5
challenging
Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • 17 nights in hotels, B&B's and guesthouses
Meals
  • 17 Breakfasts

18 Days£3020GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: ECZ

Guided Coast to Coast Walk 18 Days Trip highlights

  • Hike the Coast to Coast trail from St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay
  • Choose this guided 18 day itinerary for a more achievable challenge
  • Discover the Yorkshire Dales & dramatic Lake District peaks
  • Stay in cozy inns, guesthouses and traditional English country pubs
  • Hike with an experienced guide for support, insights and local knowledge
  • Benefit from over 40 years’ expert Coast to Coast walking experience

Enjoy the satisfaction of completing one of Britain’s most iconic long-distance walks on this 18-day guided Coast to Coast hiking holiday. Following Wainwright’s legendary route from the Irish Sea at St Bees to the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay, this extended itinerary makes the challenge more achievable by breaking up some of the longer days, giving you time to enjoy both the hiking and the scenery.

The trail covers around 315km / 195 miles and crosses three national parks. You’ll walk through the rugged fells and lakes of the Lake District, the rolling landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales with its mystical Nine Standards Rigg and the River Swale to Richmond, and the expansive moorlands of the North York Moors. The journey ends at Robin Hood’s Bay, where it’s traditional to dip your boots in the sea and celebrate with a pint, ice cream or even champagne on the shoreline.

Enjoy the company of like-minded fellow travellers and the expertise of one of our experienced and friendly guides. Accommodation is in welcoming guesthouses, inns and small hotels, where hearty breakfasts and warm hospitality add to the experience. Along the way you’ll discover charming villages, ancient dry stone walls and the rich cultural heritage that makes the Coast to Coast walk England’s best-loved long-distance trail.

Scroll down to explore our full range of Coast to Coast walking holidays, including both guided and self-guided options.

Countries:

England

Starting Point:

St Bees

Finishing Point:

Robin Hood's Bay

Itinerary

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Make your own way to the starting point of the Coast to Coast walk in St Bees. It's located on the edge of the Irish Sea with views across to the Isle of Man (where we offer a walk as well). You should have time to visit the Abbey church, which has features on the local history and has a display on a mummified knight that was discovered in a lead coffin from the graveyard. If you have an extra night here, you can walk the coastal path or quiet inland roads to the attractive town of Whitehaven with its marina and great museum. It is famous in the annals of the US navy as the site of an elaborate raid on the British mainland by one John Paul Jones during the American War of Independence. This evening you will meet your fellow walkers and guide for a trip briefing. Accommodation: Accommodation: A family-run bed and breakfast in a large modernised Georgian farmhouse in the centre of St Bees.

Meals:  Nil

Today is our first day walking the Coast to Coast! We start with a climb from the beach taking a footpath along red sandstone coastal cliffs of St Bees Head. It has England’s only breeding colony of Black Guillemots. We then move inland over hilly ground to the edge of the Lake District National Park. Dent Hill is the first real fell that we traverse! From the slopes of Dent, it's down to Nannycatch Beck. It is a delightful stroll which brings us to the final descent to leafy Ennerdale Bridge. The day’s total ascent 780m / descent 665m. Accommodation: Overnight at a friendly, family-owned hotel. Enjoy a home cooked meal of local produce including fish and game in season. A traditional feel is retained by the hotel, with its open fire, and the fully licensed bar serves a range of beverages including locally produced ale.

Meals:  B

Walk on a quiet and scenic footpath along the shore of Ennerdale Water, with a bit of an easy scramble under Angler’s Crag at Robin Hood’s Seat. A long walk on a forest track then continues to Black Sail Hut, which is the smallest youth hostel in England and originally a shepherd’s hut. A steep climb follows up Loft Beck before traversing some of the Lakeland fells, perhaps with views down to Buttermere. Finally you reach the ‘drum house’, which marks the descent path to the Honister Slate Mine workings and cafe, and the Borrowdale Valley. This is perhaps the most delightful valley in the Lakes with its crags and broadleaved trees. Borrowdale is a delightful ensemble of hamlets: Seatoller (the wettest place in England), Longthwaite, Rosthwaite and Stonethwaite. Delightful riverside paths connect the places and their pubs together - if you have sufficient energy left for the evening. You might be interested to know that ‘thwaite’ is old Norse for paddock. The day’s total ascent 765m / descent 785m. Accommodation: Your hotel tonight is located in the Borrowdale Valley near the hamlet of Seatoller. It has striking views over the local fells.

