Temporary closure on Route 7 near Castleside
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, will remain closed until 25 May 2026. The affected section is located west of the A68 crossing in County Durham.
The closure has been extended due to additional repairs required beyond the original scope of works. During culvert repair and cleaning works, further structural issues were identified at the upstream headwall and inlet, where tree roots have caused deformation and damage to the structure.
There is currently no recommended diversion in place. Please refer to the map on the route pages for more information.
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 closures and diversions from November 2025 until Summer 2026 to allow construction works to improve the path.
A further closure on the easternmost section of the route is now in place for approximately two weeks from 1 June 2026 while works are carried out to raise the level of the path to alleviate flooding. A small, direct, traffic-free diversion is in place (see map) however the surface is not sealed and may not be suitable for all users.
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.