The Coast to Coast Path is an official UK National Trail | Natural England
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In landmark news for walkers, England’s iconic Coast to Coast route has officially been designated a UK National Trail. For more than 50 years, this much-loved journey has guided walkers from the Irish Sea at St Bees to the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay - and now it finally receives the national recognition it deserves.
Devised by renowned fell walker, illustrator and guidebook author Alfred Wainwright, the Coast to Coast has long been considered one of the world’s great long-distance walks. Wainwright’s influence on British walking culture is hard to overstate. Between 1955 and 1966, he published his celebrated seven-volume Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells, documenting 214 peaks and inspiring generations of walkers to explore the Lake District and beyond. His Coast to Coast guidebook later described the route as “one of the world’s great walks”; a claim that continues to ring true today.
A classic walk, now officially recognised
Despite its popularity, the Coast to Coast has never held official National Trail status -
until now. Recent work across the route has focused on improving paths, enhancing safety and introducing consistent waymarking. Walkers can now follow the trail more easily than ever, with new signage marked by Wainwright’s distinctive initials: AW.
This recognition cements what walkers have known for decades: this is England’s most beloved long-distance walk.
A journey across England’s most varied landscapes
What makes the Coast to Coast so compelling is its diversity. As you cross northern England, the route links three of the country’s most celebrated national parks, revealing an ever-changing landscape.
You begin on the wild shores of the Irish Sea before traversing the rugged fells of the Lake District, crossing the sweeping moorlands of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, and finishing at the dramatic cliffs of the North Sea.
Along the way, you experience far more than scenery. This is a journey through quintessential English culture; from quiet country lanes and historic villages to welcoming pubs and character-filled bed and breakfasts. Each day offers a different rhythm, whether you’re climbing high passes or enjoying gentler stretches between villages.
Walk the Coast to Coast Path your way
One of the enduring strengths of the
Coast to Coast Path National Trail is its flexibility. You can take on the full crossing over
15-20 days, or choose to walk shorter sections at your own pace. Whether you’re looking for a complete end-to-end journey, a more relaxed itinerary or
joining a small group, there are options to suit a range of preferences.
With Walkers’ Britain & Europe, you can experience the route in a way that focuses on the walking itself. Self-guided itineraries include a tailored navigation app, pre-booked accommodation and luggage transfers, allowing you to walk pack-free while enjoying the trail. Guided small group departures are also available for those who prefer added support and local insight.
What’s more: explore the Coast to Coast
If you’re planning your own journey, these resources will help you go deeper:
From Wainwright’s original vision to its
new status as a National Trail, the Coast to Coast continues to define what a great walk should be: varied, rewarding and deeply connected to place. Now, with official recognition and improved infrastructure, there’s never been a better time to experience it for yourself.
Why walk the C2C with Walkers’ Britain & Europe
The Coast to Coast is one of Britain’s defining long-distance walks, and it’s exactly the kind of journey Walkers’ Britain & Europe specialises in. With deep knowledge of the UK’s classic trails - our in-house guide has walked the route 28 times - and carefully designed itineraries, the focus is on making your experience smooth, well-supported and true to the spirit of the route.
You’re free to focus on the walk itself; the landscapes, the people you meet, and the sense of achievement that comes with crossing a country on foot.
--> Find your Coast to Coast Path National Trail