This is from Andrew Potter who completed the C2C over 5th to 7th September 2001....
The Nenthead to Allenheads stretch remains open (5/9/01). Two disinfectant points exist but the guy seemed happy to see us and there were no problems. There was severe frustration from the staff at the Allenheads Inn with conflicting "its open / its closed" messages - their view was a definite no problem for the foreseeable future.

The off road section avoiding Renwick is now open (or at least not signed as closed), but there was a particularly confusing small diversion around Laithes that sends you to High Dyke but its then ok to go into Newton Reigny.

The rest of the route is fine except for the appalling condition and dilapidated / vandalised signage to the north of Newcastle. The path is strewn with glass for about three miles (not helped by positioning a bottle bank adjacent to the route at one point!) A real pity but a truly fantastic experience.
DON'T BE PUT OFF BY F&M!  Be sensible over the diversions and be assured of a great welcome wherever you go...the locals are thrilled to see you.

The C2C Guide adds that as far as I am aware the off-road section (bridleway) over the open moorland to just below Hartside cafe is still closed, the section avoiding Renwick and the last section avoiding the hairpin just before the cafe are both unclassified country roads (or similar) and therefore not able to be closed by the local council.

Dan McDowell completed the C2C on the 13th and 14th September and has this to say....

I have just completed the route in two days- 13th-14th September. I came across two diversions.
Diversion 1 - After Greystoke the Laithes to Penrith section was initially confusing as it went off the Keswick-Penrith map. I later discovered the diversion is all within the Penrith - Carlisle link route (panel no.6) Follow the Yellow arrows on the ground though there may be no signs for a mile or two.

Diversion 2 - After Nenthead the route to Stanhope via A689 is not signed on the ground. I was travelling on a Thursday and found traffic built up after Westgate, mainly Quarry trucks - they gave me lots of space, but if you are not used to large wagons this may be disconcerting.
Also beware of the steep descent to Killhope Wheel Museum on the A689. There are roadwork's from the summit for approx. 200 Metres. I took the direct route as time was pressing.

Bob Hay and Paul Jillard completed the route over 4 days 13th to 16th September 2001....

...Very enjoyable and reasonably leisurely ride over such a time, particularly as weather was kind, with a following wind.

A few points:-
Followed road routes where a choice was available -did not see evidence that Old Coach Road was closed, but stuck to Keswick Railway path.

Did not feel that diversion at Scales across A66 and down minor roads was a problem or badly signposted. Perhaps signs upgraded since previous comments.

Diversion along lanes around Laithes seemed unnecessary. Talking to a local part way round diversion convinced us to cut short this diversion and return to normal route.

No problems taking original route between Nenthead and Rookhope. Passed a couple of manned disinfectant points on this section without problems. Incline from Rookhope still closed but took route to Stanhope - very little traffic (but early Sunday morning!).

One or two bits of poor signposting:-
Junction on Railway track at Rowrah near old quarries not clear. Took left fork which was OK, but sign would help
Junction near High Lorton confusing. Again take left fork  but sign would help.
Same problems as previously mentioned between Chester-le-Street and Sunderland re vandalised/removed signs.

One final issue. We cannot recommend the Hayloft Bunkhouse at Langwathby

Jim Mortimer rode the route on the 14th to 16th of September 2001 and has this to say...

I was in a party of 6 who did the C2C last weekend 14th-16th Sept from Whitehaven to Tynemouth, and can only echo Bob & Paul's comments. We had a great trip, good weather and lots of laughs.

Aside from having to cross several mats, and through a couple of spray points, FMD had no impact on our trip.

We stuck to the main route out of Keswick, and avoided Mungrisdale by using the minor road road between Scales and Askew Rigg Farm. The diversion at Laithes seems overcomplicated - we just stayed on the road through Newton Reigny and followed it into Penrith.

At Rookhope the off-road route was closed, but we used the marked road route over to Stanhope and then braved the killer hill out of Stanhope and up to the quarries - tiring, but no FMD problems.

Our biggest problems with signage were on the final stretch between the end of the riverside prom in Newcastle city centre and North Shields around Wet 'n' Wild, where we got completely lost in the badlands. Perhaps some permanent road markings, or a more detailed street map on an internet page would help ?

