English Coast to Coast Bike Ride

European Cycling Tours are proud to offer you the opportunity to ride Wainwright’s original route from the Irish Sea at St. Bees Head across Northern England traversing the Pennine Hills to the North Sea shoreline at Robin Hood’s Bay. On the way it winds a spectacular path through no less than three National Parks; The Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.

The Coast to Coast is a tough and challenging ride across the North of England, it is also an exhilarating cycling adventure, and once completed is an achievement that will leave indelible memories for the rest of your life!

Total Distance 214mi	Total Ascent 1,300m	Highest Point 528m	Difficulty Grade 3/5
Guided & Supported	2 or 3 Day Available	Scenery Score 10/10	Guide Price £695

Cross-country routes such as this are consistent with the approach described in our guide to guided cycling holidays in the United Kingdom, balancing challenge, variety, and on-tour support.

Wainwright Coast To Coast Route
Irish Sea (St Bees)
Lake District National Park
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Tan Hill Inn (highest pub in Britain)
Vale Of Mowbray
North York Moors National Park
North Sea (Robin Hoods Bay)

Stunning panoramic views on almost every hilltop while cycling the rolling countryside of the'auld' England

Cycling the rolling countryside of the united kingdom on our cycle coast to coast

The Classic English Coast To Coast Bike Ride
Available for private ‘closed’ group rides

Day 1 – Arrive Kendal – Schedule of recommended arrival times given on application. Build and check bikes before evening meal and early night.
Day 2 – Transfer to St Bees before riding St Bees to Kendal – 112km (70mi)
Day 3 – Kendal To Darlington – 133km (83mi)
Day 4 – Darlington To Robin Hoods Bay* – 90km (56mi)
Day 5 – Pack down bikes before transfer return to Kendal and onward return journey home.

Experienced Cycle Leader(s), Full Vehicle Support including Driver/Mechanic, First Aiders, Luggage Transfer Through Trip, 3/4 star Hotel Accommodation (4 nights inc Breakfast), Transfer Return To Kendal from Finish Location

Travel to start location, Lunches, Evening Dinners

Bike Transfer To/From Kendal (Certain UK Locations Only), Bedroom Upgrade

Recommended travel information to Kendal will be given on your application. To help us help you, it is important you notify us of any extraordinary travel arrangements you may have that prevents you from arriving at the recommended times. Your personal bags will be carried by the support vehicle throughout the event.
Please do not arrive to the event with rigid bike travel boxes. Support vehicles will have limited space and are unable to stow large solid bike boxes as well as all luggage and equipment through the event. Please contact us with any questions regarding flight transport of your bike, we will be more than happy to discuss this further with you.

We can expect ‘mixed’ weather patterns of sunshine and rain and cool temperatures (at altitude) in this region of the United Kingdom. With some luck we will stay dry and the sun will join us for the ride, but if not, remember to bring plenty of layers – not heavy coverings.
This tour across England is a mixed road and trail bike tour. Your bike should be well maintained and in good running order with suitable gears and brakes to tackle steep gradients – up and down! A sports hybrid bike (with high gears and wide tyres – min 28mm) is ideal but a road/touring bike also with high gears and wide tyres would also be suitable. We also welcome on to this tour of applications from experienced eBike riders.
A full kit list will be issued in your ‘Joining Instructions’ document after your application. We would like to emphasise good quality wet weather gear and warm base/mid layers for your coast to coast trip. We will be glad to discuss any aspect of kit and your bike with you, please call us anytime with any questions.

This classic English crossing includes varied terrain and long riding days. A reliable, comfortable bike enhances the journey. Our guide to the best bike for European cycling holidays explains what works best.

This is a level 3 cycle event. You will be capable of riding comfortably up to 100km in a day and/or used to riding distances up to 80km over hilly terrain (minimum). If you have any doubt as to your fitness regarding participation in this event, please give us a call and we will be more than happy to chat with you.

Please arrive to the event ready to ride and not rely on ‘muscle memory’ or riding into ‘trip fitness’ – don’t let us or yourself (or others) down…please train to tour.

“Better organisation than Team Sky, Jason and Giles where awesome. Every thing ran so smoothly all we had to do was ride!” Richard Moore (Alpine TdF Velo Spectacular)

Cycling through english villages on coast to coast bike

Looking over english coast to coast countryside

Coast To Coast Route Map

Coast To Coast Route Profile

Contact us to arrange your next group ride

2 or 3 day options available

“Well done folks …very professional indeed, 7days cycling together from Vienna to Milan is no joke …but thanks to you and your professionalism, support and determination the challenge is over with positive feelings…. thank you to all your very friendly team who also go out of their way to give you a memorable experience… Until the next one !!!” Mark Camilleri (Vienna To Milan Cycle Challenge)

Tan hill inn britain's highest pub on the Yorkshire Dales — Tan Hill Inn Britains highest pub on the Yorkshire Dales

The Official Coast To Coast bike ride exclusive to private bookings for groups.

Part of our series of UK Cycling Holidays

Make your enquiry for a group booking here

Return to UK cycling holidays page

FAQs for cycling England coast to coast

Is this tour right for me?

This tour suits riders who enjoy a social cycling experience with the reassurance of professional support. Navigation, logistics, and accommodation are fully managed. This guide explains how guided cycling holidays differ from self-guided trips.

What is the England Coast to Coast Bike Ride?

The England Coast to Coast Bike Ride is a challenging and scenic cycling route from the Irish Sea at St. Bees Head across Northern England, passing through three National Parks—The Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors—to the North Sea shoreline at Robin Hood’s Bay.

How long is the Coast to Coast route and what is its difficulty level?

The route covers a total distance of 214 miles with a total ascent of 1,300 meters and reaches a highest point of 528 meters. It has a difficulty grade of 3 out of 5, suitable for experienced cyclists prepared for demanding terrain.

What support and accommodations are included in the guided Coast to Coast ride?

The guided ride includes experienced cycle leaders, full vehicle support with a driver/mechanic, first aiders, luggage transfer, and 3 or 4-star hotel accommodations with breakfast for four nights. Transfers to start and from finish locations are also provided.

What type of bike do I need for this route?

A well-maintained sports hybrid bike with high gears and wide tires (minimum 28mm) is ideal, but a road or touring bike with similar features is also suitable. Experience with eBikes is welcome, and a full kit list is provided after registration.

Am I physically fit enough for this ride and what should I do to prepare?

Participants should be able to ride comfortably up to 100 km in a day and be accustomed to riding distances up to 80 km over hilly terrain. It is important to train beforehand and arrive prepared to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.