Due to popular demand we are also offering the Coast to Coast in two halves. The daily mileages are shorter than on the 15-day holiday, so whether you are unsure of your limits, or your holiday time is short, it's never been easier to experience a flavour of this justifiably famous trail.

West Trail: St Bees to Keld
East Trail: Keld to Robin Hood's Bay

Detailed information

	Detailed itinerary
	Dates and prices
	Average temperatures
	Travel Information
	Why not try...

Detailed itinerary - West Trail: St Bees to Keld

95 miles, 8½ -14½ miles per day. Daily ascents of between 1,200ft and 2,300ft

ITINERARY - 9 nights
Day 1: Arrival Day
After the evening meal your leader will give you an introductory briefing for the walk.

Day 2: St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge
Distance: 22km (14 miles), 700m (2,300ft) of ascent
After a ceremonial dipping of the toes in the Irish Sea, we pass St Bees Lighthouse and St Bees Head. The Isle of Man can often be seen, quite clearly emerging from the Irish Sea. The considerable cliffs here, are about 300 feet high, and important for nesting seabirds in spring and early summer, and both North and South Head are nature reserves.

Turning away from the sea we will pass the village of Cleator, once an earlier old farming village before the advent of iron-ore mining in this area. The ore occurs in the form of haematite, in dark red kidney-shaped nodules, and was worked intensively in this area. Mining gradually declined at the turn of the century and mostly finished by the 1920s. The abandoned industrial landscape is one of red-stained soil and spoil heaps, subsidence, derelict buildings, disused mineral railway lines, and long rows of workers' houses.

As we walk east we will meet our first hill of the journey, Dent (1,131ft), from where we will have surprisingly good views to the Lake District mountains ahead.

Skirting below Grey Knotts and Brandreth, two outlying fells of the Great Gable massif, we follow 'Moses's Trod', a high level path that was originally a packhorse route used for carrying the slate to the small port of Ravenglass. Arriving at the top of Honister Pass we will see the small Buttermere Green Slate, quarry, still worked on an occasional basis and mined since the late 17th century. From here we follow an old grassy track, formerly the toll road, down to Seatoller.

Day 4: Seatoller to Grasmere
Distance: 14km (9 miles), 515m (1,700ft) of ascent
Today's walk talks us through the heart of the Lake District. We leave the Borrowdale Valley via the delightful hamlet of Stonethwaite, passing beneath the imposing Eagle Crags. Having ascended to a point on Greenup Edge it is a steady downhill walk along the valley of Easdale to Wordsworth's village of Grasmere.

Day 5: Grasmere to Patterdale
Distance: 13½km (8½ miles), 500m (1,650ft) of ascent
Our walk between Grasmere and Patterdale takes us through a gap in the Hellvelyn range of mountains. From Grasmere there is a pleasant ascent which gets steeper towards the head of the valley and reaches its highest point of 1,929ft at Grisedale Hause. The scenery gets grander every minute as the high mountains tower above us; St Sunday Crag and Fairfield on the right, the Helvellyn massif, with additional summits of Nethermost and Dollywagon Pike, on our left. We descend past Grisedale Tarn and along the long valley of Grisedale to the village of Patterdale.

Day 6: Patterdale to Burnbanks
Distance: 17½km (11 miles), 700m (2,300ft) of ascent
Leaving Patterdale we climb to Angle Tarn, situated above the head of Ullswater in a magnificent valley, with high mountain walls on both sides. We briefly walk along the Roman road of High Street that has given its name to the bulk of this fell, running from Troutbeck near Ambleside to Brougham near Penrith. Soon after we climb to Kidsty Pike, the highest point on the entire walk at 2,650 feet. A well deserved rest on the summit allows time to take in the excellent views. Many of the Lakeland tops can be seen; to the west lie Helvellyn, Fairfield and beyond to Scafell and the Langdale Pikes, whilst Blencathra can be seen to the northwest. Descending to the southern end of Haweswater we follow a path to Burnbanks.