Meals:  B

Enjoy classic Lakeland scenery as you traverse over Greenup Edge to Easedale and Grasmere. Grasmere is one of Lakeland’s most celebrated villages and there should be time either this afternoon or tomorrow morning to visit the poet Wordsworth's home at Dove Cottage and drop into the famous Ginger bread shop! The day’s total ascent 750m / descent 760m. Accommodation: A comfortable hotel and former coaching inn in the centre of the village with an indoor swimming pool and sauna.

Meals:  B

Today is a terrific walk over Grisedale Pass (609m/2000ft) and around the small mountain lake of Grisedale Tarn to Patterdale. In good weather and if our group is reasonably strong, we recommend that we take the detour route up St Sunday Crag. It will give some exceptional views down across Ullswater on the descent to Patterdale, possibly the most breathtaking of the trip. The day’s total ascent: 900m / descent 805m (via the optional route over St Sunday Crag, less if we avoid this). *Add 1½ hours for the detour of St Sunday Crag. Accommodation: Tonight’s accommodation is a family-run guesthouse or a local inn located in Glenridding, alongside Glenridding Beck, situated at the southern top of Ullswater - the second largest lake in the Lake District.

Meals:  B

After completing today's walk, some would say this was the most difficult stage on the Coast to Coast walk. The day starts with a steep climb up past pretty Angle Tarn. We'll then hike up and onwards to a critical cairn where we turn off the route to High Street. It will take us up and over Kidsty Pike (780m/2560ft), the highest point on the Coast to Coast, and then descend steeply to walk along Haweswater. This is a huge body of water that was conceived in 1929 to supply Manchester with drinking water, drowning a couple of villages in the process. We then undulate through fields to Shap Abbey, the most easterly point of the Lake District National Park. This was the last abbey to be founded in England (1199) and the last to be destroyed (1540). It nevertheless is a pretty place to take a break and learn about medieval monastic life. After this, we continue into Shap, the old granite mining town with several pubs and shops. The village offers an interesting insight to the history of the area. The day’s total ascent 1174m / descent 1009m. Accommodation: The proprietors will welcome you to a guesthouse or inn in the village of Shap.

Meals:  B

From Shap, you cross the busy road and rail routes before tranquilly passing through the high moors. There follows a hilly section across limestone scarps with limestone pavements in places strewn with ‘erratic’ granite boulders moved there by glaciers. Finally, you drop into the gentler climes around Orton, a quaint picturesque village with Kennedy’s Chocolate factory to lead you into temptation, but yes, you have earned it! Accommodation: The George Hotel is a traditional pub in this small village.

Meals:  B

A bridging day between Cumbria and The Yorkshire Dales. Mainly farmland walking with a section of moors around Sunbiggin Tarn, which is an important site for birds. A steep descent to the Scandal Beck at Smardale Bridge makes for a nice lunch stop. Then ascend over Smardale Fell for the pretty descent into Kirkby Stephen. This ias an attractive market town, with St. Hedda’s Church containing the 8th Century Loki Stone relating to Norse mythology. Accommodation: A friendly guesthouse in the town.

Meals:  B

Climb out of town to the cairns of Nine Standards Rigg (661m/2170 feet) with its array of obelisks. This is an ancient boundary feature that no one has any real knowledge of. It marks the Watershed of England. Next we cross squelchy moorland down to Keld in Swaledale. If it is a wet and cold day we might relish a scone and tea made on the farm at Ravenseat, home of the "Yorkshire Shepherdess" where the farm breed prime rams. The moors then become increasingly gentler as we walk into Keld with its many waterfalls and old stone barns. The day’s total ascent 780m / descent 575m. Accommodation: A guesthouse with traditional Yorkshire fayre served in an attractively decorated dining room.

