Premier Inn – Whitehaven

2 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

4/5

Review type

Accommodation

Location

Date of travel

Jul, 2011

Product name

Product country

Product city

Travelled with

Partner

Reasons for trip

Other

In January 2011 I foolishly presuaded Celine to join me in attempting to do the c2c in two days. My brother John kindly offered to provide the logistics when he learned of our mad expedition. The plan was to travel to Whitehaven the day before the start so as to get on the "path" as early as possible. I booked two rooms at the Premier Inn, Whitehaven on the internet. Unfortunately, neither at the oft advertised discounted rate of £29. The active word, as ever, being "from" in the context of "rooms from £29". I was presuaded to prior book supper and breakfast for the three of us – to achieve a modest saving. I also booked us two rooms at the Alston House Hotel for our one night stopover.

The Premier Inn was fine – fit for purpose – we had an acceptable supper and the breakfast next morning was good. We were queuing to get into the dining rom for 7.00 and by quarter past it seemed that all the the guests were also taking breakfast – so busy – we c2cists were a minority – most of the residents looked like they were on business. A short journey took us down to the harbour where we dipped our wheels in the Irish Sea at bang on 8.00am – and then we were off . The weather was glorious – not a cloud in the sky and minimimal wind – eventually we were to complain that it was too hot. A puncture on Whinlatter pass and we were in Keswick for a well earned Hot Chocolate and food in no time at all but still a long way to go to get to Alston. A late lunch in Greystoke followed by another puncture on the outskirts of Penrith then a long and steep climb after Langwathby to join the main road from Penrith to Alston via Renwick. By this stage our sense of humour had completed deserted us. Once on that A road, it was a gentle climb to the summit of Hartside – time for a brief rest and then downhill all the way to Alston – reaching speeds of up to 45 mph in the process. Checking into the Alston House Hotel we were made very welcome. This is a lovely family run hotel -I think parts of the building date back to the 18th century. I'd told Celine and John about an interesting pub I'd visited the last time I'd stayed in Alston on the c2c so we decided to have a drink there before supper at the restaurant (highly recommended, by the way) at our hotel. The pub's called the Turk's Head and I can best describe it as a local pub for local people. The pint of local brew was most welcome, however.

After an excellent breakfast the next morning we set off for part two of our journey. A wretchedly steep journey out of Alston on the road to Nenthead and then Blackhill – the highest point on the route. Downhill for a while after that – more speeds of 45mph, then our first rest at a super little cafe in Allenheads. Another wretched steep climb from there – but fortunately cooler due to the cloud cover then a superb descent to the village of Rookhope. A choice here to follow the road to Stanhope and an ascent up Crawleyside bank or up Rookhope Incline and over the moors to Park Head for lunch. A no brainer really bearing in mind I'm on my mtb. Once the summit of the Incline is reached, its more or less downhill all the way to Tynemouth. Lovely thought. A welcoming cheese and onion toastie at the Park Head cafe and another Hot Chocolate.Mind you, we snacked all the time both days – to replace all those calaries we were burning off. The rest of the journey was less arduous thank goodness which was just as well as the glutious maximus was beginning to complain. Had a most welcome pint of lime and lemonade at the Pitcher and Piano next to the Millenium Bridge on Newcastle's quayside and a mere hour later we were at journey's end at Tynemouth, celebrating with a glass of champagne. Exhausted but so pleased to have done it in the alloted time. And guess what Celine and I both said? " never again" Who knows?

DC

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.