Packing is the first ritual of the day. Boots? Check. Waterproofs? Absolutely. Snacks, hats, gloves? Yes, even in summer. A sandwich, plenty of water, phone, power bank and a ptrinted map all go into the pack. It's amazing how often you need everything. Before heading out, I always check the weather. Top tip: the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) is brilliant for accurate mountain area forecasts in the UK. With all that sorted, I was out the door before 9am. Early starts mean plenty of daylight, less rush, and more time to soak up the day.



The first part of the trail was still waking up. Birdsong echoed across fields, and clouds drifted lazily. I stopped often to take photos, especially when the sun broke through. Remember to actually stop for these moments. Drink water. Lots of it. And yes, don’t be afraid to wee outdoors if needed. It’s doable, discreet, and natural. (Check out How to Shit in the Woods, a must-read for outdoor common sense.)

Choosing a lunch spot is part strategy, part spontaneity. You can plan a perfect spot using your app map, a tarn, a bench, a summit view. Or just let the landscape inspire you. I found a quiet hillock with views stretching for miles. Sandwiches taste better with a view and tired legs.

 

I loved the view from Lining Crag, you can see right down into Borrowdale, and it’s easily one of the day’s highlights. While we were taking it in, a group of local shepherds appeared with about ten dogs in tow, out gathering sheep. From our vantage point on the ascent, we watched the dogs in action, responding instantly to whistles and shouts, fanning out across the hillside to bring the flock together before driving them down to the farms in the valley for shearing. It was such an unexpected treat. People pay to watch traditional sheepdogs at work, or tune in to One Man and His Dog on TV... we saw it unfold for real.

 

Afternoon walking can be a lull. That’s where the emergency treat stash comes in: a square of chocolate or a handful of nuts to perk things up. Layers go on, layers come off. Hats off, then back on. Drink more water. Stop to listen; to birds, to distant sheep, to the gurgle of streams. Say hello to fellow hikers. Ask those coming the other way about the terrain ahead. Locals, too, often have golden nuggets of wisdom about the best cafés or secret corners nearby.

 

Everyone in the group had their own pace, but Jon kept us safe and connected, regrouping us at regular intervals, and ensuring we stayed together whenever the terrain turned challenging or the weather closed in.

Take more photos. Lie down in the grass for 15 minutes. Feel the sun on your face and soak up your daily Vitamin D. If it’s raining, enjoy the fresh scent of petrichor. Or keep walking to stay warm.

 

As the trail winds down, keep checking your route on your app or map to stay on track. There’s nothing quite like spotting your accommodation after a long day on the trail. Boots off before you walk in, please! Check in, grab your bag, and hit the shower. Then it’s clean clothes (maybe even your slightly smarter ones) and comfy shoes. Wash your socks if you have the energy. Hang them by the radiator or window.

Evening brings its own joys. A wander through the village. A pint or a cup of tea. Dinner, hopefully booked ahead if you're in a popular spot. (Pro tip: call ahead to your next accommodation and sort tomorrow’s dinner too.)

 

Jon seemed to know every perfect spot to pause for a cuppa, and exactly which pubs pour the best local ales. I guess that’s the kind of wisdom you pick up after walking this route 28 times! Dinner with the group was just as memorable, filled with lively conversation and stories from a wonderfully international mix of walkers from Scotland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. 

 

Refuel with good food and drink plenty of water (yes, even if you’ve had wine). Then bed. A dry pair of socks for the morning. Clothes laid out. Bag roughly packed for an easy start tomorrow.

This is the beauty of life on the trail: simple, nourishing, and grounded in the present. You think about weather, clothes, sunlight, birdsong, and how wonderful your bed will feel. And that, truly, is enough.

 

If you're feeling inspired, take a look at our range of Guided Coast to Coast trips, or if you're more of an individual traveller, these are the self-guided Coast to Coast walking options. See you on the Coast to Coast!