C2C Run

The C2C is 140 miles long, based on footpaths, minor roads and traffic free cycle ways making it the perfect tonic for jaded suburban runners. It should be run from West to East to benefit from the prevailing winds and hills which have steep western faces and long sloping backs, giving the impression that there are more down hills than up hills. It is well signed and will reward you with some spectacular views in splendid isolation, however it's no stroll in the park. The odd climb across the Pennines will reduce all bu

Happy days - the start of the C2C run; 140 traffic-free miles between Workington and Newcastle. That's the Irish Sea in the background and we just kept on running until we hit the North Sea, hence Sea to Sea or C2C. Our arrival at Newcastle coincided with the Great North Run which made for a fitting lap of honour. Our thanks go to Adidas for supplying the kit and Brendan Foster for laying on 30,000+ runners to accompany us on the last leg. The event raised three thousand pounds for Dreams Come True.

t the most accomplished distance runner to walking pace and some sections should not be attempted without the right equipment and thorough preparation.

The C2C makes its way through the unspoiled Lake District past Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth and Derwentwater. Part of the route follows the picturesque old railway line from Keswick to Threlkeld. It then passes through the old market town of Penrith and on through the green and pleasant Eden Valley. The route then rises up into the Pennines through Alston, Nenthead and Allenheads, an area of outstanding natural beauty which is aptly named England's last wilderness. 

The cycle path follows some disused railway lines built in the 19th century to take iron ore and limestone from their mining sites high in the Pennine moorland down to the industrial Northeast. The route then follows the Waverley Way down to Consett where it splits into two paths. The path we chose follows the old Derwent Valley line down to the River Tyne and out to Tynemouth where it finishes. The other route follows the Consett/Sunderland Railway path which is enhanced by some very contemporary sculptures commemorating the area's industrial past.

 

Detailed maps of the route can be obtained from Sustrans.