getting there

by train
With the break up of the railway system as we all knew (and loved!) getting about on trains nowadays, particularly with bikes is a complicated affair. However I have been in touch with various bodies to ascertain general policies regarding travelling with your bike. What follows is a rough guide gleaned from not very helpful telephone people! It will be a very good idea to double check the information before you travel and also bear in mind that this information is just a quick resume of basic travel information. Good Luck!

Getting to the start
To get to Workington or Whitehaven via the railway will mean you more than likely having to use the West Coast mainline service to Carlisle. The policy here is that bikes will be carried but spaces must be reserved. However the number of bikes the train will take will not be known until you ring and make your booking, which must be done at least 24 hr's in advance of your travel.

To get to Whitehaven or Workington from Carlisle means you using the regional railway. The trains on this route will carry only 2 bikes but spaces are non-reservable. There is no charge to take your bikes on this section.

Returning home
Providing you don't wish to travel back on the Reivers route and make a round trip of it read on.

To get back to the start of the route at Workington or Whitehaven means you either cycling from Sunderland to Newcastle station or getting the local train to Newcastle and then taking the Newcastle to Carlisle route. On this service the policy is only 2 cycles per train on off-peak services (all other services ring and check beforehand) and all bikes must be reserved but the cost is nothing. From Carlisle take the regional line as detailed above to Workington or Whitehaven.

To travel home using the East Coast line the same applies, only 2 bikes on off-peak services, spaces must be reserved.

The Metro (local train service) to Newcastle does not take bikes. So those finishing at Tynemouth should take this into account when planning their homeward journey.

As I have mentioned it is a good idea to ring and check times etc. out with the relevant company but one tip which might work with regards to bike space is to talk ever so nicely to the train guard and he/she might turn a blind eye to more than 2 bikes being loaded depending on the space available. It is generally acknowledged that there is a certain amount of discretion which can be applied so be nice to the nice people on the train!

Rail Information Line
for general enquiries: 08457 484950
Northern Rail
Carlisle to Whitehaven: 0845 6001159
Arriva Trains Northern
Newcastle/Carlisle & Sunderland/Newcastle: 0870 6023322

you may also want to check out The UK Bike/Rail website for comprehensive information on taking your bike on a train as well as one of the following sites to get online travel info at the national rail website

You might also want to look at this page written by a cyclist who has taken his bike by train many times Transporting your Bike by Train

Whitehaven - Preston Street Garage Tel 01946 63263.
Only 500 meters from start of the c2c, Offering cycle hire, repairs, accessories and cycle sales. Comprehensive Motor Trade insurance covering secure car parking for those of you travelling by car and in need of somewhere to store it, they have linked up with Tyne Valley Holidays to offer a complete package of baggage transfer, hire cycle collection and transport back from the finish if required. e-mail for more info

Whitehaven - website - Jim Hewitson tel: 01946 692178
Park directly on the Workington to Whitehaven cycleway. This also a Sustrans Stamping Station

Workington - Mr. J.M.Perkins tel 01900 604997. Secure car parking

Newcastle - Hadrian Lodge Hotel - website - Tel: 0191 2627733
I have been informed that you can leave your car in the hotels car park. If you stay at the Hotel the night before there is no charge for leaving the car there - (otherwise £2.00 per day) but make sure you leave the car registration or you risk getting clamped - apparently it's very strictly controlled, so no leaving it to chance.

Sunderland - St. Mary's Car Park - Sunderland tel:0191 553 2785
St Mary's is an award winning facility for both safety and design and has an impressive 100% safety record and offers both long and short term parking. Used and recommended by C2C'ers.