Meals:  B

There are two options today. >> The first is the slightly longer & higher alternative over wild moorland with long-abandoned lead mines, a magnet for the industrial archaeologist. >> The second option is the pretty route via Swaledale, which is a lovely option if we have unfavourable weather or the group prefer a lower level walk. There is a really nice pub in Gunnerside on this second route. Our day finishes in Reeth an attractive village centred around a traditional "green" which flourished at the height of the mining age and is now popular with tourists, hence a healthy collection of pubs and tea shops. The day’s total ascent 838m / descent 911m (via the higher route). Accommodation: Your accommodation tonight is the oldest surviving Inn in Reeth, dating from 1680.

Meals:  B

Our morning walk through pretty Swaledale is lined with limestone crags on either side and allows time in Richmond for shopping (note most shops closed Sunday) and sightseeing. The extremely picturesque North Yorkshire town of Richmond, with its cobbled market square and Norman castle, is an ever-popular destination for visitors. We may also follow the Swale to Town Falls, which are quite impressive when the river is in spate. The day's total ascent 395m / descent 510m. Accommodation: The extremely picturesque North Yorkshire town of Richmond, with its cobbled market square and Norman castle, is an ever-popular destination for visitors. We use a number of guesthouses or pub accommodation in this busy town.

Meals:  B

A gentle rural day, walking out from Richmond beside the River Swale and across the fields to Catterick Race Course. You'll then be threading your way to Brompton on Swale, an ideal lunch stop in the churchyard. We then trundle along beside tiny streams and quiet country roads reaching the village of Danby Wiske with its village green and single pub. Accommodation: We use the guesthouses or pub in this small village.

Meals:  B

Today is primarily a road walk although there are cross country sections. The two hills are towards the end, a short climb to what was East Harlsey Castle, and then with the North York Moors pressing ever closer you have to carefully cross the main A19 road to take a lovely woodland footpath up to Osmotherley. On the way you may want to visit Mount Grace Priory (1398), this is a ruin that has had some restoration work. Osmotherley is a quaint hill village with three pubs to choose from plus Britain’s oldest functioning Methodist Church (1754) - John Wesley came to preach here. Accommodation: Tonight's accommodation is in local inns in this picturesque village on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors.

Meals:  B

This is a roller coaster walk. A steep stretch from Osmotherley introduces you to the North York Moors and its sandy, heather-clad hills with areas of forest. After coming off Scarth Wood Moor, there is a long ascent up Live Moor and Carlton Bank (408m) before we descend to Lord Stones Café. It's almost hidden in an off-road embankment and comes at the right time for coffee. There then follows the succession of Cringle Moor, Broughton Bank and White Hill - all at or over 400m. You loose and then re-ascend 100-200m between each one. White Hill has an area of sandstone boulders called The Wainstones that we thread through on the way up. Great views in clear weather, incl. Roseberry Topping, Vale of Mowbray and back to the Pennines. We come off the ridge at Clay Bank Top and you will get a transfer to your accommodation (included) from the car park at Clay Bank Top to Great Broughton. Accommodation: In Great Broughton, Wainstones Hotel - this present-day structure has developed around a former dwelling dating from early 1700. It combines quality service with the atmosphere of a Yorkshire country inn.

Meals:  B

You will be transferred back to the car park (included). Today, the walk follows a moorland ridge up over Round Hill (454m) and the track maintains its height as it follows the line of the old dismantled Rosedale Railway line. The moor can be bleak in bad weather and is punctured in places by standing stones, some marked with inscriptions. There are enticing views at times into the fertile upper valleys of Farn and Esk dales, but your arrival at the ancient Lion Inn at Blakey can be a great relief. Accommodation: You'll stay at the Lion Hotel in this bleak moorland location. This pub hotel has been a refuge from the elements for 400 years or so, and very cosy it is too! Normally there are a large number of species of Real Ale and great dining in either the bar or the restaurant.

