If you want to cycle the Tour of Britain but are not up to Sir Bradley-like standards, you can take on four days of the iconic route with a self-guided Coast to Coast cycling holiday.
British cycling’s premier road event begins on Sunday September 6, and some of the world’s best riders will arrive in Northumberland four days later for Stage 5 of the eight-day race, which passes through the Tyne Valley and along Hadrian’s Wall.
Anyone looking to do more than spectate can experience part of this year’s tour on Saddle Skedaddle’s self-guided, four-day Coast to Coast cycling holiday. Dates are available on July 24-28, August 7-11 and September 25-29.
The coast to coast experience begins in Newcastle before heading out to the start point of the four-day ride at Whitehaven. Joining the Cumbrian Cycle Network, the route takes in the quiet country lanes via Loweswater and Low Lorton to Whinlatter Pass. It then then descends to the River Derwent before arriving in the Lake District town of Keswick, which is home for the night.
After leaving Keswick along the River Greta and passing Greystoke Castle, it’s a challenging ride to the highest café in England – and the finish line of this year’s Stage 5 Tour of Britain – Hartside Top Café.
It’s then a short, tough climb to the old lead mining village of Nenthead before climbing again to the highest point on the route, Black Hill at 609 metres. After leaving Stanhope on the final day of the ride, it’s a traffic free journey towards Consett where all roads lead to the finish point at Tynemouth.
Accommodation during this trip is in bed and breakfasts, inns or small family-run hotels and prices start from £385 for the four days.
Price includes accommodation (bed and breakfast), detailed route map, luggage transfer service, transfers and local support. Bike hire is an additional £90. Travel to departure point not included.
Cycling distance: Approx 140 miles over four days. From 24-41 miles on cycling days.
See skedaddle.co.uk
