The Coast to Coast is the most popular long distance trail in the UK, welcoming walkers from all over the world. Alfred Wainwright's classic walk crosses England from the Irish Sea at St Bees to the North Sea at Robin Hood's Bay, passing through three national parks and wonderful scenery throughout - including heather moors, pretty valleys of the Yorkshire Dales and dramatic Lake District mountains.

Detailed information

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

Detailed itinerary

190 miles. 9-17 miles per day, with one day of 21 miles. Daily ascents of between 1,000ft and 3,300ft.

ITINERARY - 15 nights
Day 1: Arrival Day

Day 2: St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge
Distance: 22½km (14 miles), 700m (2,300ft) of ascent
Our journey from Coast to Coast begins at St Bees, with the traditional dipping of boots in the Irish Sea.  We walk along the red sandstone coastal cliffs, past St Bees lighthouse and round North Head nature reserve, where we skirt the industrial fringes of West Cumbria as we head for the hamlet of Ennerdale Bridge.

Day 3: Ennerdale Bridge to Seatoller
Distance: 21½km (14 miles), 700m (2,300ft) of ascent
A short stretch of road walking brings us to the southern shores of Ennerdale Water.  We trace the lake’s shores, crossing the River Liza, before following a forest track which leads us to Ennerdale.  Following Loft Beck, we ascend part of the Great Gable massif, where we contour below two of its outlying fells, Brandreth and Grey Knotts.  From here our descent follows an old tramway to the top of Honister Pass, before taking the old toll road into the valley, to Seatoller.

Day 4: Seatoller to Grasmere
Distance: 15km (9 miles), 515m (1,700ft) of ascent on the High Level route
We leave the Borrowdale Valley via the delightful hamlet of Stonethwaite, passing beneath the imposing Eagle Crags.  After ascending to Greenup Edge, we have two possible routes, which can be chosen depending on the weather; either via the shelter of Easdale Gill, or along the pleasant ridge of Helm Crag.  These routes lead us down to Wordsworth’s village of Grasmere.    

Day 5: Grasmere to Patterdale
Distance: 14½km (8½ miles), 500m (1,650ft) of ascent
There are two different routes between Grasmere and Patterdale; either a low level route via Grisedale, or a high level option via St Sunday Crag.  Either route rewards us with impressive views as we descend to Patterdale, situated just before the head of Ullswater.

Day 6: Patterdale to Shap
Distance: 24km (16 miles), 1,000m (3,300ft) of ascent
Leaving Patterdale we climb to Angle Tarn.  We briefly walk along the Roman road of High Street, before climbing Kidsty Pike, the highest point on the entire walk, at 2,650feet.  A well deserved rest at the summit allows time to admire views of the roof of Lakeland.  The view from here encompasses: Helvellyn, Fairfield, Blencathra, Scafell and the Langdale Pikes.  Descending to the southern shore of Haweswater, we leave the Lake District National Park, to continue our journey to the market town of Shap. On route we pass the picturesque ruins of Shap Abbey.

Day 7: Shap to Kirkby Stephen
Distance: 33½km (21 miles), 600m (2,000ft) of ascent
Although this is a long day, most of the terrain in only moderately undulating, as our route crosses limestone plateaux with short grassy turf.  These limestone grasslands support many interesting species of flora and fauna. We continue over Ravenstonedale Moor, to the south of Rayseat Pike Long Barrow, possibly one of the earliest Neolithic burial mounds in Cumbria.  After crossing Smardale Fell, we reach the quaint market town of Kirkby Stephen.

Day 8: Kirkby Stephen to Keld
Distance: 21km (13 miles), 550m (1,800ft) of ascent
Today we climb up Hartley Fell and on to the summit of Nine Standards Rigg. Viewed from a distance, these nine large stone cairns can look like a group of old men.  These cairns mark the point at which we reach the Pennine watershed.  We are afforded extensive views of Cross Fell, the highest point of the Pennines, and the lovely Eden valley below.  We descend across the wet and peaty moors, by way of Whitsundale, where we cross into Swaledale and down to the small village of Keld.