Meals:  B

After a bit of a road perambulation past a white cross called Fat Betty, we follow an easy undulating descent down to beautiful wooded Eskdale. We also get some views opening up to the North Sea. The latter part of today's walk follows a pretty path through the woodlands on the banks of the River Esk. We come across the ‘Beggars Bridge’ a parabolic stone structure that has a story of love lost and love refound! Our overnight place of Egton Bridge features a church with relics of the Catholic martyr, Nicholas Postgate. The day’s total ascent 265m / descent 616m. Accommodation: A local inn or guesthouse in the village.

Meals:  B

Following a delightful private road to Grosmont, we might get there in time to see a steam train pull out for Pickering. We then follow a very steep pull up across heather moors with views down to Whitby and its Abbey. But the sea and journey’s end is still tantalizingly far as the route abruptly changes course to visit the May Beck valley with its Falling Foss waterfall. A last area of high moor brings us to the coast, where the last 5 km/3 miles are spent on the coastal cliff path to Robin Hood's Bay. It will appear almost by surprise as we near it. This is a village of red roofed houses clustered around its harbour on the North Sea coast marking the end of this 190 odd-mile crossing of England. We celebrate with a drink at the Bay Hotel and as tradition states, dip our toes into the sea. The day’s total ascent 775m / descent 770m. Accommodation: Your final night is spent in an elegantly refurbished Victorian guesthouse with many original features.

Meals:  B

Trip concludes in Robin Hood Bay after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 17 nights B&B accommodation on a twin share basis
  • 17 breakfasts
  • One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 18kg
  • Experienced walking guide who will accompany the group throughout
  • All transfers and transport specified in the itinerary

  • Lunches, dinner and drinks (unless specified)
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Entrance fees
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room, as prices are based on twin occupancy
  • Excess Luggage (max weight 18kg)

Accommodation

Hotels, B&B's, Inns and Guesthouses

Our usual accommodation on the Coast to Coast walk is a wonderful mix of good quality hotels, B&B's, inns and guesthouses. The variety in accommodation adds to your experience of northern England and we always select accommodations on the trail when available. Where possible, you will stay together as a group. In four locations accommodation is limited and so the group may need to split. Although we aim to use accommodation with ensuite rooms this is not always possible, at a couple of places on your tour you may be sharing bathrooms, particularly if you are in a single room. Most rooms feature showers rather than baths, primarily because space is limited in many of the traditional inns and guesthouses we use. Rooms will usually have kettles and tea and coffee-making facilities and a TV.

Trail Surface

Natural terrain and hill paths with uneven surfaces

The trails in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors are a mix of mountain footpaths, woodland trails and farm tracks. You will follow a variety of natural trails, some very narrow and rocky and with uneven surfaces. Trails that are stone, gravel and slate can become slippery when wet, and some of the terrain is across boggy landscape and it can be muddy after lots of rain. A good level of fitness and ability on rocky and muddy trails is required. Good boots are essential. Carry plenty of drinking water and adequate protection against the sun, wind and rain.

Suitability

challenging

5

An excellent level of fitness is required. An average of 20 km/12.5 miles is covered each day with three long days of over 25km/15.5 miles. As a group you will be walking between 6-9 hours per day at a steady pace throughout the day covering 4-5 km per hour. This multi-day walk has long days with back to back steep climbs and descents as well as some flatter sections. You must be comfortable climbing up over stiles, walking on steep rocky and coastal terrain. Mixed weather can be expected. We do not recommend the route for first time multi-day walkers. When walking early or late in the season, you need to be mindful of shorter daylight hours and be prepared for changeable weather conditions which may include snow. Please consider your fitness carefully before booking the guided Coast to Coast trip. If the guide considers you to be too slow, you will be asked to take taxis for stages at your own expense.

Departure dates


Notes

Note:
17-day version (code EB7) and new 10-day version (code ECX) available.
DN2
Enquire about the possibility of sharing a room with a traveller of the same gender.

