSE (approx 10 miles).
Day Four: Today’s ride starts out with an ascent to the NCN’s highest point of Black Hill on the Cumbrian / Northumberland border. From then on the route begins to descend to Rookhope (22 miles) where BARRINGTON BUNKHOUSE provides a continental breakfast and meals are available in the nearby Rookhope Inn. EDMUNDBYERS YOUTH HOSTEL, at Low House Haven, is five miles further along the Coast to Coast / C2C route and has private rooms or camping.
Day Five: The last day of the Sea to Sea / C2C route is the mostly off road, former railway track route to Sunderland or via Newcastle to Tynemouth. (43 miles). Accommodation is available in Newcastle at Newcastle Euro Hostel or you can venture north-west of the city to HOUGHTON NORTH FARM ACCOMMODATION.
Accommodation on the C2C Cycle Route
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Hawse End Centre
Hawse End Centre, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UE
Hawse End Centre sits at the head of the magnificent Borrowdale Valley on the shores of Derwentwater with easy access to Keswick via launch or lakeside walk. A comfortable country mansion, cottage for smaller groups & families and yurts with transparent domes for star gazing. Everyone welcome. -
Allendale Bunkhouse
Market Place, Allendale, Hexham, NE47 9BD
Allendale Bunkhouse on the Market Square overlooks the bustle of this small country town and the fells and river beyond. Book a bunk, a room, a floor (up to 18) or the whole bunkhouse (up to 38). An oasis for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, families, groups of friends and youth & school groups. -
Euro Hostel Newcastle
17 Carliol Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 6UQ
With its brilliant city centre location and recently refurbished rooms, Euro Hostel offers comfortable, convenient & cost effective accommodation in the heart of Newcastle. Guests enjoy en-suite rooms, comfy TV lounge and a great onsite bar. -
Houghton North Farm Accommodation
Houghton North Farm, Heddon-on-the-Wall, Northumberland, NE15 0EZ
Houghton North Farm Accommodation at Heddon-on-the-Wall was partly built with stones from Hadrian's Wall. Right on The Wall in the beautiful Northumberland countryside. Perfect for groups, individuals or families. Long-term parking, baggage transfer and packed lunches available for Wall walkers. -
Garrigill Village Hall
Garrigill Village Hall, Garrigill, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3DS
Perfect for the Pennine Way or C2C cycle route. In the lovely village of Garrigill, the bunkroom above the village hall has an equipped kitchen, showers, efficient drying room and covered cycle store. There is a pub in the village which serves food and a post office shop. In the North Pennines. -
Denton House
Penrith Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4JW
Denton House provides warm and well equipped self-catering accommodation in the centre of Kendal, designed for groups but also available to individuals and families. Outdoor activities and equipment storage can be arranged and there is access to the River Greta across the road. -
Blakebeck Farm Camping Barn
Blakebeck, Mungrisdale, Penrith, CA11 0SZ
At the foot of Souther Fell, close to Blencathra, Blakebeck Farm Camping is set amidst the wildflower meadows of Mungrisdale. On the C2C cycle route and the Cumbrian Way. Perfect as an overnight stop for cyclists or weekend break for walkers and families. Basic kitchen, BYO sleeping bags. -
Haggs Bank Bunkhouse & Camping
Haggs Bank Bunkhouse, Nentsbury, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3LH
Haggs Bank Bunkhouse & Campsite near Alston in the stunning North Pennines, England's last wilderness. A friendly welcome for everyone. Ideal for lovers of the great outdoors. On Isaac's Tea Trail and C2C cycle route. Self catering accommodation and tiered campsite with great views. -
Alston Youth Hostel
Firs Edge, The Firs, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3RW
Alston Youth Hostel, on the eastern edge of Cumbria, nestled on the North Pennines in the historic town of Alston. Halfway point on the Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle route and right on the Pennine Way. Warm welcome and large drying room guaranteed and hopefully a sight of the resident red squirrels. -
Carrshield Camping Barn
Carrshield, Northumberland
Carrshield Camping Barn in the newly renovated 18th Century Barney Craig Mine Shop, is outside the village of Carrshield in SW Northumberland. Sleeping 18 people in 3 rooms, each with a wood-burning stove and a raised wooden sleeping platform. -
Swallow Barn Camping Barn
Waterend Farm, Loweswater, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0SU
Swallow Barn Camping Barn provides basic stone tent accommodation for exploring the Lake District Western Fells on both high and low level walks. Enjoy spectacular views or the peace and tranquillity of the Loweswater valley. On the C2C Cycle Route. The Kirkstyle pub, 1 mile away, serves food. -
