Coast to coast with two sons

[Max_Power]

I am planning to do the coast to coast route next year with my two boys who are 11 and 14. I would like to do it in 4 or 5 days due to the age of the youngest. The plan is to camp so obviously we intend carrying everything we need with us.
None of us are experienced cyclists, I don't think the miles per day will be a problem but understand there are some steep hills.
Has anyone done this, and if so what advice could you give on what to take, where to stay etc.
Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Big_Dave]

This is on my to do list, I haven't done this but I did do a reckie of the route in the lake district, Personally If I were you, try (sooner rather than later) the mileages out you are wanting to do in a day in your local area starting and finishing at your house, say 33 miles every day for 4 days in a row and see how you go on a flat route, if you manage this, do it again on a hilly route, This will give you an idea of how much training you will need to do. There are some seriously steep and long hills on the route, for an inexperienced rider 33 miles everyday can be tough on hilly terrain
you might find these links below useful,
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/shop/route-maps-guides/ultimate-c2c-pack
http://www.c2c-guide.co.uk/

 

[Paulus]

I have done the C2C from Whitehaven to Tynemouth. 142 miles and well worth it. There are some long tough hills, but you can walk up them. I would get some miles into your legs before attempting the ride, some of the countyside is a bit bleak in places. http://www.c2c-guide.co.uk/the-route/

 

[Angry Blonde]

I have done it with no training in two and a half days and it killed me. To be fair your youngins may really struggle in places, but you can walk up them, and in four or five days i think the bairns will manage. Only thing is id advise a back up driver just incase one of the bairns really struggle, and get a few miles in first, but reality wise, there were no mountains round mine to practise on! In all fairness in four or five days the bairns will manage,