Peter Jones and 4 friends completed the ride on 13th and 17th September 2001 and offer this....
Day 1 - F&M was no great problem starting as we did from Workington, the route out of Workington is under sold, it was great although Wythop Woods was still shut.  Stayed at Cranford House in Keswick, a fine stop.
Day 2 - left Keswick and used the route that is supposed to have steep steps according to the guide.  It doesn't, it is a brilliant ride along the river side with a wooden board walk. Stayed at the Hayloft bunkhouse in Langwathby but, like, Bob and Paul cannot recommend it.
Day 3 - was the big one up the pass.  Hartside Cafe was open thank goodness and we took our 2nd break in Nenthead at the pub.  Very busy with bikers and so why the boss did not do snacks (sandwiches) or soup and a role until after 2pm is anyone's guess. Got to Allenheads by 4pm to find the cafe there shutting.  The pub has never served so much tea and coffee on a Saturday afternoon. Rookhope to 100 miles shut but no where else was a problem.  It was however a beautiful ride down hill. Stayed at the Queens Head Hotel, Stanhope.  Nothing much to look at from outside but a great stop with excellent basic food at a very reasonable price.
Day 4 - Easy day to Chester le Street via Beamish Museum.  Stayed at the Lampton Worm Hotel ( not to be confused with the Lampton Hotel as I did. )  A good stay, no en-suite but the £18 per night made up for this.  The other pity was that they kicked us up to bed after closing at 10.30pm, a shame as we were ready for a late night talking to the Great North Runners who were staying the night after their run.
Day 5 - was to be a doddle down to Sunderland. Two miles to go - where did the track go? The work on the new tramway has destroyed the track and left muddy, stony, poorly marked bits and pieces. We ended up lost in Sunderland asking which way the coast was. A sad end that I am happy to say did not ruin the trip in any way.
ALL IN ALL, thanks for your web site; we met others on the route who used it so keep it going. Thanks to the people we met for smiling through the problems they have. Thanks for the weather that was as good as I could have dreamt.  My legs ache but I slept well Monday night in my own bed.

GRIPES  Why don't the Information Centers on the route e.g. PENRITH, have safe places to leave the cycles so that you can visit the shops?  The lady suggested we use the Railway Station because they have cycle boxes.  Yes, 4, all long term bookings.
Ta for reading this, next year THE REIVERS.

This is a note from Doug Ridgway who has helped me out with FMD/Route info in the past - many thanks Doug...

It seems people are still using the old C2C maps (97/98) which show the route to be on the south bank of the River Wear from Cox Green.  Due to Metro Railway construction this is now CLOSED with a very convoluted diversion  only partly signed via back streets. Check Dik's website for new route updates.

The correct route now remains on the NORTH bank all the way until the finish. At Cox Green mile 127.5 DO NOT CROSS FOOTBRIDGE, follow signs to left & uphill, which takes you past the Washington Wetlands Center, the route is well signed & goes under the A19, then a short way left & uphill on minor road before turn right onto track staying off road all the way to the finish.
There is a choice of route past the Stadium of Light High ( which is signed ) or Low (unsigned at present) via the new riverside promenade. After two under-passes under roundabout at Queen Alexander Bridge, take next turning right onto new red tarmac path,( just past hoardings.) 50 yards  at bottom of slope turn left on quiet road 100 yards to rejoin new red path down to riverside. Keep river on your right & follow promenade past large lime kilns( L) & pass below Stadium of Light ( look out for large "steel men" pushing balls uphill!!! & various other sculptures at kilns & set into the path), continue on new path along riverbank & under Rail & Road bridges to pass National Glass center (L) & onto the finish.
NB Sunderland Council have a good local cycle map that shows the route in greater detail than Sustrans map.

Dave Bates & Richard Carrington completed the route from Sunderland to Whitehaven over 3 days (21st /23rd Sept. 2001). Bear in mind their info is generally for East to West.

