The C2C And Northern Cycle Routes Forum

hey up folks

a group of 6 of us are doing the coast to coast on the 23rd of this month, we're hoping to complete the route over 3 days. we all have different fitness levels from average fitness to good levels of fitness.

some of us are using hybrids and some are using mtbs.

i've just ordered the sustrans map/guide.

we're gonna be camping and carrying all of our kit on panniers which is fairly light.

here's the plan:

drive up to newcastle or sunderland, park our cars there and then taxi to the first campsite at whitehaven.


1st Campsite - Whitehavenen/Workington (23rd Jun 09)

Spout House Stables

Sandwith,
Whitehaven



2nd - Campsite Greystoke/Penrith (24th Jun 09)

Troutbeck Camping and Caravanning Club Site



3rd - Campsite Rookehope, Allenheads (25th Jun 09)

The Old Vicarage - Rookhope


as yet i have not yet sorted parking at newcastle or sunderland, does anyone have any recommendations?

any feedback on my plan would be greatly appreciated?

cheers

dan

Have you thought about using trains?

yeah


trains crossed my mind but it's fairly expensive as i'd be travelling from the midlands.

it'll be a bit of a long day on the first day travelling but don't mind if its gonna save us some cash

have you tried calling stanley taxis?they do people and bike transfer,have a look http://www.bike-bus.stx.uk.com/

spanspoon wrote:trains crossed my mind but it's fairly expensive as i'd be travelling from the midlands.

For a train service I can recommend trying www.trainline.com for pre-booking tickets. As an example of what can be done, I returned from Aberdeen to Newcastle (after the Coast & Castles) for just £17 instead of £85 as norm. You MUST book your bike as well at the same time. Try booking as separate single fares or follow the online advice for cheapest fare. Only snag might be having to get a train at an inconvenient time - I had to catch the 07:52 from Aberdeen which meant an early rise!