The Reivers / C2C Round Trip

The Reivers and C2C routes both stretch from Tynemouth to Whitehaven so what could be more logical than combining the two to make a superb, challenging round trip.

The combined route extends to around 310 miles. Whether you start at Whitehaven or Tynemouth is a matter of personal preference and will, to a great extent, depend upon which location easier to get to for you. Both start points have a good choice of accommodation if you need it.

But which way round?

If you have the official route maps you will notice that the C2C heads East and the Reivers heads West. This is as good a reason as any for doing the route that way but there are other more compelling reasons to stick to the maps.

Heading East you will generally have the prevailing wind in your favour. Given the mega-climbs on the C2C its better to have the wind behind you! The Reivers isn't exactly a romp going against the wind but at least the climbs are slightly less severe.

Also, anyone who has tried the C2C the 'wrong' way will confirm that it is hard work as the inclines tend to work against you - they are a series of long gradual climbs followed by short steep descents. When riding the Reivers in that direction, however, the gradients tend to work in your favour. Trust me.

The round trip will allow you to see a huge expanse and variety of countryside combining rural Northumberland, the Scottish Borders, the Lake District and the North Pennines. It's a trip you will never forget in a hurry....