Cycling Coast to Coast

Spectacular Sea to Sea Journeys

Our self guided cycling tours will immerse you in the best countryside in the North, tracing iconic journeys across the country. Follow the classic Coast to Coast (C2C) route from Whitehaven, or ride the slightly shorter Hadrian’s Wall Route from Bowness on Solway. Both cycling routes start in the Lake District, head through Newcastle into historic Tynemouth.

From one breathtaking view to the next, these journeys will lead you away from the crowds and back to nature. Enjoy the freedom of the road less travelled, the culture, heritage and challenge of our National Trails, and rest your legs in our wonderful pubs, hand-picked hotels and BnBs every evening.

Self-Guided and Private Cycling Tours in the North of England

We take all the hassle out of your cycling tour by including all luggage transfers, organising and booking all accommodation, providing maps, GPS instructions, and recommending ancient sites and places of interest to visit along the way. Bike through the hills (fells) in the Lake District, alongside the whole of Hadrian’s wall, across moors and alongside the lakes, rivers and streams, into our wonderful small villages and market towns which criss-cross the stunning landscapes.

We also organise private tours for groups and families, with bespoke itineraries and guides to ensure your trip meets your every need. 

Our tours are rated 97% excellent, just take a look at our Trip Advisor page, and are the perfect balance of active travel and relaxation in stunning surroundings. 

Your Northern C2C Cycling Adventure Begins Here...

Our Tours Are Rated 97% Excellent by Trip Advisor

  • star rating  Recently did one of the Cotswold self-guided walking tours through Active England. The itinerary was excellent, as was Jago Hartland who met with us for orientation and kept in touch... read more

    avatar thumb tonybV5950LD
    December 1, 2022

    star rating  Super helpful, friendly and amenable team at Active England helped us have a brilliant experience. We are a late 50's Australian couple and not super fit, but the ebikes ... read more

    avatar thumb Tagalongtwo
    November 1, 2022

    star rating  Our Cotswolds bike trip was Amazing!! Thank you to our fantastic guide, Conor.
    The countryside was picture perfect with great little villages and sites to take in all along our... read more

    avatar thumb denisewT7376LE
    October 31, 2022
  • star rating  I loved the freedom and flexibility of Active England's self-guided Short Walks in the Cotswolds tour. It was easy to use the provided routes, the hotels were very nice,... read more

    avatar thumb lkfwallace
    October 26, 2022

    star rating  Had an amazing 4 day bike tour in the Cotwolds with our guide Amanda, tour director Jago and support from the wonderful office staff. We have nothing but great things... read more

    Lisa N
    October 18, 2022

    star rating  The perfect way to experience the Cotswolds was on a bicycle. Four days of lovely countryside, interesting inns, old churches and charming towns. Rick did an awesome job of supporting... read more

    BRwy
    October 6, 2022
  • star rating  From the planning stages of our fabulous self guided walk in the Cotswolds to our transfer and tour of Oxford and Bath, the Active England team were excellent. Jago took... read more

    Lovewalkingholidays
    October 6, 2022

    star rating  Can't say enough about Jago and the team. Walks were stupendous, inns were stunning, and the pub/restaurant recommendations were spot on. Transportation always punctual. Jago even gave us a bonus... read more

    ronmU411MJ
    October 1, 2022

    star rating  What a fabulous few days! Our guides, Tatty and Chris looked after us incredibly well. We didn't have to look at a map/check tide times/book restaurants/drive. Great... read more

    louiseabbott
    August 30, 2022
  • star rating  So many different secret and semi-secret swimming places that I could never have found on my own - and even if I had found them, I wouldn't have wanted... read more

    EveSwimmer
    August 29, 2022

    star rating  Chris and Jago were flexible, fun and incredibly helpful during our three-week bike journey in England. Chris was amazing at 'making changes on the go,' including showing us and delighting... read more

    364elizabethk
    August 29, 2022

    star rating  My son (30) and I (69) has a splendid self guided trip arranged by Active England. The bikes were first rate, the routes were gorgeous and mostly empty of cars,... read more

    T233SDsusand
    August 21, 2022
  • star rating  I really enjoyed my self-guided cycle tour of the Cotswolds with Active England Tours. Iago was a very knowledgeable guide who was very kind and accommodating. I am so grateful... read more

    Curiosity58496342239
    August 19, 2022

    star rating  Our arrival was a bit bumpy due to the train strikes. This incredible company immediately responded and were very diligent to get to us. Jago our Host for the tour... read more

    21suzie212020
    August 19, 2022

    star rating  Imagine tree-lined paths, peaceful moments with sky everywhere, and closing the day in a cosy pub- it was everything we imagined it would be! We did a six day... read more

    DarcyTrips
    July 31, 2022
  • star rating  My son and I just completed a three week LeJog tour through Active England, and were impressed with all the guides' professionalism and caring attitudes. They also made it... read more

    Y9371OEmarkl
    July 6, 2022

    star rating  We are a Bliss of four wild women who love wild swimming and have just completed an amazing weekend of open water swimming with our wonderful guides Tatty and Laura.... read more

    katyvdv
    June 26, 2022

    star rating  The LeJog tour with Active England was a bike tour of a lifetime. 19 days of riding averaging 60 miles per day. The guides were outstanding... read more

    jpeyemd
    June 21, 2022

UK Cycling Holidays in the Lake District and Beyond

Our cycling holidays are designed to be both a challenge and completely relaxing. Travel by train, or drive to the Lake District for the start of cycling tours (we will arrange transport back to your car at the end of the tour). We will also offer a range and accommodation options, both pre and post tour so you can guarantee to start your tour refreshed and go home invigorated.

Top things you need to know before your Northern cycling tour

How to get to the Lake District and the North?

The tours are designed to be easily accessible by a range of transport. There are direct trains from London and other major cities to the Lake District, where the tours start, and the finish in the North East, so this will probably the most efficient mode of transport. Guests can also drive to the Lake District or the North East (there is a transfer available to get back to your vehicle) or arrive into Manchester or Newcastle by plane. 

How hilly is the North?

The North of England is hillier than many of the other regions of England. However the Lake District and the North Pennines have a variety of routes which makes the region great cycling country and suitable for those who are fit and active. There are many hills (fells and moors) but the incredible views from the top more than make up from the ascents! There are routes for everyone and we can tailor your tour to your specific preferences and shorten and lengthen each day as required.

What is the best way to get out of London and to the North?

The best way to travel up North is by train, directly to the Lake District / the North East or by car, both a 4 hour journey from London. All of our self-guided trips begin from the Lake District or the North East. We can also arrange pre and post accommodation at a range of different locations so you can arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready to start your tour. You can also fly into Manchester and transfer to the start of the tour from there. 

Can I do a cycling tour as a solo traveller?

All our trips are open for single travellers to join. You will have a great time on our cycling tours whether travelling on your own, as a couple, family or group, meeting like-minded people on our guided trips, or choosing your own adventure on our self-guided tours. “As a single female, I would not hesitate to go on another Active England trip as a solo traveller”. S.G.

Coast to Coast Cycling Picture Gallery