• Views across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland
• Passing through the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Lake District. Beautiful villages, unique characters.
• Local ales in colourful pubs dating back to 17th Century.
• Yorkshire Dales scenery as featured in Tour de France 2014 – stone walls, barns and sheep.
• Ride across the largest expanse of heather in the world
• Finish on the Jurassic N Yorkshire coast where fossils dating back millions of years are regularly being discovered.
• See how the countryside changes subtly yet distinctively every few miles

A stunning, beautiful ride across the wild landscape of northern England from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. Unique journey within 3 distinctively different National Parks – Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. 

• Duration: 6 days / 5 nights (4 days of riding)
• Length: 343km 

Surface – Overall average of approx 25% off-road (gravel) and 75% tarmac on minor roads. Varies daily between 22% gravel and 40% gravel. 

• Difficulty – 4. Very hilly and some technical gravel sections 
• Guided tour 

Day 1
Arrival in St Bees.

Opportunity for a leg-loosener ride for those arriving by mid-afternoon or a sea swim.

Day 2
St Bees to Dockray (Lake District)

• 82km, ascent – 1820m, descent – 1540m
• 24% gravel, 76% cycle paths and minor country lanes

Gather your pebble off the beach and dip your front wheel in the sea (a C2C tradition) before setting off east into the Lake District National Park and the lure of the fells. Initially riding along National Cycle Network route 61 and passing through villages like Rowrah and Lamplugh before the big vistas of the Western Fells open up. 
The ride then passes the shimmering lakes of Loweswater, Buttermere and Crummack Water below majestic peaks including Haystacks, before riding up the famed Honister Pass and to the slate mine. A fast descent into beautiful Borrowdale and across to the hidden charms of Watendlath before dropping into Keswick (literally ‘Cheese Town”) before a final section of track into the village of Dockray.

Day 3
Dockray to Kirkby Stephen

• 68km, ascent – 977m, descent – 1095m
• 22% gravel, 78% quiet country lanes

A second day in the Lake District starting with views across to Blencathra and High Street before dropping to the shores of Ullswater (the second longest lake) and through the pretty and popular village of Pooley Bridge. Then across the grassy open fell-side of Askham Common and into the village of same name, close to the historic and beautiful Lowther Castle (worth a slight detour). Fans of the cult TV programme Withnail and I may recognise some sights as route passes through Bampton and into Shap before crossing into the Westmorland Dales and the distinctive limestone outcrops. 
Fantastic views to the majestic Howgill Fells as you ride across Orton Fell and into the village with its amazing chocolate shop. Pass by an iron-age stone circle and the C2C walking route across Great Asby Fell before climbing around to Crosby Garrett. Final section along quiet lanes into the charming small town of Kirkby Stephen (and the home of UK Bike Tours!)

Day 4
Kirkby Stephen to Great Broughton

• 118km, ascent – 1846m, descent – 1925m
• 22% gravel, 78% quiet country lanes

Crossing out of Cumbria and into North Yorkshire and over the watershed – now every stream will end up in the North Sea like you. The day begins with a long climb up to the highest pub in the UK – the famous Tan Hill. Extensive views across the North Pennines and even as far as the North Sea Coast. Then a wonderful ride through the remote Arkengarthdale with just the odd sheep, and barn for company, before dropping into the pretty village of Reeth. Lovely Dales villages and open countryside are regular features of this next section into the town of Richmond – the largest on the C2C route – with its Norman Castle, large market square and galleries. 
After Richmond, a flattish 30km crossing the Vale of Mowbray and into the North York Moors National Park. A sting in the tail of today is a big climb up on the Moor to cross Raisdale and pass the millstone outcrops of Wainstones before final descent into the nice village of Great Broughton.

Day 5
Great Broughton to Robin Hood’s Bay

• 71km, ascent – 1091m, descent – 1167m
• 40% gravel, 60% quiet country lanes

Almost all this day is within the N York Moors national park crossing the largest expanse of heather moorland in the world. A roller-coaster like profile of big climbs and exhilarating descents along with flatter tracks of old mine-railway tracks. Picture the old miners of the 18th century up here in the bleakness of winter!
After passing the highest pub on day 2, today we pass the 3rd highest – the famous Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge which dates back to the 16th century. Worth popping inside both for a drink and to see how thick the walls are. Then a lovely descent through Great Fryup Dale and into the charming villages of Glaisdale, Egton Bridge and Grosmont – pausing to see the steam trains of the Moors Railway – before a final long moor crossing to the distinctive Fylingdales with its US spy base. Soon after here, the North Sea comes into sight as the final 8km is a lovely descent towards the finish at the charming Robin Hood’s Bay – a fishing and smuggling village dating back centuries – where you can ride down and dip your wheel in the North Sea before enjoy celebratory ale at the Bay Hotel!

• 3-4 star country pubs and seaside hotels
• Twin-sharing unless you opt for single (with additional supplement)

Included

• Bed and Breakfast accommodation
• Lunches and ride snacks
• Dinners
• Evening / off-bike activity / entertainment
• Guide & support vehicle
• Baggage Transfer

What’s Not Included

• Travel to St Bees and away from Robin Hood’s Bay (option on secure car-park in Kirkby Stephen and transport to start/back from finish for additional charge)
• Insurance
• Personal spending money
• Own spares

• Mountain Bikes (including e-mtb) are available to hire