Information on the continuous ‘coast-to-coast’ route between Walney Island, on the Cumbrian Coast, and Wearmouth, on the North Sea Coast.
(Walney to Wear & Whitby Cycle Route. NCN70 of the National Cycle Network).
Location
Continuous ‘coast-to-coast’ route between Cumbria’s Walney Island near Barrow-in-Furness and either Wearmouth or Whitby on the North Sea Coast.
Distance / time
- Walney to Wear is 150 miles (241km) – 3-4 days approx.
- Walney to Whitby is 176 miles (283km) – 4-5 days approx.
Route
Challenging cycling across hilly open country on mainly quiet country lanes and some traffic-free sections. Easy to follow in either direction thanks to signs and map.
Scenery
Wonderful Lake District, North Pennines and North York Moors landscapes and north country heritage. Historic Durham city is a highlight on Walney to Wear route.
Hospitality
Welcoming places to stay on or close to the route, and tearooms, cafes, pubs and food shops, often serving locally produced fare, especially in villages and market towns.
Getting there
Possible car-free holiday using trains serving Barrow, Sunderland and Whitby, and several points in between (max 2 bikes per train officially).
Support
Load lightening luggage transfer service and fully supported holidays available. Repairs, spares and kit at various cycling shops.
Comments from Cyclists
"Here's a couple of photos of Lloyds TSB Sunderland Contact Centre team at Walney Island and Wearmouth following our ride last weekend for Breast Cancer Awareness. The 16 cyclists raised over £2000.
Our thoughts - A fantastic route, with some challenging sections that rival the C2C ! As for accommodation - The George at Walney Island, The George at Orton, Mostyn House at Orton and Barn House at Orton - all clean, comfortable, good food and pocket friendly."
More information
Download the Walney to Wear Leaflet as pdf, 672kb
Full details are on the www.cyclingw2w.info website. Buy the waterproof route map (£4.95) from www.nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk or from helpful Tourist Information Centres on the route.
Shorter rides
Day cycle and train trips between Barrow, Ulverston and Grange-over-Sands; cycle up to the Tan Hill Inn for an overnight stay at England’s highest inn; combine the northern and southern braids of the route in Co. Durham for a mini-cycle touring break; cycle on and around the toll-road through Hamsterley Forest (free for cyclists) and on the traffic-free path by the River Wear in Sunderland, past the National Glass Centre.
Longer ride
Combine W2W with the Sea to Sea Cycle Route (C2C), Hadrian’s Cycleway or the Reivers Cycle Route for a circular ‘coast to coast’ tour.