Day 9: Keld to Reeth
Distance: 17½km (11 miles), 545m (1,800ft) of ascent
A lovely day of Swaledale scenery beckons as we depart the village of Keld.  Following the banks of the River Swale, we meet the Pennine Way as we cross the river near Kisdon Force.  From there we traverse the moors, to picturesque valley views from Crackpot Hall. We continue high on the hillside, passing scars of early mining activity.  We end the day in the attractive village of Reeth.

Day 10: Reeth to Richmond
Distance: 16km (11 miles), 330m (1,100ft) of ascent
We continue following the course of the River Swale, reaching the 12th century Marrick Priory.  Here we climb away from the river, passing the picturesque village of Marske, with its 12th century church, and Marske Hall and its ornamental landscaped grounds.  Entering the limestone countryside of the Yorkshire Dales, the scenery is delightful as we walk below Whitcliffe Scar, high above the River Swale, to reach the historic town of Richmond.

Day 11: Richmond to Danby Wiske
Distance: 21km (14 miles), 100m (350ft) of ascent
This historic town is dominated by its dramatic castle that dates from Norman times. From Richmond’s cobbled streets we follow the Swale yet again, to Catterick Bridge. We complete today’s walk, crossing the Vale of Mowbray, via Bolton-on-Swale, to finish at Danby Wiske. At 110 feet, this is the lowest point on the entire Coast to Coast walk.

Day 12: Danby Wiske to Carlton Bank
Distance: 27km (17 miles), 670m (2,200ft) of ascent
The walking is easy today, following an assortment of field paths, farm roads, and quiet country lanes across the Vale of Mowbray. From the pleasant village of Ingleby Arncliffe, we continue onwards to begin our crossing of the North York Moors.  A splendid high-level traverse takes us along the escarpment of the Cleveland Hills, and onto Beacon Hill. We can look westwards from here, across the Vale, to our earlier days walking across the limestone of the Yorkshire Dales. After a steep descent into the peaceful wooded valley of Scugdale, we reach the open expanse of Carlton Moor, and our evening’s destination at Carlton Bank.

Day 13; Carlton Bank to Blakey
Distance: 21km (13 miles), 590m (1,950ft) of ascent
We begin the day with a dramatic walk to Clay Bank Top, where we climb Carr Ridge and continue eastwards to Round Hill, the highest point on the Cleveland Hills (1,489ft). For a period our route coincides with the famous Lyke Wake Walk, a 24 hour, 42 mile crossing of the moors. It’s now an easy walk, following the track of the old ironstone railway to the bleak, remote site of Blakey Ridge.

Day 14: Blakey to Grosmont
Distance: 21km (13½ miles), 200m (700ft) of ascent
Cutting across Rosedale Head, we see considerable scars left behind in the landscape from the mid-19th century ironstone workings.  From here, over Danby Moor, and across Great Fryup Dale, we traverse this lonely moorland, passing ancient settlements and burial mounds.  At Glaisdale Rigg we descend to the village of Glaisdale, with its 17th century Beggar’s Bridge.  Crossing the River Esk at Egton Bridge, we continue along the wooded valley to arrive at Grosmont.  The main attraction here is the North York Moor Railway, and the steam trains that operate between here and Pickering.

Day 15: Grosmont to Robin Hood’s Bay
Distance: 24km (14½ miles), 540m (1,800ft) of ascent
Our very last day takes us onto the moors for the final time.  From the high point of Flat How (953 feet), we can see the coastline and the North Sea, together with Whitby and its Abbey.  Our last stretch of moorland is the Greystone Hills.  From here we drop down to the village of Hawkser, to enjoy the invigorating coastal scenery that makes up our final leg of the journey.  Still a few miles to go, but the end is in sight, as we take our final footsteps to the quaint fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, and the North Sea. 

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 7-8 hours and it is important for your own enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests that you can maintain the pace.

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

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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).

Holiday Start: St Bees is situated on the 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 is included for the 30 minute journey from St Bees, to our first night’s accommodation at Ennerdale Bridge.

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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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