Whitehaven
Whitehaven is a highlight and is discussed elsewhere as the start of the C2C. Don't rush through, but enjoy the Georgian planned town, with its redeveloped harbour, the Beacon Visitor Centre, and the Haig Colliery Mining Museum high on the cliffs above the town. From Whitehaven to Moor Row Hadrian's Cycleway follows the line of the original C2C route opened in 1994. Notice the two seats constructed from bridge beams. The first of these is positioned exactly on the line of the railway with the beams 4 foot 8 and a half inches apart where they hit the ground to reflect the original gauge of the railways. The path diverts around the seats with the result that you get a wonderful view looking up the railway. To mark each mile large rocks were brought in at the time of construction and positioned to reflect local history or interest. This route was built by Sustrans and Groundwork in 1991 and 1992 and considerable effort was placed on drawing in the local communities along the route by means of public art and other items of interest. You will pass a number of steel way markers, all created by local schools under the guidance of Richard Farrington. At Moor Row the signpost consists simply of a whole school classes names, but all to the same purpose of giving character to the route and ownership to locals to win their support and care for it. Just before passing under the main road bridge you can divert away onto the minor road to St Bees (for accommodation in St Bees (see below) which is the start of Wainwright's Walk and would have also been a start of the C2C route had it been possible to construct a new path parallel to the railway to avoid this hilly road. Just beyond Moor Row the route splits in all directions. Go to the left and you soon come to the Lady Victoria Mine which reputedly took coal, iron and limestone from the same shaft and now is surmounted by the Rock Crusher sculpture. Go straight on and you are on the way to Consett and Sunderland. Continue right along our route on the line of the Whitehaven, Cleator and Egremont Railway, and you pass a number of interesting bridges. First under the path runs a pedestrian tunnel where you walk on steel plates under which the Beck runs - a double deck bridge! You then cross over an old footbridge relocated from Egremont station and then under an elegant elliptical arch before rejoining the road. On the way you cross Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk from St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay. Stop here at the junction to Cleator Village to take in the vista of the Lakeland hills and Dent Fell laid out before you.
Accommodation
| Chase Hotel, Inkerman Terrace, Whitehaven CA28 8AA | |
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Privately owned Victorian former gentleman's residence in two acres of grounds. Quiet and comfortable with plenty of parking space, yet only a short stroll from the town centre. Cyclists are welcome to leave their bikes for the duration and there is a secure lock-up for bikes. Has been looking after C2Cers since the route opened. |
Run by: Jackie Sisson 
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Telephone : 01946 693656 |
Rooms : 23. 6S, 4T, 13D. |
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| Waverley Hotel, Tangier Street, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 7UX. | |
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Licensed restaurant. Privately owned hotel. Town centre location. Close to habourside. |
Run by: Cheryl Twinn 
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Telephone : 01946 694 337 |
Rooms : 10S, 5D, 6T, 3F. |
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| The Mansion, Old Woodhouse, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 9LN | |
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Friendly, relaxed and with all mod cons. Super big screen TV and swimming pool opening this year. |
Run by: Tom & Philip 
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Tel : 01946 61860 |
Rooms : 12 |
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| Chestnuts, Low Moresby, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 6RX | |
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Comfortable b&b accommodation in small quiet village 2 miles from Whitehaven. Two lovely guestrooms, double with en-suite shower and king with en-suite shower. Substantial breakfasts and packed lunches if required. Secure overnight cycle storage and parking for your car for the duration of your C2C ride. Local pub 5 minutes by footpath (or car) and captive owls to visit during your stay and to hoot you on your way! |
Run by: Norah Messenger 
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Tel : 01946 61612 |
Rooms : 2 D - 2 bunks |
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| Glenard Guest House, Glen Ard Guest House, Inkerman Terrace, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 7TY | |
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Large detached family run Victorian Guest House set in its own grounds. Breakfasts from 6am for those wishing for an early start. Secure cycle storage. 0.25 from start of C2C. |
Run by: Mrs. E. Armstrong 
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tel : 01946 692249 |
rooms : 2D, 1S, 2T, 3F. |
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| Read Guest House, 5 Cross St, Whitehaven, CA28 7BX | |
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Elegant 18th century house in the town centre offering 10 twin rooms well suited for groups. Ideal at weekends as it tends to be booked during the week. This house - in fact two houses knocked into one - was built by the Whitehaven artist, Mathias Read, whose paintings captured much of the town's splendour in its Georgian heyday. Surrounded by pubs and restaurants, this is an ideal start point for weekend C2Cers. |
Run by: Jacky & Ann Walker |
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tel: 01946 61515 or 07771 553819 |
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| Tarn Flatt Barn, Tarn Flatt Hall, Sandwith, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 9UX | |
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Traditional sandstone barn on a working farm. 1 mile from Sandwith and 3 miles from Whitehaven. Basic communal accommodation for 12 visitors. Sleeping on raised wooden platform, coin operated shower. 2 WCs. Wood burning stove. Parking for cars and bikes, also long stay parking available. |
Run by: Janice Telfer 
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tel: 01946 692162 |
bed only price : £8 at weekends. |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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