Day 7: Burnbanks to Orton
Distance: 21km (13 miles), 350m (1,200ft) of ascent
Today we bid farewell to the Lake District National Park as we walk east from Haweswater. Haweswater is an artificial reservoir created in 1929 to supply water to the city of Manchester, and was built on the site of an original smaller lake within Mardale.

After passing the picturesque ruins of Shap Abbey, a 12th and 13th century Cistercian monastery, we climb up, and into the town. Although originally a 17th century market town, (the quaint Market Hall building still remains on the main street), Shap was subsequently built up around its quarrying activities. As well as limestone, Shap granite seen throughout Britain in kerbstones and building frontages, is quarried just south of the village. Until the building of the M6 motorway Shap was also a well-known haven for travellers in bad weather, when snow would close the road south over the fells.

The change in landscape is noticeable as we continue east towards the gentler hills of the limestone plateaux and reach the quaint village of Orton.

Later we have good views down the wooded and gorge-like valley of Smardale, a nature reserve owned and managed by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust. After a day of walking through varied countryside we reach the small Cumbrian market town of Kirkby Stephen.

Day 9: Kirkby Stephen to Keld
Distance: 21km (13 miles), 550m (1,800ft) of ascent
Leaving the market town of Kirkby Stephen, we pass through the village of Hartley and ascend Hartley Fell. Reaching the summit of Nine Standard Riggs, at 2,170 feet, we arrive at the Pennine watershed. The origin of the nine large stone cairns on the top is not really known. Possibly they were boundary markers (the old Westmorland - Yorkshire county boundary used to run through here); they are certainly old, appearing on 18th century maps. Extensive views can be gained from this point. To the north lies Cross Fell, the highest point of the Pennines, with the lovely Eden Valley below. Westwards we can see the outline of Lakeland hills in the distance, whilst to the southwest and south, lies the Mallerstang valley backed by Wild Boar Fell, and the fading Yorkshire Dales. From here we descend the moors by way of Whitsundale to our final destination, the small village of Keld.

Day 10: Depart after breakfast

Fitness: We want you to be confident that you can meet the demands of this walk and get the most out of your holiday. A sustained effort is required to complete this walk and provision cannot be made for anyone who opts out. Please be sure you can manage the daily mileage and ascent as listed below. The walking day is normally 6-8 hours and it is important for your own enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests that you can maintain the pace.

It makes a lot of sense to spend time getting some additional exercise before your holiday. We suggest that you try to fit in a number of longer walks, including some in hilly terrain. Other exercises such as cycling, jogging and swimming are also excellent for developing increased stamina.

Luggage Transport
Transport of your luggage will be arranged by us through local operators and is of course, included in your holiday price. It would be appreciated if you limited your luggage to one medium sized bag, rucksack or suitcase. Daily arrangements will be finalised by your Leader at each hotel.

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Detailed itinerary - East Trail: Keld to Robin Hood's Bay

95 miles, 9-16 miles per day. Daily ascents of between 350ft and 1,800ft.

ITINERARY - 9 nights
Day 1: Arrival Day
After the evening meal your leader will give you an introductory briefing for the walk.

Day 2: Keld to Reeth
Distance: 17½km (11 miles), 545m (1,800ft) of ascent
A day of lovely Swaledale scenery beckons as we depart from the village of Keld, a tiny cluster of stone built farms and cottages on a lane above the river. Following the banks of the River Swale we have a brief meeting with the Pennine Way as we cross the river near Kisdon Force, to traverse over the moors past the old Swinner Gill Mines.

For most of the time we walk high on the hillside, passing scars of earlier mining activity. The valley was an important and busy area of lead mining during the 17th to 19th centuries, although it is possible that lead was extracted here as early as Roman times. There are a number of conspicuous hushes, ravines purposely created by damming and the releasing of streams in the Gunnerside area, along with ruins of a smelt mill, mine buildings, kilns and flues.

