I cycled the Workington branch of the C2C route at the weekend to see how the destruction of the bridges in the 2009 floods has left the route.
Destroyed bridge in Workington
The 2009 floods destroyed many of the bridges in West Cumbria. Most have been rebuilt, but Workington is the exception. The disused rail bridge on older C2C maps has gone completely, and the main road bridge closest to the sea has yet to be re-built. There is however, a temporary road bridge upstream, and another of the original bridges further east is in use again.
There is a new route signposted on the ground which is cycle-able, though not the ideal route just now. Signposts lead the cyclist through car parks and lanes on to a main road before going back to the original route north of the river. There are some slightly misleading signposts as well – so there is the possibility of going wrong. Also, the official C2C map is not quite right, nor is the map on the Sustrans website. Google Maps are also out of date.
So here is a possible alternative route:
Leave the C2C end point along the foot/cycle path alongside the river on your left.
The road forks, and while they end up at the same point, the left-hand route goes past a statue showing the local Uppies and Downies match (website info) and is worth the very small detour.
The route then used to cross a disused railway bridge (shown on older C2C maps) but that bridge was damaged in the floods and has now been dismantled.
Instead, follow the quayside past benches until you arrive at a roundabout. Take great care – it can be busy and traffic can move fast. Take the first main exit.
After about 100 metres, the C2C signposts would lead you off to the right. My own opinion would be that the signposted route is tricky to find, and leads you on to a difficult main road. Instead, I would stay on the road until a roundabout (Tescos on left), turning right, and then finding a safe place to cross the road to a combined cycle/footpath on the far side.
That leads direct to a temporary road bridge over the River Derwent, with its own combined cycle/footpath.
Temporary road bridge - a much better route than the C2C route signposted on the ground
At the far side, turn right, staying on the combined cycle/footpath. After about 100m, take the right fork which will lead you up to where the old ‘Navvies’ footbridge was washed away. Look left, and you will see the C2C cycleway heading off towards Seaton and Cockermouth.
Do hope that helps.
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