A six centre self-guided cycling tour coast to coast from St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay in Northern England. Includes; 6 nights bed and breakfast en-suite (wherever possible) guesthouse accommodation, 5 days cycling. Plus luggage transfers, emergency back-up, route guide and maps.

This cycle tour follows as close as possible Alfred Wainwright’s famous coast to coast walking route. A challenging bike ride the route takes you through some of most beautiful countryside of Northern England. For the more adventurous rider there are some optional off-road sections taking you off the beaten track. The first 2 days are in the spectacular Lake District National Park with an overnight stay in Keswick. Leaving ‘The Lakes’ the route then climbs over the remote Pennine Hills, then descending into the Yorkshire Dales is a real gem ‘Swaledale’. Ridding through many picturesque villages along quite country roads lined with dry stone walls you reach the market town of Richmond. The final section of the route passes through North Yorkshire Moors National Park, renowned for some of the best off-road biking in England. The tour finishes in the quaint fishing port of Robin Hoods Bay.

This cycle tour is operated by Explore Britain Cycling from County Durham in England.

START of TOUR: St Bees is on the North West coast of England. Relax at a pre-tour hotel in a nearby city.

ARRIVAL DAY: Your 1st nights’ accommodation is in Whitehaven which can be reached by rail or national bus services. There is also secure car parking available here and many places to eat in the town from fish and chip shops to traditional pubs and restaurants (meals not included in the tour price). Overnight Whitehaven, Cumbria.

DAY ONE: Cycle from St Bees to Keswick. Distance approx. 34 miles (55km). After breakfast you can begin the ride along quite country roads to St Bees. Arrangements can be made to have you and your bikes transported to the official start of the route. After the traditional dipping of your front wheel into the Irish Sea, the route heads inland towards the Lake District National Park. A very flat traffic-free section through beautiful Cumbrian countryside gives you time to find your legs before the first big climb. There is a choice of two routes to Keswick, Honister Pass or Whinlatter Pass, both have a very steep hill to climb with a café at the top and fantastic views. This is England’s best loved National Park with breathtaking scenery and quaint Lakeland towns like Keswick, your next overnight stop. This busy tourist town has a busy shopping centre with cafés, restaurants and traditional pubs for your evening meal (not included) overnight Keswick, Cumbria.

DAY TWO: Cycle from Keswick to Kirkby Stephen. Distance approx. 40 miles (64km). Leaving Keswick the route follows a lovely traffic-free track along a disused railway line crisscrossing the River Greta. With dramatic Lakeland fells all around you, there is another choice of route. A challenging off-road track that uses an old coach road over the fells, alternatively miner country roads also lead to Pooley Bridge. Next to Lake Ulswater, this pretty little town has shops, cafés and traditional pubs providing an opportunity for lunch. From here you will notice a change in the landscape to more rolling hills and lush green farmland. Nestled in the Eden Vale is Kirkby Stephen and your accommodation for tonight, this busy market town has a good variety of places to eat from fish and chip shops to traditional pubs and hotel restaurants (meals not included). Overnight Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria.

DAY THREE: Cycling from Kirkby Stephen to Richmond. Distance approx. 33 miles (53km). Today starts with a stiff climb up into the remote moors of the Pennine Hills. Your efforts are rewarded by the breathtaking views over this area of outstanding natural beauty. Descending from the Pennines are river valleys known as ‘The Dales’ the route follows one of my favourite places Swaledale. Ridding through many picturesque villages like Keld, Muker, Gunnerside and Reeth all providing opportunities for refreshments. On the right day this is a never forgotten bike ride, along quite country roads lined with dry stone walls finishing in the large market town of Richmond. Famous for its cobbled market square and castle, Richmond has many shops, restaurants and pubs to ensure an enjoyable evening here (meals not included). Overnight Richmond, N. Yorkshire.

DAY FOUR: Cycling from Richmond to Great Broughton. Distance approx. 30 miles (48km). This is the shortest and easiest section of the tour, very flat compared with high Lakeland fells and Pennine moors you have passed through. At the village of Danby Wiske is a pub which is a most stop place, the landlord and landlady are real corrector’s. During the coast to coast walk people sign a book here and write comments about their trip. As you leave the pub you will see in the distance some hills, these are the Cleveland Hills and at the base of them is your next overnight accommodation at Great Broughton. Riding along miner country roads through lush green farmland, this will be an easy day to enjoy and take in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. Great Broughton has a variety of pubs or you can choose to eat in your hotel for tonight (meals not included). Overnight Great Broughton, N. Yorkshire.

DAY FIVE: Cycling from Great Broughton to Robin Hoods Bay. Distance approx. 32 miles (51km). The final stage of the tour has a wide variety of scenery from the North Yorkshire Moors and Eskdale valley to the rugged North East coast. This is the third National Park area of the tour and quite different from the others. There are many quaint Yorkshire villages in this area where the popular television series ‘Heartbeat’ was filmed including; Castleton, Danby, Grosmont and Sleights all providing a good opportunity for a lunch stop. Heading to the coast is an option of a detour to the seaside town of Whitby. This very popular tourist town is famous for its Abby, featured in Bram Stokers book ‘Dracula’. The final section of the route follows another disused railway along the dramatic coastline to Robin Hoods Bay. This picturesque fishing village has a variety of places to eat from fish and chip shops to traditional pubs and hotel restaurants (meals not included). Overnight Robin Hoods Bay, N. Yorkshire.

DEPARTURE DAY: Return to Whitehaven. Today you can get a bus to the train station in Scarborough or arrangements can be made to transport you and your bikes back to Whitehaven.
Book a hotel near your departure airport.

ARRIVING BY CAR: Please ask for details.
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GRADE B cycling: Between 30 - 40 miles (48 - 64kms) a day. The route is principally a hilly ride. We recommend that clients bring their own bicycle equipment helmets, clothing and shoes. If you have clip-on shoes we suggest that you bring your pedals too. You will start cycling about 10am and finish at approx. 4pm. These grades are for guidance only and will depend on weather conditions and your fitness.