The C2C Guide - the definitive resource centre for the Sea to Sea cycle route

artworks- whitehaven to sheriffs gate section Most of this route was originally a railway line built in the 1850's to carry limestone, coal and iron and the sculptures tend to reflect that heritage. Groundwork West Cumbria were responsible for commissioning many of the artworks of the route as well as the cycle track itself which is an integral part of the West Cumbria cycle way. Use the links below to view the other artwoks pages Whitehaven to Sheriffs Gate \| Consett to Sunderland \| Gateshead to Tynemouth
C2C Start Sculpture by Chris Brammall located at the start in Whitehaven Harbour This artwork is a representation of the coastlines of West Cumbria and the North East of England with the 'C2C' lettering cut out. Situated in the slipway at the harbour in Whitehaven, it is partly submerged at some states of the tide. The sculpture is a very imposing sight and not many C2C'ers pass up the opportunity of starting their trip with a posed photo here. Also in the harbour you must checkout the stunning 'fish' bike stands designed by Heidi Schrami as well as the pavement mosaics in and around the harbour designed by Maggie Howarth.
Cast Iron Route Markers by David Mayre A series of 30 intricate posts which use a variety of images to reflect the industrial history of this network of former mineral carrying railway lines - as well as pointing the way for travellers along the C2C and the whole of the West Cumbria Cycle network
Milestone 2 Boulder Setting by Partnership Art mile marker 2 Located on the route out of Whitehaven and at the centre of a junction of the cycle track. This artwork uses a glacial erratic boulder atop a bed of stone set on a plinth to mirror the way that the fells link to the sea.
Route Markers by Richard Farrington A series of 12 steel sculptures which were a collaboration between the artist and children from local schools. The children's images were copied into sculptures to commemorate their sense of place and win their ownership of the project
Bridge Seats by John Grimshaw and John Naylor mile marker 7 Four massive seats based on iron waybeams taken from adjacent railway bridges and set at the same centres as if the railway had changed direction at its closure. A snippet of synchronicity for you, the artists are John Grimshaw of Sustrans fame and John Naylor of Groundwork West Cumbria, both of which organisations collaborated on the C2C in this area.
Sheriffs Gate by Anthony Holloway mile marker 9.7 The artist (in collaboration with Lamplugh School) designed this oak carved entrance gate to reflect the exposed nature of the site with its open views of the fells. The entrance arch mirrors the windswept trees on the skyline. nb: this artwork has now been moved for some obscure reason and in its place is a gate ( just a plain, everyday boring gate) whilst the actual artwork itself is is now located some five hundred yards from the end of the railway track, towards the village of Rowrah. Please note that you can no longer ride through it.
The Wriggle by Robert Drake mile marker 9.5 Flowing curves and entrances match the desired lines of walkers and cyclists. Bands of slate and limestone echo the complex underlying geology.
The Phoenix Bridge by Alan Dawson milemarker 5 The steel Phoenix commemorates the haematite iron industry with its sulphur-free ore. The phoenix is also a symbol for the village of Cleator Moor. The bridge represents miners shovels and the lead in fences contain representations of miners picks.