Join us for a coast to coast adventure and help raise funds for coffee growing communities

 
 
 

The challenge

Saddle up and join a team of cyclists from the coffee industry on an unforgettable coast to coast adventure following the historical Hadrian’s Cycleway in Northern England.

In September we will be cycling 157 miles (climbing 1,600m) across two days, from Whitehaven to Tynemouth, to raise valuable funds for Project Waterfall’s work to bring clean drinking water, sanitation and education to coffee growing communities.

Participants will have the opportunity to experience magnificent coastal views, breath-taking countryside, Roman forts, quaint villages and market towns and, of course, the famous wall itself, all from your saddle!

The route is a mixture of on-road and traffic-free sections, running primarily on country lanes and quiet roads interspersed with sections of traffic-free paths, making it an accessible route for beginner long-distance cyclists.

Itinerary

Day One: THURSDAY 5 SEPTEMBER

WHITEHAVEN TO CARLISLE | 65 MILES, 300M

We will set off from our hotel in Whitehaven working our way along the coastline on quiet roads, passing through the towns of Workington and Maryport on the way towards Silloth.

After some refreshments we will move away from the coast for a while, and the route will take us down quiet roads through the north Cumbrian countryside before joining the Solway coast at Anthorn with spectacular views across Scotland.

Finally, we'll have our last push for the day, following the route of Hadrian’s Wall into the centre of Carlisle, completing day 1 with a well earned meal and an overnight stop in Carlisle.

DAY TWO: FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER

carlisle to tynemouth | 91 MILES, 1300M

We will make our way towards Haltwhistle and Hexham where we'll see the end of the flatter terrain and have some hills to tackle! It will be a tough but fantastic day in the saddle that showcases some of the best scenery in this area - you will be spoilt for choice with interesting geographical and historical treasures!

We'll make our way across the North Pennines to get a closer look at the ruins of Hadrian's Wall and pass one of the best preserved Roman Forts at Birdoswald. From here it’s mostly downhill from Hexham, through the picturesque Roman town of Corbridge, along the Tyne Valley and into Newcastle.

Pushing on through the final ten miles, victory will be signalled by the smell of the sea by the quay in Tynemouth, where we finish our challenge. Our final evening together as a group will be spent enjoying a much-deserved celebratory meal, reflecting on the unforgettable experience and achievements!

Package

What’s Included?

  • 3 nights B&B accommodation (twin room)*

  • Dinner on each evening of the challenge (3 days)

  • Lunch and coffee stops each cycle day (2 days)

  • Welcome briefing and daily route briefings

  • Support & guidance of a ride leader & GPX route files for navigation

  • Support vehicle & luggage transfer

  • Coach transfer back to the start hotel*

  • Bike transfer*

What’s not included?

  • Drinks with lunch and dinner

  • Travel insurance

  • Travel to and from the challenge

Hotel Information

  • 4th September - Chase Hotel / Lismore Guesthouse in Whitehaven

  • 5th September - Crown & Mitre in Carlisle

  • 6th September - Village Hotel in Tynemouth

*Optional upgrade to solo occupancy room charged at + £150 for the whole trip

**We suggest leaving your car at the Village Hotel in Tynemouth on the 4th of September, as we will be arranging for a coach to take the group - and the bikes - to the starting line in Whitehaven.

Costs and Fundraising

FUNDRAISING DETAILS

  • Registration fee: £149

  • Minimum fundraising target: £1,800 (excluding Gift Aid and registration fee)

  • £900 (50%) due six weeks before departure

  • Balance of £900 due within a week of completion of the challenge (14/09/2024)

reaching your target

Of the total fundraising target of £1,800 a total of £770 will cover your core costs on the challenge. Some participants may choose to cover some or all of the core costs personally, meaning that more funds will come directly to Project Waterfall. Please contact Steph should you wish to do this.

Most participants find it much easier to meet their target than they expect, however we will be providing fundraising support throughout and are always available for a chat if you need any ideas, tips or reassurance!

Your employer may be willing to sponsor your registration fee or the core cost. If not, be sure to enquire about match funding as it will be very helpful in smashing your target.

Interested?

If you’d like to sign up as a team or individual you can use the link below. If you have any questions then reach out to Steph Rukin - srukin@projectwaterfall.org