Temporary closure on Route 7 near Castleside, County Durham
A section of Route 7 (also known as the ‘Sea to Sea’ or C2C) on the Waskerley Way trail near Castleside, around 3 miles south-west of Consett, is closed from 7 May 2026 for approximately two weeks.
The affected section is located west of the A68 crossing in County Durham.
There is currently no recommended diversion in place. Please refer to the map below for more information on the affected section.
Map of affected section.
Emergency temporary closure on Route 7 (C2C), Parkside Bridge, Cleator Moor
Parkside Bridge on Route 7 near Cleator Moor in Cumbria (part of the C2C route) has been closed at short notice from 20 April 2026 for up to two weeks following a bridge inspection. We currently expect the bridge to reopen on 5 May 2026, although this may change.
The closure affects Parkside Bridge, which crosses the A5085, and all associated access paths. This is due to concerns over structural damage, and will allow for a full inspection and assessment of the bridge.
A fully traffic-free diversion is not available. Please use alternative local routes and allow extra time for your journey. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Closure at Hylton Bridge (Route 7)
A section of Route 7 (also known as C2C) at Hylton Bridge, between Sunderland and Washington, will be subject to a full closure from November 2025 until Summer 2026 to allow construction works to improve the path.
This closure has been extended due to a delay in laying the new surface as a result of the poor weather.
A diversion is available during the closure which follows an entirely sealed surface suitable for all users and is largely traffic-free, with some quiet on-road sections. Please be aware that this route is indirect and is expected to add approximately 20 minutes to journey times (via bicycle).
Unfortunately, due to the section of the route our contractors are currently working on the shorter diversion route we had previously signposted is no longer available to use.
The sections of Route 7 amount to 547.2 miles long. They take in Sunderland in the northeast of England and Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands.
You can choose to complete smaller sections of the route or longer stretches if you prefer.
The best of UK scenery
Route 7 takes in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK. It has sections in two spectacular National Parks: Loch Lomond & the Trossachs and Cairngorms.
It's a great way to experience the beauty of Britain’s varied landscape.
Route 7 forms part the famous Sea to Sea cycle route and includes almost 35 miles of traffic-free cycling between Sunderland, Stanley, Consett and Parkhead including the Consett and Sunderland Railway path.
Picturesque views of Scotland
At Penrith, the regional centre for the eastern Lake District, Route 7 heads north away from the Sea to Sea cycle route to the border city of Carlisle.
Carlisle to Glasgow via the Ayrshire coast is also known as the Lochs & Glens (South) cycle route, running partly on Route 7.
The route passes through Gretna, Dumfries, Castle Douglas, and Newton Stewart before crossing Glen Trool Forest.
There are gaps in Route 7 in this area, and you will leave the National Cycle Network in places if you're looking to follow the full Lochs and Glens route.
Once a prosperous shipbuilding city Glasgow is now famed for its great museums, thriving music scene, and fantastic Victorian and art nouveau architecture.
Outstanding landscapes
The following sections of Route 7 take in some of the most stunning scenery on the National Cycle Network, including Loch Lomond & the Trossachs and the Cairngorms.
The route leaves Glasgow by following the River Clyde to Dumbarton and then heads to Inverness.
Highlights include the Glen Ogle viaduct on the railway path between Lochearnhead and Killin.
Take in local artworks
As well as spectacular natural wonders you’ll have the opportunity to spot some art.
The BLiSS trail (which stands for Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans, the four communities that the trail connects) links up to 25 sculptures, architectural installations and fun ornamental features in the four villages.
Near the Balvaig Bridge is the Drovers Bho sculpture by Kev Paxton of ArtFe blacksmiths.
Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.