Day 3: Reeth to Richmond
Distance: 17½km (11 miles), 330m (1,100ft) of ascent
Reeth is an attractive village where old houses are built around a large rectangular village green. There is a fascinating museum here showing life in the days of mining in the locality.

Following the delightful River Swale we reach Marrick Priory, a 12th century priory for Benedictine nuns. We climb away from the river to the village of Marrick and on to the attractive little village of Marske, with its 12th century church. The scenery is quite delightful for much of the afternoon as we walk below Whitcliffe Car high above the River Swale to reach Richmond.

This historic town is dominated by its dramatic castle that dates from Norman times. It is built high on a cliff above the river and is a fascinating place to spend time looking around. The town has plenty of interesting old buildings, narrow cobbled streets and picturesque corners.

Day 4: Richmond to Danby Wiske
Distance: 22km (14 miles), 100m, (350ft) of ascent
The crossing from Swaledale to the Cleveland Hills is the only section of our journey that lies entirely over low ground. Here is a fertile plain, only just above sea level, known as the Vale of Mowbray. From the cobbled streets of Richmond it's not long before we can hear the noise of the A1 and we have to pass under this road at the point where it crosses the River Swale. Cataractonium was the original Roman town settlement of Catterick Bridge, and the Roman road of Dere Street passes through here.

At the church in Bolton-on-Swale there is a monument to a local resident who would appear to have lived for 169 years. If the dates are correct (1500 - 1670), Henry Jenkins had a remarkable life! We finish our day at Danby Wiske, at 110ft the lowest point on the entire Coast to Coast walk.

Day 5: Danby Wiske to Ingleby Cross
Distance: 14½ km (9 miles), 200m (700ft) of ascent
We follow an assortment of field paths, farm roads and quiet country lanes across the Vale of Mowbray. This is a flat and rather featureless area, which forms a northern extension of the Vale of York. On the approach to Sydal Lodge, the Cleveland Hills are seen clearly ahead and the village of Ingleby Arncliffe nestles at the foot of these welcome hills.

Day 6: Ingleby Cross to Clay Bank Top
Distance: 20km (12½ miles), 500m (1,700ft) of ascent
Today we begin our crossing of the North York Moors, a splendid high-level traverse along the escarpment of the Cleveland Hills. At the start is Mount Grace Priory, obscured from view by the woodlands. It is one of the best surviving examples of a Carthusian Monastic House, where monks lived in individual solitude.

Our first climb in two days is onto Beacon Hill, a fine viewpoint despite being only 982 feet high. We can look westwards from here across the Vale of Mowbray to our earlier days walking across the limestone of the Yorkshire Dales. We descend steeply into the peaceful rural wooded valley of Scugdale, previously mined for its jet. Leaving this we head for the open expanse of Carleton Moor and a dramatic walk to Clay Bank Top.

Day 7: Clay Bank Top to Blakey
Distance: 15km (9½ miles), 400m (1,300ft) of ascent
We ascend Carr Ridge and continue eastwards to Round Hill, at 1,489 feet the highest point on the Cleveland Hills. After Urra Moor we join the old railway line at Bloworth Crossing. The railway contoured around the hillsides and was a considerable feat of engineering. For a period our route coincides with the famous Lyke Wake Walk - a route devised in the 1950's as a 42 mile crossing of the Moors, to be completed within 24 hours. It's an easy walk following the track of the old ironstone railway to the 16th century Lion Inn, on its bleak remote site at Blakey Ridge.

Day 8: Blakey to Grosmont
Distance: 21½ km (13½ miles), 200m (700ft) of ascent
Cutting across the head of Rosedale, we can see considerable scars left behind from the working of ironstone, developed here in the mid-19th century. There are remains of drift mines and quarries and calcining kilns and also the railway line built to transport the mineral to the major iron-working centres on Teeside. A good path takes us over Danby Moor to Great Fryup. This high lonely moorland appears inhospitable, yet numerous barrows and burial mounds can be seen, marking ancient settlement dating from the Bronze Age, perhaps as old as 2,000 BC.