mile 110 (Consett) - Using the through line (missing town centre) when crossing the road with a Daihatsu garage, turn left (right if coming from Pennines) and there is a Tesco's with in store cafe. Plenty of cycle lock up points by the disabled parking bays.
mile 115.25 Anfield Plain - Don't take the cinder track, go along the road with houses on which is the other side of the fence. We went down the cinder track and and somehow ended up picking up the C2C the other side of the industrial estate and coming the wrong direction down the C2C until we arrived at an all too familiar point!
FMD in the Pennines - We used the open public roads from Stanhope to Rookhope to Allenheads and then . Allenheads to Black Hill and public road into Nenthead. No problems at manned disinfectant points , the lads working on them seemed pleased to see people! We took the public road out of Nenthead over Dowgang Hush since we were uncertain about the off-road alternative but found it signed up okay at the Garrigill turn off.
The C2C Guide adds ' the off road alternative over Priorsdale and the old mines into Nenthead from Garrigill  was still shut as of 26/9/01'
Hartside - The track below the cafe is open as is the walled track to Five Road Ends but NOT the bridle path in between the two.
FMD in the Eden Valley - Forget the track through Newton Reigny college via mile 52 (under the railway and motorway bridges) as it is closed but not signed as such from the Penrith end so had to retrace our steps via Penrith and took the B5288 to Greystoke.
The C2C Guide adds ' oops, that's my fault! I kinda knew it wasn't signed from the Penrith end but forget to add it to the FMD page. Sorry!
FMD in the Lakes - The Keswick Railway Path was open.
Whinlatter Pass - The signposts on the top of off-road section are poor. After the very short downhill on the  B5292 take the C2C sign into forest car park entrance and take the first track to the right (cycle trail sign but no C2C sign) then the next track to the right (not signed in this direction - there is a sign coming the other way but it is easily missed)

Jim Swannack who rode the C2C from Workington to Tynemouth on the 19th,20th,21st September 2001 has this to say...

Workington - The B&B at Morvern House (it's the one next to the dog agility course - I kid you not!) is OK. Looks very scruffy from the outside but is OK inside.
Mile 14 - Wythop Mill There are no signs giving any info on whether Wythop Woods are open or closed or any indication of a diversion until you have climbed the two miles up to the end of the road section (frustration)
Keswick Try the Cornish Pasty shop on the Borrowdale road at the top of the market place (take the right hand road from outside the Moot Hall and Woolies for 50 yards and it is on your left). Apple and Blackberry pasties go down just about right.
Mile 36.5 - Scales The signs on the route still take you on the old route to the south of the A66 for about a mile and a half rather than the dog-leg to Mungrisdale. Talking to someone later that day they seemed to think the route through the farm at mile 37.5 was closed anyway.
The C2C Guide says ' The Mungrisdale loop is not closed (mainly because they cannot close a public highway for too long BUT the Lake District National Park don't want C2C'ers using that section if at all possible because of F&M concerns so have diverted on to the old route' see F&M page for more info.
Newton Rigg Agricultural College - Could not see any diverted or closed signs but took the precaution of going via the B roads into Penrith anyway.
There should be a closed sign at the entrance and also halfway into the college grounds but I know a guy who works there (Hello Howard!) so I will have a word.
Penrith The Norcroft Guesthouse. Can't recommend it highly enough. Drying facilities were especially welcome. They know where the good curry house is (5 min's walk) and we concur!
Mile 64.4 - Four Lane End C2C sign on the off-road route is taped over, assumption made that this route is closed.
I know people have ridden the walled track to mile 67 and also the rough track 200 metres below the summit to the cafe and have had no problems. Technically these are not shut (so Cumbria County Council tell me) but the real off road route to the hairpin bend from miles 67 to 69 is definitely closed.
Nenthead to Parkhead Station We were staying in Allenheads so didn't use the diversion on the A689. Staff in the Miners Arms at Nenthead said we were fine to use the official route. Disinfectant station at Coalcleugh just waved through and over the mats.
Allenheads - Try the 'Hemmel' coffee shop. It has just changed hands and the new owner is very keen to keep up the previous high standards.
Mile 91.3  (Lintzgarth Arch) Didn't see any signs for the route via Townfield so used the official route via Stanhope to Parkhead Station. Rookhope Incline very well signed as closed.

No other problems on the route to Tynemouth.

Chris Goddard rode the C2C West to East on 28,29,30 September with Sheffield Racing Club and had this to say....

According to the (recent) signs on the gate The Old Coach Road is most definitely closed due to FMD. We asked the farmer living at the bottom of the road and he 'wasn't sure but believed it was still closed'. Rang the local Tourist Info and they were very non-committal. Even rang the local ranger and never got a response. Still an absolutely brilliant run in spite of this, especially eyeballs out down Whinlatter Pass.
The C2C Guide says ' I checked again today (7/10/01) and was again assured that the OCR is open BUT a local farmer keeps on putting up closed notices, IGNORE THEM!'

