A new cycle route linking the North Sea with the Irish Sea taking in some of the most scenic countryside in England is being launched on Wearside. The 150 mile (241Km) route begins at Walney Island, Barrow-in-Furness, and heads into the South Lakes before climbing the Pennines.
It crosses Durham Dales and Hamsterley Forest, joining former railway lines to Durham, Hetton-le-Hole and Sunderland.
It is hoped the route will encourage more tourists onto Wearside.
A website detailing everything about the Walney to Wear (W2W)route has been set up to assist cyclists.
Sunderland Coun Mel Speding said: "The new cycle route provides a great opportunity for Sunderland to welcome cyclists from across the UK.
"The city is a perfect starting point or final destination for cyclists who can stay overnight and enjoy the many restaurants, bars and attractions on offer."
The route is being launched on Wednesday when riders from Kendal Police Division will set off from Walney to arrive at Roker, in Sunderland, on Friday when they will be welcomed by a civic delegation.
The new route links the Irish Sea on the west with the North Sea on the east coast
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