At Glaisdale Rigg we descend to the village of Glaisdale, where a notable feature is the early-17th century pack-horse bridge, known as the Beggar's Bridge. Crossing the River Esk at the village of Egton Bridge we continue along a path following the wooded valley to Grosmont, where the North Yorkshire Moors steam railway is a popular attraction.

Day 9: Grosmont to Robin Hood's Bay
Distance: 23km (14½ miles), 540m, (1,800ft) of ascent
A steep surfaced road climbs out of Grosmont and leads us up onto Sleights Moor. From the high point of Flat Howe (953ft) we can look ahead to the North Sea together with Whitby and its Abbey.

Our last stretch of moorland is the Greystone Hills, which drop down to the village of Hawkser. From here we enjoy invigorating coastal scenery along part of the Cleveland Way leading us to our final footsteps at Robin Hood's Bay. Originally a fishing village and possibly a smugglers' haunt, Robin Hood's Bay is a picturesque little settlement with quaint features. Having reached our goal, and dipped our toes in the sea, we return to our hotel for a final night's celebration.

Day 10: Depart after breakfast

Fitness: We want you to be confident that you can meet the demands of this walk and get the most out of your holiday. A sustained effort is required to complete this walk and provision cannot be made for anyone who opts out. Please be sure you can manage the daily mileage and ascent as listed below. The walking day is normally 6-8 hours and it is important for your own enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests that you can maintain the pace.

It makes a lot of sense to spend time getting some additional exercise before your holiday. We suggest that you try to fit in a number of longer walks, including some in hilly terrain. Other exercises such as cycling, jogging and swimming are also excellent for developing increased stamina.

Luggage Transport
Transport of your luggage will be arranged by us through local operators and is of course, included in your holiday price. It would be appreciated if you limited your luggage to one medium sized bag, rucksack or suitcase. Daily arrangements will be finalised by your Leader at each hotel.

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Dates and prices

West trail

East trail

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Average temperatures

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Travel Information

Travel by rail: Travelling by train is a convenient method of travel. For further information and train times visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 08457 48 49 50 (from overseas call ++44 020 7278 5240).

WEST TRAIL

Holiday Start: St Bees is situated on Cumbrian Coast line between  Barrow-in-Furness and Carlisle. There are regular Intercity trains from around the UK to either Carlisle or Lancaster where you will need to change for the train to St Bees. A transfer to the first hotel leaves St Bees railway station in the late afternoon (times to be supplied in your final despatch). Our first hotel is located at Ennerdale Bridge, a 30-minute drive away.

Holiday Finish: The last 3 nights are spent at Kirkby Stephen. Kirkby Stephen station is approximately 1 mile away; staff at the final accommodation will be happy to assist you with taxis as required. Kirkby Stephen station is midway on the Settle to Carlisle line; one of Britain’s most scenic routes. Take the local train either south to Leeds or north to Carlisle, from where there are mainline connections to the rest of the UK.

Holiday Start: The first night is spent at Kirkby Stephen. The station is approximately 1 mile from your accommodation – information on taxis will be sent prior to your holiday. Kirkby Stephen station is midway on the Settle to Carlisle line; one of Britain’s most scenic routes. Take a mainline train to either Leeds or Carlisle and change here for the local train to Kirkby Stephen.

Holiday Finish: Our final hotel is Larpool Hall, located on the edge of Whitby. On the final day we offer a transfer to Scarborough station, a journey of approximately 30 minutes. Scarborough is the final station on the line from York. Trains from Scarborough to York run every hour and take 50 minutes. There are very regular mainline trains from York which take around 2 hours from London King’s Cross and 1hr 30m from Manchester.

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Why not try...

A self-guided walking holiday along Wainwright's Coast to Coast, click here for more information.

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