Wayfarers Independent Hostel
19 Brunswick Square, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7LR
Wayfarers Independent Hostel is close to Penrith town centre and perfect for those on the C2C cycle route. Excellent value accommodation to those visiting Penrith, the Eden Valley and the North Lake District National Park. Bike cleaning and maintenance facilities and bike hire on site. -
Edmundbyers YHA at Low House Haven
Low House, Edmundbyers, Consett, Durham,DH8 9NL
Now owned by a local farming family this former youth hostel is a 17th century inn with wooden beams and a cosy open fire. Edmundbyers YHA at Low House Haven is set in moorland, close to the Northumberland/County Durham border. It is on the Coast to Coast cycle route and close to Hadrians Wall. -
Barrington Bunkhouse
Barrington Cottage, Rookhope, Weardale, Co. Durham, DL13 2BG
Barrington Bunkhouse is on the C2C cycle route in the peaceful village of Rookhope, Weardale. It accommodates 15 people with camping also available. Breakfast is provided and there is a small kitchenette. The Rookhope Inn, next door, serves fine food and good drinks. All are welcome. -
Rookin House Camping Barn
Rookin House Farm, Troutbeck, Ullswater,Penrith,Cumbria, CA11 0SS
Rookin House Camping Barn is at heart of the Lake District surrounded by some of the best walking in Cumbria, from strenuous hikes up Blencathra to gentle meanders along Aira Force. The Barn provides centrally heated self catering accommodation popular with walkers year round and close to the C2C. -
Derwentwater Independent Hostel
Barrow House, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UR
Derwentwater Independent Hostel, Borrowdale near Keswick, is a Georgian mansion in 17 acres of grounds with stunning mountain views. It offers great value self catering accommodation for individuals, families & groups to enjoy the Lake District. Also ideal for conferences and weddings. -
New Ing Lodge
New Ing Lodge, Main Street, Shap, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 3LX
New Ing Lodge B&B and hostel offers comfortable, friendly, accommodation with delicious food in the Lake District village of Shap. On Wainwright's Coast to Coast, the Westmorland Way and the Miller's Way close to the Howgills and the Pennine Fells. Perfect for individual walkers and groups. -
Ninebanks Youth Hostel
Orchard House, Mohope, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 8DQ
Ninebanks Youth Hostel, now privately run, is an 18th century cottage in the North Pennines and close to the iconic Hadrian's Wall. En suite bedrooms, sitting room with log-burner, high quality chalets and a stunning rural location. The perfect base to explore this spectacular part of England. -
Summergrove Halls
Hensingham, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 8XZ
Summergrove Halls accommodation is close to the start of the Coast to Coast Walk at Whitehaven and within easy access to the Cumbrian Coast and Lake District. En suite self catering accommodation in private rooms with a popular breakfast & dinner menu in the Terrace Bar and Grill. -
The White Horse Inn Bunkhouse
The White Horse Inn, Scales, Nr Threlkeld, Keswick, CA12 4SY
The White Horse Inn Bunkhouse, Scales near Threlkeld & Keswick, provides accommodation in the converted stables of this traditional Lake District inn at the foot of Blencathra. Guests are welcome to socialise in the Inn which has great pub food, open fires & local ales. Walks & C2C route pass the door. -
Greengill Barn
Greengill Barn, Strickland Road, Morland, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 3AX
Greengill Barn group accommodation is a modern conversion of traditional barn on the edge of Morland in Cumbria's rolling Eden Valley. Close to the Lake District and handy for the M6. Great for gatherings of family or friends wanting to visit the Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales and the Borders. -
Gibside Stables Bunkhouse
Nr Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE16 6BG
In the heart of the National Trust Gibside Estate, Gibside stables bunkhouse sleeps 25. Enjoy the estate or visit Newcastle, Northumbria, Durham or further afield. -
Bassenthwaite Parish Room
School Road, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, CA12 4QJ
Bassenthwaite Parish Room, built in 2017, provides accommodation for visitors with their own camp beds in a fantastic location with Skiddaw rising just a few fields away. Self-catering for small or large groups is easy in the modern and well-equipped kitchen. -
Allenheads Lodge
Allenheads Lodge, Allenheads, Northumberland NE47 9HW
Allenheads Lodge in the heart of the North Pennines, Northumberland, provides excellent accommodation for outdoor activities or relaxing in the countryside. Ideal for cyclists on the Coast to Coast cycle route. 24 beds in four rooms, central heating, and a large kitchen/dining room.
