The Sea to Sea (C2C) cycling route celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and Newcastle-based cycle tour operatorsSaddle Skedaddle is hosting a three-day bike ride to celebrate.
Saddle Skedaddle’s Andrew Straw said of the event from May 24 to 26: “2014 sees the 20th anniversary of the C2C, Sustrans’ iconic coast to coast cycling journey which starts on the west coast at Whitehaven and ends 140 miles later at Tynemouth after passing through the centre of Newcastle. It’s a must-do ride for any cyclist and a superb challenge for those new to cycling but with a decent level of fitness.
“To celebrate this event Saddle Skedaddle and Sustrans are running a cycling break and asking participants to raise some money to ensure the route is kept in tip top condition for the years to come.”
See skedaddle.co.uk
Other cycling activities in NewcastleGateshead include:
The Cycle Hub
Situated on the iconic NewcastleGatesehad Quayside, The Cycle Hub sits just before the final leg of the C2C in the Ouseburn Valley. There’s a face and the chance to hire a bike.
See thecyclehub.org/cycle-routes/
Ouseburn Valley
Heralded by the New York Times as one of NewcastleGateshead’s most vibrant areas, the Ouseburn is home to pubs, a city stables, city farm, galleries and venues including Seven Stories, the national centre for children’s books. The lower Ouseburn also connects with nearby Jesmond Dene via a 2-mile green belt through the picturesque Heaton and Armstrong Parks. It’s great for cycling.
See ouseburnnewcastle.org/home
Tynemouth Castle and Priory
Legend has it that the Priory is the burial place of kings from the old kingdom of Northumbria, the ruins are steeped in mystery and stand as the first fortifications protecting this section of the North East coast and Newcastle from invaders abroad, and even from the enemy at home during the English Civil War. It’s also home to the C2C finish line.
See english-heritage.org.uk/tynemouth
The Keelman and Big Lamp Brewery
Located at the far end of the Keelman cycleway in Newburn, The Keelman Pub is a cyclist’s favourite serving a selection of real ales many of which have been brewed next door in the Big Lamp Brewery. Join the Keelman Cycleway on Gateshead Quays and head west along the River Tyne. See biglampbrewers.co.uk/keelman-pub/
For more on cycling in and around NewcastleGateshead see www.newcastlegateshead.com/things-to-do/sports-and-activities/cycling
