The Sea-to-Sea bike ride (aka the C2C) is one of the foremost acknowledged rides by cycling enthusiasts in Britain.

The idea behind the ride (and indeed the title) is to cycle across the country from one coast to another. Principally ridden from West to East the route has 2 start and finish points to choose from; starting from either Whitehaven or Whitchurch (in the Lake District) and finishing in either Sunderland or Newcastle in the North East.




The 136 mile route runs through the northern Lake District, climbing onto the roof of England with fantastic views of the Durham Dales. The route passes through towns and villages offering a reminder of past industrial heartlands.

Sections of the route offer off-road alternatives for serious mountain bikers.

The tradition for riders is to dip their wheels in the Irish Sea upon starting and likewise in the North Sea at the end to signify completion of the ride.

The Sea to Sea cycle route has been developed by Sustrans in partnership with local authorities, Groundwork West Cumbria, the Lake District National Park, Forest Enterprises and the tourisms authorities.