Welcome to the North East: Beamish to Sunderland (Winter C2C Day 6)

The section of ride through the industrial North East is lined with themed sculpture like these Transformers 

Day 6 of our C2C winter ride across England and it should have been our last. The route guide says it is should be the easiest day, downhill almost all the way, but we stayed a little off route, had an unexpected struggle up Blackhill, near Consett and an an extended stop at Beamish, the excellent Open Air Living Museum of the North, to protest at the eviction of the Silksworth colliery miners. By the time we'd done all that and fixed another puncture it was already dark. The kids were ready to drop by the time we reached our accommodation at the Premier Inn,  Sunderland, still four miles from the end of the route. You've got to know when you're beat so we called it a day and decided to tackle the last few miles with fresh legs in the morning.

The route passes Beamish, the brilliant Open Air Living Museum of the North

Beamish is a living museum that recreates life in the North East in years gone by

You can ride the trams, visit the dentist, the shops, pub, bank, colliery and pit village 

With everyday life and historical events brought to life by staff in period dress

By the time we'd finished protesting against the evictions of the Silksworth miners... 

It was already late in the day. Luckily the riding down towards Sunderland was easy

Winding through built up areas with a more urban and industrial feel

Reflected in the sculptures on the route

Glass on the route, a symptom of urban living meant last minute delays 

And with tired and cold kids we decided it best to call it a day before we'd reached the route end

Which is how we ended up not quite at the end of the route. With a few miles left for the morning.

Have you taken on a family challenge? We'd love to hear about it. Click comments below to tell us more.

See more of our Winter Coast to Coast (C2C) Photo Journals

• Are you a purist or not bothered? 
• Day 1: Setting Out: Workington to Cockermouth
• Day 2: Northern Lakes: Over Whinlatter and into Keswick
• Day 3: In the Shadow of Blencathra: Keswick to Penrith
• Day 4: Goodbye Lakes, Hello Pennines: Penrith to Hartside Summit and Alston
• Day 5: Over the Pennines: Nenthead to Allenhead and onto Consett
• Day 6: Welcome to the North East: Consett to Beamish & Sunderland
• Day 7: The end of the ride: Along the Wear in Sunderland

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We did this C2C ride across England, from Workington to Sunderland, as part of our Family Adventure Capital Season. We're exploring different ways families can adventure together in and around Cumbria, sharing ideas and inspiration to encourage families to get out, get active and adventure together. Got some ideas for things we should try? Let us know.  

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