Coast-to-Coast Route Comparison

All three routes take you from the Irish Sea to the North Sea but all of them have very different characters. Many people who know the routes may be surprised to find that all three have broadly similar amounts of climbing. Check out the profiles below.

The Reivers profile looks to be the least arduous but that is deceptive. It may not have the mega climbs of the C2C but the serrated profile means that you are constantly pedaling up and down with little respite. Add into the mix the fact it involves 20-30 miles additional miles and you will realise that many riders regard the Reivers as the toughest route of all. The profile clearly illustrates the tough first third (if commencing in the West) and the unmistakable flatlands of the Solway Plain.

The legendary climbs of the C2C such as Whinlatter, Hartside, Garrigill and Rookhope (to name but a few) are brutally apparent from the profile below. The first third of the ride is often a rude awakening, especially Whinlatter. The middle section is a killer for the unwary (and unfit), however, the final 30 miles from Rookhope is a breeze as the downhill trend shows very clearly.

The W2W is a tough old route. Like the Reivers, it is constantly undulating. Although the first third looks easy, it may take you by surprise particularly the lung-buster of a climb up from Low Wood. The middle section is a killer - the climb up to Tan Hill is obvious from the profile and will punish all but the super-fit. The final third is probably the toughest conclusion of all the routes.