Father and son on the C2C

Myself and my son Daniel completed the C2C from Whitehaven to Sunderland over 3 days in July for the first time. I am 42 yrs old Daniel is 15.

We set off early on Saturday morning waiting for the heavens to open. It had rained all week previous and we set off in anticipation of the same. We navigated out of Whitehaven with no problem and we were soon on route to our first planned watering hole in Keswick. The route to Keswick was well sign posted and the scenery was breathtaking. Winlatter pass provided our first real climb and we managed it with ease.

After a cup of tea and scone in Keswick we continued onwards to Penrith where we planned to stay for the night at the Victoria Guest House. The heavens opened after leaving Keswick. We quickly put on our waterproof coats and set about cycling. We got as far as the Greystoke cycle cafe and took refuge in their barn. They were an absolute godsend as they provided us with dry towels and blankets. The soup of the day hit the spot aswell. We stayed there for about half an hour waiting to see if the weather would let up. We were soon joined by four other C2Cers who were also looking to take shelter. We decided that we were going to continue because we were only about 7 miles away from Penrith. When we eventually found the Victoria guest house, we were made very welcome by the owner Pam. She recommended us an Italian restaurant for an evening meal. It was reasonably priced and situated across the road from Arragons Cycle Centre.

The next day we woke up to a fine bright morning. After a hearty breakfast we said our goodbyes to Pam and the rest of her guests and set off. We were both ready to face the hilly terrain ahead. When we reached the bottom of Hartside I decided to focus on the cafe visible in the distance. Dan set the pace and it was not long before he opened up a good 200 yard gap. The cafe just didn't seam to get any closer. I was determined not to stop and dropped into a low gear and plodded on.

When I eventually reached the top, Dan was sitting on the wooden benches outside waiting for me. We took the compulsory photo next to the Hartside summit sign and enjoyed a well deserved cup of tea. The decent down Hartside was fast and furious. I nearly missed the turn off for Garigill. It is a sharp right hand turn and could be easily missed. When we reached Garigill, the road option was closed. It looked like a bomb had gone off in the middle of it so the only option was the off road route. This route is virtually unrideable and for the first time we had to push the bikes up the hill. Upon reaching the top the heavens opened again. We cycled as fast as we could to find some shelter but the nearest place was the Miners Arms in Nenthead. It was raining that hard that we more or less surfed down the shale surface towards the Mining museum. We got out cards stamped and decided to continue as we were already soaked and didn't have far to go to Allenheads.

The climb out of Nenthead was sort of unexpected. It was a lot steeper than Hartside and consisted of a lot more tight turns. It didn't help with the rain, it was like trying to cycle up a river. The sight of the Allenhead Inn was a very welcome sight. we were staying at Newhouses guest house. We got directions from the locals at the Allenhead Inn. It was difficult to find as it was up a gravel track with sheep running wild all over the place. The accommodation was first class And the breakfast was probably the best you will get anywhere on the C2C. I cannot recommend it enough.

The last day was a the easiest day of all. The sun was shining and the view going over Stanhope Common was breathtaking. Navigating the whole C2C was fairly easy but finding the start of the Waskerly way provided us with a bit of a problem. This was the first time on the whole route where we had to stop and study the map and guide. We were only a few 100 yards away from Parkhead station but if you don't know its there then it is difficult to find. We continued along the Waskerly Way to Consett. The locals at Consett were different to everyone we had met along the C2C. If you saw a little kid playing a banjo you could be forgiven for thinking you had travelled onto the set of "Deliverance". There was broken glass on the cycle paths and the kids took great pleasure in shouting obsenities an passing people and cyclists.

The rest of the ride to Sunderland was fantastic. From Leadgate onwards was an absolute pleasure and was mostly downhill. We dipped our wheels at the Sunderland Marina at about 1.30pm with a great sence of achievement. We both managed to complete the whole route without getting a puncture which apparently is very rare. We are planning to do it again next year but this time over 2 days.