The C2C, short for Sea to Sea, connects the Irish Sea with the North Sea across northern England. Walk Wheel Cycle Trust describes a choice of western and eastern endpoints, with the northern Lake District, the Pennines and former railway paths between them.
From the Irish Sea to the Lake District
The western start can be either Whitehaven or Workington. The Walk Wheel Cycle Trust's detailed west-to-east description follows the Whitehaven option towards Keswick: an initial surfaced path gives way to quieter lanes, with views towards the Lake District mountains around Kirkland and Lamplugh.
Whinlatter Pass provides the first major climb on this description, followed by a descent on forest roads towards Keswick. Beyond the town, the route continues towards Langwathby in the Eden Valley. An alternative over the Old Coach Road crosses Matterdale Common before heading towards Greystoke and Penrith; the Trust describes it as the harder option.
Across the Pennines to the eastern coast
Between Langwathby and Allenheads the C2C enters its most mountainous section. The climb over Hartside reaches the watershed between the Irish and North seas; further east the route passes near Alston and through Garrigill and former lead-mining areas at Nenthead and Allenheads. Black Hill is identified as the route's highest point.
From Allenheads, the landscape changes towards the North East. The Waskerley Way crosses moorland and leads towards Hownsgill viaduct and Consett. Riders continuing to Sunderland can follow the Consett and Sunderland railway path, passing trailside artworks and reaching the Star Map sculpture on the seafront at Roker. Tynemouth is the other eastern endpoint.
Choosing a line and preparing for the ride
The Trust recommends riding west to east for the prevailing winds and the gradients. Its official route map covers National Route 71 between the western towns and Penrith, Route 7 through Consett towards Sunderland, and Route 14 from Consett towards Tynemouth. Some sections of the Whitehaven-to-Sunderland itinerary are outside the National Cycle Network, so check the complete itinerary rather than relying on one route number.
There are off-road sections, with surfaced alternatives described by the Trust. The route may not be accessible to everyone, and conditions can change. Before setting out, consult the Trust's route page and current project notices for closures and diversions.
In a September 2026 project notice, the Trust scheduled improvements between Stanley and Beamish to begin in November 2026. It warned that closures and diversions would be needed and that the identified diversion includes steps, stiles and sections where cycling is not permitted. Allow for possible delays and check the notice for updates.