The Route

Whitehaven – the starting point

Whitehaven is a gem of a town, located on the west coast of Cumbria, England (formerly Cumberland), in the borough of Copeland (the Western Lake District region). The town has a rich heritage, and celebrates the fact with a number of exciting tourist attractions. Whitehaven was a small fishing village, the village consisted of nine thatched cottages. The land that the village sat upon was purchased by the Lowther family - it was then transformed beyond all recognition - the Lowthers opened large coal mines and built a stone quay (Old Quay) in 1634 - this is one of the oldest remaining coal wharves in England - to ship coal. During the golden years, Whitehaven became the second largest port, in terms of shipping, in the kingdom. Over this time, more than 1,000 vessels were built in local shipyards, and important trading links were established with the New World.

Carlisle – Day 1

Carlisle - the Border City - is the main commercial and industrial centre in the northern half of Cumbria, and a fair amount of southern Scotland. The Romans established a settlement here - primarily to serve the forts on Hadrian's Wall. Carlisle Castle is a great medieval fortress that has watched over the City of Carlisle for over nine centuries. The Castle is also home to the Border Regiment Museum which relates the history of Cumbria's County Infantry Regiment, the Border Regiment and the King's Own Royal Border Regiment and local Militia.

Once Brewed – Day 2

Once Brewed is close to Hadrian’s Wall and is the main tourist centre for exploring the National Park and the World Heritage Site. And, yes, the bizarre name is something to do with the local pub which is called The Twice Brewed Inn. Don’t ask too closely; just go there to see for yourself. Once Brewed is at the heart of many ways to enjoy Hadrian’s Wall Country. Here is some of the most spectacular scenery: sometimes inhospitable, sometimes challenging but always stunning and tranquil.

Newcastle Upon-Tyne – Day 3 (the finishing point)

Newcastle upon Tyne dates back almost 2,000 years, during which it has been controlled by the Romans, the Saxons and the Danes amongst others. Originally known by its Roman name Pons Aelius, the name "Newcastle" has been used since the Norman conquest of England. Due to its prime location on the River Tyne, the town developed greatly during the middle Ages and it was to play a major role in the Industrial Revolution, being granted city status in 1882. Today, the city is a major retail, commercial and cultural centre.

Friday 13th August 2010

Meet at local Whitehaven Church for full briefing on the challenge ahead

Saturday 14th August 2010

Our challenge starts early in the morning from Whitehaven. We will cycle a fairly flat 66 miles to our first overnight stop at Carlisle. You can park your car at Whitehaven School.

Sunday 15th August 2010

We will cycle 34 miles to Once Brewed in Northumberland for our second overnight stay.

Monday 16th August 2010

We will cycle 41 miles on our final leg to Newcastle Upon-Tyne where we will stay overnight and return you to Whitehaven on Tuesday morning.

Route 72

We will gather at Whitehaven Marina on Saturday morning, and begin by dipping our wheels in the water before beginning along Route 72.

The majority of the ride will be along Route 72 itself, but we may have to deviate slightly depending on local weather conditions and terrain.

For more information about
Route 72, click here

If you have any queries about the route, please call Justin on 01908 360074