Alternative Coast to Coast
This walk offers a gentler way to cross the entire breadth of
England from west to east at a more leisurely pace than
Wainwright's more familiar route. Keeping to lower ground
and covering less distance each day, the reward is a
memorable journey across northern England.
Detailed information
| Detailed itinerary |
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110 miles. 10-13 miles per day with a maximum daily ascent of 2,000ft. |
ITINERARY - 10 nights
Day 1: Arrival day
Day 2: Arnside to Kirkby Lonsdale
20km (12½ miles), 515m (1,700ft) of ascent
Transport takes us to Arnside Pier where our walk begins after a ceremonial toe-dipping
in the Irish Sea. After a short road walk we cross the railway line, which runs
from Carnforth to Barrow-in-Furness. A short walk along the towpath of the Lancaster
Canal enables us to pass under the M6 and at Holme Park we start the gentle climb
over Holme Park Fell to Hutton Roof. Our route continues east via High and Low
Biggins to arrive at Kirkby Lonsdale.
Day 3: Kirkby Lonsdale to Ribblehead
20½km (13 miles), 600m (2,000ft) of ascent
We leave Kirkby Lonsdale crossing the River Lune via Devils Bridge. We follow
the spring line on the shoulders of Ireby Fell through the hamlets of Leck, Ireby
and Masongill. A further section of road walking takes us to Kinsdale Valley below
Whernside, where we cross Kingsdale beck. A short climb takes us to Twisleton
Scar End. Our destination is the Victorian Ribblehead viaduct, on the Settle-Carlisle
railway.
Day 4: Ribblehead to Bainbridge
21km (13 miles), 420m (1,400ft) of ascent
A bridleway takes us to the foot bridge over Gayle beck, giving access to the
old Roman road which used to join the garrisons of Catterick and Bainbridge in
Yorkshire, with Ribchester in Lancashire. We climb steadily via Cam Pasture, Kidhow
and Bardale Head.
Day 5: Bainbridge to Leyburn
21km (13 miles), 425m (1,400ft) of ascent
We cross the River Ure at Yorebridge House, proceeding along
the disused railway. We cross the line at the old Askrigg
Station before entering Askrigg Village. At the end of the
village we start our climb through beautiful Wensleydale,
which takes us via Newbiggin to the Heugh. We continue on
the shoulder of Carperby Moor and far below us flows the River
Ure with the famous Aysgarth Falls. Continuing above the valley
we pass through the village of Preston under Scar before entering
Leyburn via Leyburn Shawl. We are now halfway across England.
Day 6: Leyburn to Bedale
19km (12 miles), 135m (450ft) of ascent
Leaving Leyburn, we continue south-east passing through the hamlets of Harmby
and Spennithorne. We are now starting the crossing of the Vale of York as we continue
to the town of Bedale.
Day 7: Bedale to Brompton
17km (10½ miles), 115 metres (380 feet) ascent
We leave Bedale on a minor road and cross the busy A1 at Leases Bridge. A bridleway
takes us on to the hamlet of Scruton. The River Swale is crossed at Moreton-on-Swale
before continuing on to the village of Yaffoth. We next cross the main east coast
railway line east of Greystones and after crossing the A167, footpaths lead us
via Highfield Farm into Brompton.
Day 8: Brompton to Swainby
16km (10 miles), 400m (1,300ft) ascent
From Brompton on the A686 where a short road walk leads us
to Hallikeld Farm before we begin ascending the North Yorkshire
Moors. A woodland path leads us to Chapelwood Farm where we
join the Cleveland Way. We then descend to Scarthwood Gap
and continue to Huthwaite Green, near the village of Swainby.
Day 9: Swainby to Great Ayton
21km (13 miles), 515m (1,700ft) ascent
We leave Huthwaite Green and climb via Faceby Bank onto Holey
Moor. A short climb takes us to the view point of Cringle
Moor where an old HF Holidays' plaque can be seen. Leaving
Great Broughton we continue along the valley. A short section
of road walking takes us to Station Farm and then we continue
to Easby. A steady climb now takes us to Easby Moor and Great
Ayton.
Day 10: Great Ayton to Saltburn-by-the-Sea
21km (13 miles), 430m (1,410ft) ascent
From Great Ayton our first objective is the distinctive summit
of Roseberry Topping. A good forest track takes us on to Hutton
Moor and then into Guisborough Wood via Highcliff Farm. We
skirt above the village of Guisborough to the A171 road at
Slapewath. A short sharp climb leads us to Airy Hill Farm
and into the village of Skelton. Our final destination is
the seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea, where the celebrations can commence.
Day 11: 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. The walking day is normally 6-7 hours and it is
important for your own enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests that you can
maintain the pace.
| Day 2 |
12½ |
1,700 |
| Day 3 |
13 |
2,000 |
| Day 4 |
13 |
1,400 |
| Day 5 |
13 |
1,400 |
| Day 6 |
12 |
450 |
| Day 7 |
10½ |
380 |
| Day 8 |
10 |
1,300 |
| Day 9 |
13 |
1,700 |
| Day 10 |
13 |
1,410 |
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.
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| Dates and prices |
|
| Sun 8 June 2008 |
10 |
£975 |
| Sun 6 July 2008 |
10 |
£975 |
| Sun 7 September 2008 |
10 |
£975 |
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| Average temperatures |
|
| May |
5°C |
15°C |
| June |
8°C |
17°C |
| July |
11°C |
19°C |
| Sept |
8°C |
16°C |
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| Why not try... |
|
A self-guided walking holiday along the Alternative Coast to Coast, click here for more information.
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Where you'll stay
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| Comfortable hotels, inns and guesthouses along the way.
All accommodation is Full Board.
A full list of the hotels used on the holiday will be sent to you a couple of
weeks prior to your holiday.
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