C2C Routes

[JohnL1979]

Hi all. 3 novices planning C2C Whitehaven to tynemouth.

It looks as though there's two main routes from Penrith to stanhope/rookhope. The main route and a new "wiggo's way" route. Has any one done both of these routes and know if there's much difference in terms of gradients / whether they are mainly on road or cycle track?

Many thanks in advance

John

 

[DCLane]

The main route is mostly quiet roads and is fine for road bikes. At Hartshead though I've turned off to Alston for B&B accommodation both times I've done the ride.

The Wiggo's Way version appears to use slightly busier roads. However Mark Porter's C2C guide adds: "It also contains a scenic new route from Penruddock to Ullswater, past Lowther Castle, Morland, Appleby and Middleton-in-Teesdale before linking back with the old route at Stanhope. Called Wiggo s Way after Sir Bradley, this new loop is probably the most scenic of the entire route."

You're not the first to ask the same question; https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/coast-to-coast-by-road.196229/