| home page | c2c guide forum | sign the guestbook | contact us | disclaimer & copyright |  


accommodation
preparation
advice centre
3 or 4 days
cycle hire
arranged holidays
getting there and back


about the c2c
off-road sections
urban areas
route profiles
c2c route map


about the site
related links
your c2c trips
millennium mileposts
stamping cards
about sustrans


route gallery
rogues gallery
artworks

 

 

 

Consett

tourist information
centre
0191 3702533 (Beamish)

Whitehaven to Consett 110 miles
Consett to Sunderland 24 miles

a potted history

Before the early 1800s the Consett area was a wild and desolate place, then with the formation of the Derwent Iron Company came a degree of prosperity and a town built on industry. However with the dismantling of the steel works in 1980 the town went through a very desolate period, but with funding and a lot of work by the towns people and local and national assistance Consett is now building a better future.

places of interest

The Glass Gallery - a unique handmade range of gifts and crafts exhibited by over 60 artist's.
Terris Novalis - stainless steel surveying instruments depicted in 20ft high sculptures symbolising the areas economic regeneration.
Beamish Museum - just a short distance out of Consett lies this world famous outdoor museum. Try to budget for at least half a days visiting time, it is well worth it.

eating/drinking places

Joegios - Front Street, Consett. Italian restaurant recommended by Paul Hughes
The Grey Horse pub - a 'real' pub but with the added attraction of it's own on-site brewery.
The Demi - 2 minutes ride from the route on Albert Road, Consett.
The pub is the clubhouse for the local rugby club but is in the centre of the town. A lot of the rugby boys cycle and each year do their own coast to coast ride meaning that cyclists are always welcome. The management have no problem with bikes being taken in and bearing in mind it is a sporting club they have a good mix for anyone who wants a beer, or those who want lucozade for the final push to the coast! Food is also available. Recommended by John Paul L Heatherington

cycle shops

Consett Cycle Co. - 62, Medomsley Road, Consett Tel: 01207 581205

route features
click here for a map of Consett
The vast majority of the route is now on cycle paths and is downhill or level going which makes it a nice change from the previous days hills, a word of warning though, it is too easy to go fast and miss out lots so take it easy and enjoy the easy riding. Consett is the place where you choose between either Sunderland or Newcastle. The choice is yours with both routes offering something different, the Newcastle section takes you on the Derwent Walk which is a delightful wooded track almost all the way to Newcastle while the Sunderland route is again on a disused railway track but this time with a few more barriers to contend with. It is six of one and half a dozen of the other although I mainly pplump for Sunderland as it is the 'traditional' finish point. You can now download a route map for Consett from the Urban Areas page of the site.

The route leading up to Consett takes you over Hownsgill Viaduct which was constructed in 1857 to carry the Stanhope and Tyne Railway, if you suffer from vertigo then don't look down! Dominating the landscape above the old Consett steelworks site is the Terris Novalis sculpture, built from stainless steel, which was designed to symbolize the economic regeneration of the region. You will find a lot more sculptures on the route from hereon in particularly on the section of route near the Beamish Museum, my favourites being the steel cows.


accommodation
Please try to book accommodation in advance and give as much notice as possible if you have to cancel the booking so the room can be re-let otherwise your deposit may be forfeited. Also if you are going to be late arriving at your accommodation it is always a good idea to ring and let the proprietor know so they can keep your room open for you.

Remember to double check all details with the establishment as this guide cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions nor for any loss arising as a result.

When booking accommodation please mention the C2C Guide website.









Hownsgill Bunkhouse



John & Stephen Shaw
Hownsgill Farm, Consett,
Co. Durham, DH8 9AA

tel : 01207 503597

mob : 07946797278

e-mail : hownsgill_bunkhouse@hotmail.co.uk

web site .... www.c2cstopoff.co.uk

rooms .... room 1 has 1 set bunk beds - room 2 has 2 sets bunk beds
room 3 has 2 sets bunk beds - room 4 has a double bed

months open .... all year

B & B .... from £16 bed only

evening meal .... no although nearest eating place is only 1 mile away

non-smoking .... yes

secure cycle storage .... yes

distance from route .... 100 metres

distance from pub .... 1 mile

Hownsgill Bunkhouse offers 12 bed accommodation in 4 bedrooms, comprehensively fitted kitchen/dining area, WC/Shower area also suitable for less able as is access to property. Patio & barbecue area available. Located on Lydgetts Junction, ideal for exploring NCN routes 7 & 14



Consett Y.M.C.A.



Mr. David Hodgson
YMCA, Parliament Street, Consett, Co. Durham, DH8 5DH

tel : 01207 502680

fax : 01207 501578

e-mail : ymca@derwentside.org.uk

home page : www.consettymca.org

rooms .... 10 family/dormitories - 2 en suite

months open .... all year

B & B .... £13.50

evening meal .... £5.00

packed lunch .... £3.00

secure cycle parking .... yes

distance from route .... 200 yards

pub .... 200 yards

Modern Hostel accommodation for youth groups, schools, colleges and very suitable for families, on the C2C cycle route. Consett YMCA also has excellent provision of outdoor activities and is a licensed provider of Adventure Activities Programmes and holidays a speciality




Crown and Crossed Swords Hotel



Sheila, Victoria or Maureen
Front Street, Shotley Bridge, Consett, Co. Durham, DH8 0HU

tel : 01207 502006

fax : 01207 583111

rooms .... 1 single - 2 double - 4 twin - 2 family - 4 en suite

months open .... all year

B & B .... from £25

evening meal .... yes

packed lunch .... yes but please book in advance

secure cycle parking .... yes

distance from route .... 2 miles

Small Country Hotel in village 2 miles from Consett town centre. Public Bar, Lounge Bar, Restaurant and ten letting bedrooms. Private car park



Deneview



Catherine O'Keefe
15 Front Street, Castleside, Consett,
Co. Durham, DH8 9AR

tel : 01207 502925

e-mail : catherine@deneview.co.uk

home page : www.deneview.co.uk

B & B .... £25.00 - £30.00 per person

evening meal .... no, although public house is close by

packed lunch .... yes

non-smoking .... no

secure cycle parking .... yes

distance from route .... 0.5 miles

pub .... 25 yards

grading .... 4 star

Superior B & B accommodation in Castleside village. Colour digital TV. Radio and Tea/Coffee making facilities. Only 25 yards from an excellent pub serving meals each day. 4 Diamond Award


top of page