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The Route The route will take us through a multitude of terrains. You can check out where and when we'll be cycling here. Day One (2nd August, 2007) Day One will see the group on the long, arduous journey to Whitehaven, where they will probably face the biggest challenge of the entire trip - cycling through London! Yes, the wonders of the tube are such, that we must cycle between Victoria and Euston stations. But that is no worry, as long as we don't miss every connecting train!  Day Two (3rd August, 2007)  Whitehaven to Penrith The day will begin at 9am prompt, with a hearty full Breakfast. After a bit of fiddly navigation out of Whitehaven centre, the Whitehaven-Ennerdale cycle path will provide a gentle start, passing by several former iron mining villages. The route initially follows the line of a disused rail network that served a myriad of local mines. The true mountains of the Lake District will soon be in sight, heralded by pleasant villages (i.e. tea-stops) such as Lamplugh and High Lorton, as we dip and climb on quiet minor roads. The moderate climb after Kirkland village will warm us up for the steep but spectacular climb over the Whinlatter Forest. After a twisting off-road descent, the quaint villages of Braithwaite and Portinscale are accompanied by easy pedalling on quiet roads to Keswick. The high summits of the Lake District are left behind as we approach the flatter, more pastoral country of the Eden Valley. The route is the delightful and generally very easy Keswick railway path. After a couple of gradients, it turns into a leisurely pedal through thick woods, crossing and re-crossing the River Greta over a series of charming bridges to bring us to picturesque Threlkeld. There are then some beautiful and generally very lightly-trafficked roads to Greystoke. More minor roads will take us through Newton Reigny to Penrith, avoiding the major roads. Day Three (4th August, 2007)  Penrith to Rookhope We will leave Penrith behind on a long, steady climb up to some spectacular Lakeland views from Beacon Edge. Leaving the gentle Eden Valley behind us, we will soon climb steeply to the amazing viewpoint of Hartside before beginning the traverse of the Northern Pennines, 'England's Last Wilderness', much of it designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Day Four (5th August, 2007)  Rookhope to Sunderland For most of the way, the Consett and Sunderland railway path will be flat and easy to follow. The railpath is a mix of cinder track and tarmac, and generally gets better towards Sunderland, before a spectacular finish down lovely wide, red tarmac, past the Stadium of Light toward Roker. Apparently, this will be the easiest section of the whole route. The landscape presents a strong contrast; the Wear Valley is delightfully green, whilst Sunderland presents a grand spectacle of post-industrial decay that is steadily being regenerated. Day Five (6th August, 2007) Today will be our rest day, owing to the fact that not only will we be completely knackered, but certain trains will not be running, making our trip home today slightly difficult. If we can walk, we shall frequent the local watering holes, so if you can find us, feel free to pop in for a chat and a high five! Day Six (7th August, 2007) Sunderland to Home (finally). | |
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