Chris Grimolby completed the C2C over the 1st and 2nd of October 2001 from Workington to Tynemouth and offers this advice...

Mile 7 - Great Broughton - signs are covered but the minor road to Papcastle is open
The C2C Guide says ' This section is an on-road closure which was closed in early May but lots of people have mailed me in the last couple of months to say that they have cycled the 'closed' route with no problems whatsoever but I can't seem to get any one in officialdom to confirm it's status.
Mile 15 to 16 - Wythop - a locked gate blocks the way due to F&M. There is no diversion so you back track to Eskin thru Routenbeck and rejoin at mile 17 (ish)
Mile 110 to 111 Berry Edge (Consett) - this was the worst stretch in terms of surface quality. The signage disappeared when going thru a BMX type track area. I followed my nose and picked up the route within 1/4 of a mile.
These were the only problems I had in 136 miles.
Highly recommend the Norcroft Guesthouse in Penrith

Jeremy Barnett rode the C2C on 29th and 30th of September 2001 and offers this...

Starting off from Workington at 7.15 on Saturday was not an enjoyable experience with the weather. At first we found it a little confusing finding the start. The street names on the map seem to be the wrong way around. Anyway a council worker knew where we wanted to go, possibly due to the lycra and look of fear on my face!

I can heartily recommend a full length poncho to anyone considering starting the c2c from the lakes in all but 2 months of the year.

Got a little lost in Cockermouth in the main street, but used my sense of direction.
The C2C Guide says: 'you can always visit the urban areas page for tips and directions for town centres, still not complete yet but working on it!

As pervious users the diversion in Wythop Mill is not very well marked, I ended up on the main dual carriageway for a while, good views but make sure you keep in.

Problems outside Penrith due to being stung on the lip by what I think was a Horsefly! Several miles later I was still sporting a lip that Stings' friends in the rainforests would be proud of.

No real problems with the route through Hartside and down to Nenthead. The route to Allenheads seemed open so took it. I did however go home on the Saturday night (for some home comforts) via the A689, which would be a good ride down to Stanhope.

The sign posts at the Sunderland-Tynemouth turn needs to be clearer. The C2C signs were not there and a marker pointed straight on to Rowlands Gill, if you want this then turn left to Berry Edge.
The C2C Guide says ' Doug on the Tyne (my N.E. correspondent - Hi Doug) checked out Lydgetts Junction (on 6/10/2001) and notes that the blue C2C signs are missing but the Millenium Mile post is OK , although twisted slightly out of correct alignment & fingers still shows the 4 way junction directions.
To go to Tynemouth you can go either of two ways.
1/. Turn Left left onto route 14, before Smelt Wagon  (MMP finger to Berry Edge), a little rough in places.
or
2/. Straight ahead past Smelt Wagon (L)  on route 7  , ( MMP finger to Rowlands Gill ) - ( same direction as Sunderland finish) until you reach the 2 Teris Novalis sculptures where turn left via Consett town center & stamping point
The blue C2C -'14' signs all appear in place on the two roundabouts & lead you through to rejoin the Derwent Walk at mile 110.5 as shown on C2C map panel 4 Consett insert.

The route getting nearer to the coast at North Shields could do with better marking, just try and keep looking for the markers. What are all those steps about! Not the easiest to negotiate with weary legs and panniers.
Once again 'Doug on the Tyne' says that the steps are avoidable by taking the ramp ahead which looks like a dead end but is in fact a hairpin bend and leads down to the road at the ferry landing. This will mean only 2 flights of steps - 4 up and 10 down'

But completed the route with no hiccups, 12.5hrs in the saddle and just sore knees and ankles!!!

Michael Walker is a C2C veteran and offers this accommodation advice...

"Having traversed the Pennines on the c2c route several times since 1996 I would highly recommend B&B at the Orchard Cottage, Church Road, Greystoke (Next to the swimming Pool) where Tony & particularly Wendy offer quality accommodation and comfort at the end of the gruelling 'Old Coach Road'.

For those wishing to travel the route on a 'Mix & Match' weekend circular basis I find Greystoke an ideal location to cover the Keswick / Hartside area"