This is a 144 mile itinerary we have devised combining the Cumbria Cycle Way Route and the popular C2C cycle route that offers a superb weeks cycling amidst great scenery. The route starts in Ulverston and passes through some of the best scenery the Lake District has to offer through Coniston and Grasmere, before reaching Keswick, where we join the official C2C cycle route. The ride then leaves the Lakes and rolls up and down over the Peninnes, right across high moorlands with their ancient lead mines, reaching a tour high point at 609 metres before dropping down through the attractive villages in the Wear valley. Finally you arrive at the industrial and urban mouth of the River Wear at Sunderland. Daily distances are generally short so that you can find your legs and enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer. You should find time to take off road options or visit teashops and attractive pubs. You can easily detour to take in the odd castle, museum or perhaps visit the historic cathedral city of Durham.

Whilst the C2C cycle route heads West to East from the port of Whitehaven on the Irish sea coast to the lighthouse at Sunderland on the shores of the North Sea; the Cumbrian Cycle Way Route rolls out from Ulverston northwards and the routes intersect at Keswick. The ride takes in some of the best scenery that the Lake District and the wild Pennines have to offer. 90% of the144 mile ride follows minor roads and cycle paths, so it can be enjoyed to the full without worrying too much about traffic.

After leaving Ulverston we are soon cycling along a peaceful road by the shore of lake Coniston, immortalized by Arthur Ransome in ‘Swallows and Amazons,’ with the peak of ‘Coniston old Man’ towering above. Then its on to Grasmere famous for its associations with the romantic poets, where you can visit Wordsworth’s Dove cottage. Ahead lies tranquil Thirlmere and beautiful Derwentwater. You will also get glimpses towards the inner sanctum of ‘The Lakes’: the Langdale Pikes.

From Keswick take a deviation to the stone ring at Castlerigg, for a Stone Age view before embarking upon the next section to Penrith and the Eden Valley, with its lush valleys and sandstone villages. Then the route starts the climb up to Hartside and into the rugged Northern Pennines - the roof of England. There then follows an undulating ride as the C2C meanders through old lead mining villages, such as Nenthead and Rookhope, and down into the Durham Dales before entering the old steel town of Consett. From here it’s an easy ride through one of Britain’s old industrial heartlands to the North Sea and Sunderland.