Priceper person from

£3020GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single room supplement 2026GBP£840
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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We’ve been operating guided hikes along the Coast to Coast for over 45 years, and no one knows this iconic route better. Our unmatched experience is built on decades of walking the trail, cultivating strong relationships with the people who live and work along it, and delivering exceptional service to thousands of walkers. Our head guide and local logistics expert, Jon Millen, has completed the route an impressive 27 times, and one of our team members lives a stone’s throw from Ennerdale. We’ve worked closely with local hoteliers, B&B hosts, taxi drivers, publicans and baggage transporters for nearly half a century, giving us the ability to swiftly resolve issues and offer outstanding support on the ground. This depth of connection and heritage means you’ll benefit from the most knowledgeable guides, the warmest welcomes, and a level of service that only comes from decades of experience. Travel with us and you’ll enjoy not only a beautifully guided walk, but a truly immersive and hassle-free Coast to Coast experience.

This trip is based on the itinerary that we have been running for almost 50 years, our original two week Coast to Coast trip, extended to over 18 days. By splitting the days between Shap and Kirkby Stephen, Richmond and Osmotherley and the following day to Blakey Ridge, we have eliminated some of the long hiking days over 25kms/15.5 miles and the very long day of 39km/24 miles from Richmond and Osmotherley. This is not really a more "relaxed" route (you still have to cover the same terrain!) but it does make the route more achievable. Travelling with an expert guide means you don't have to worry about finding the way, making route decisions or make dinner reservations! You will also benefit from expert knowledge about the areas you are travelling through.

If the weather is favourable and the group is confident and capable, our guide may consider incorporating some higher-level route options where feasible. However, this will depend on a number of factors, including the abilities of all group members, current trail conditions, and the need to arrive at the accommodation in time for dinner. Ultimately, the guide will make a decision on the day in the best interests of the whole group, ensuring both safety and enjoyment for everyone.

On all of our small group guided trips, extra nights can only be arranged before the tour begins or after it concludes.

The walking pace is set to suit the group as a whole and is mindful of the day’s distance and terrain. On some of the longer or more challenging days—particularly those approaching 24 miles—there may be occasions where public transport or a taxi is used if needed. To make the most of your Coast to Coast experience, we strongly recommend being well prepared and ensuring a good level of fitness before joining the trip.

Your safety and well-being are our top priority. In the event of an injury, the response will depend on its nature and severity. For minor issues—such as a mild sprain—you may be able to rest for a day or two and rejoin the group later, using public transport to skip a stage if needed. For more serious injuries that require medical attention, our guides are First Aid trained and will assist you in getting appropriate care, including helping you reach a local clinic or hospital if necessary. Please be aware that guides carry a basic First Aid kit suitable for common walking-related incidents but are not equipped to provide advanced medical treatment.

We strongly recommend having comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical care, trip interruption, and repatriation, just in case you are unable to continue with the walk.

Our team will always do their best to support you, whether that means coordinating alternative travel or helping with onward arrangements.

This was announced in 2022, and the trail becomes officially "National" in spring 2026. The new status has brought more funding for maintena and it should mean more funding for trail maintenance and signage in many places along the way. It is however unlikely that you will suddenly see a rash of waymarks across the higher levels of the walk, such as in the Lake District for example where there are strict rules about erecting signs in wild areas of the national park.

There’s absolutely no obligation to join the group for dinner—you're very welcome to make your own plans. However, in some locations where dining options are limited, we may reserve a table in advance for the group to ensure availability. If you'd prefer not to join, just let your guide know clearly and in good time so they can adjust the arrangements accordingly. In some cases, meals may need to be pre-ordered ahead of arrival. If you've placed a pre-order, we kindly ask that you either honour the reservation or let us know in advance if you'd like to cancel, so the venue can be informed.

We want you to feel comfortable and enjoy your evenings however you choose—whether that's socialising with the group or enjoying some time to yourself.

While many accommodations offer the convenience of a packed lunch, we encourage you to support local bakeries, cafés and village shops along the route where possible. Not only does this give you the chance to enjoy freshly made, regional specialities – like a warm pasty, handcrafted sandwich, or local cheese – but it also helps support small businesses in the communities you’re walking through. It’s a great way to vary your lunch each day, discover local flavours, and reduce food waste. Some rural sections have limited options, so a mix of pre-ordered packed lunches and spontaneous local stops is often the best approach. Your guide will offer advice along the way.

Guided Coast to Coast Walk 18 Days Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Guided Coast to Coast Walk 18 Days Videos

Walk England's Coast to Coast with Walkers' Britain