Cycle Touring

Walney to Wear (Regional route 20)

THE W2W, or Walney to Wear, runs from the Irish Sea near Barrow-in-Furness to Sunderland on the east coast, a distance of more than 150 miles.
A series of country lanes and quiet roads have been linked by sections of cycle paths, forest trails and off-road tracks to form an integrated, sign-posted route across the country.

The scenery on the W2W is more varied than the longer established Coast to Coast ride. From Kendal the growing bulk of the Howgill Fells is seen ahead.
A minor road crosses the M6 and railway line, and then quiet lanes are followed through the Lune Gorge that even locals may not be aware of. Sections of the W2W can, of course, be sampled on short day outings, and this stretch below the steep slopes of the Howgills, high above the Lune, really is stunning.

Continuing north on to open fells, the route descends to Orton. The terrain changes to give more of a dales feel as the Eden Valley and Kirkby Stephen are approached, the last watering hole before the major ascent of the trip.

The traffic northern Pennines can be seen in the distance as the harsh pull on to the desolate Arkengarthdale Moor is made, passing the remains of the long defunct railway over Stainmore. Admiring glances from passing motorists go some way to making up for aching legs, but the best sight at the summit is the Tan Hill Inn at 1,732 feet, the highest pub in England. A warm fire and friendly atmosphere could mean this might be as far as some cyclists get!

For those pressing on, a long, thrilling off-road descent follows, with views of Bowes Castle below, leading on to Barnard Castle, and the Land of the Prince Bishops.

The route then takes in a lovely forest trail towards Hamsterley, and the rolling hills beyond. Things get much easier beyond Bishop Auckland, where long sections of cycle paths on disused railway lines follow with easy gradients. Durham and its cathedral will form a high point for many, while in a few more miles the North Sea appears, with journey's end at the marina in Sunderland.
More W2W information can be found at www.cyclingw2w.info

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