Читать книгу The C2C Cycle Route. The Coast to Coast bike ride онлайн

11 страница из 40

East coast

On the east coast cyclists also have a choice of finish (or start) routes in either Sunderland or Tynemouth (the route divides at Consett).

The route to Sunderland is slightly shorter and potentially a little faster than riding to Tynemouth. At least 90 per cent of the distance is traffic-free, following cycle paths and disused railway tracks. Most of the route is pleasant enough, but unremarkable, until the final few miles alongside the River Wear, which provides a superb finish to the C2C. The nearest rail link is Sunderland central station, connecting with the C2C via a signposted cycle lane.

The route to Tynemouth is a little longer, but more interesting. It’s virtually all traffic-free and very enjoyable riding between Consett and Newcastle, where the riverside waterfront is extremely attractive on a fine day. Cyclists might expect to complete the C2C with a pleasant ride along the River Tyne from Newcastle to Tynemouth, but the river is seldom seen at all. Instead the route gets fiddly and can be a little frustrating, particularly with diversions caused by roadworks, which should improve over time. The last part of the route, cycling round the marina and harbour towards the finish, is suitably fine. The Metro railway has a station within easy reach of the Tynemouth start/finish of the C2C, but it refuses to carry bikes (unless they are ‘folders’), which is a major let-down at the end of Britain’s premier cycle route. Instead, cyclists have either to ride back to Newcastle, where the main railway station is not particularly easy to find, or to take a taxi (the standard ‘black cab’ will take two bikes and riders).