4
moderate to challenging
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 17 nights in hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses
Meals
  • 17 Breakfasts

18 Days£2180GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: WCL

Coast to Coast Walk Trip highlights

  • Hike Wainwright’s famous Coast to Coast trail over 18 days
  • Start each day with a hearty English cooked breakfast
  • Dip your boots in the Irish Sea and the North Sea
  • Complete a UK National Trail and visit 3 National Parks
  • Stay in cosy inns, guesthouses, and English country pubs
  • Special "Rambler" itinerary splitting the long days for a more relaxed pace

Alfred Wainwright’s Coast to Coast is the quintessential English hill walking adventure—a 190+ mile trail crossing three of England’s most iconic National Parks: the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors.

This 18-day self-guided Rambler itinerary offers a more relaxed-paced version of the classic 15-day walk. It’s ideal for those with extra time, who prefer shorter walking days, or simply want to savour the spectacular landscapes and historic towns along the way. Your journey begins at the tiny Cumbrian seaside village of St Bees, where the tradition is to dip your boots in the Irish Sea. Heading east, you’ll cross the dramatic fells and lakes of the Lake District, with optional ascents of peaks like Helvellyn. We’ve split one of the longest original sections between Shap and Kirkby Stephen for a more manageable experience. Continue through the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, over the mystical Nine Standards Rigg, and into the charming Georgian market town of Richmond. From there, the trail leads across the windswept heather of the North York Moors, where we’ve broken up more of the longer days to ease your crossing of England’s spine. The final stretch brings you to the North Sea coast and the steep lanes of Robin Hood’s Bay, where a celebratory paddle in the sea (and perhaps a pint or ice cream) marks the end of your coast-to-coast journey.

Along the way, enjoy the best of English countryside culture: ancient dry stone walls, postcard-perfect villages, and the comfort of a full English breakfast each morning. You’ll stay in quality, hand-picked small hotels, guesthouses, and traditional pubs, all offering warm hospitality and character.

*Please note that you can also choose from 15, 16, or 17 day options as well as 8,11,12 day sections of Wainwright’s popular route. Scroll down to find an overview of all Coast to Coast walking options to choose from.

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, the resort of St Bees on the edge of the Irish Sea where you'll have views across to the Isle of Man (but that's another trip). In St Bees you should have time to visit the Abbey church, which has features on the local history and a display on a mummified knight that was discovered in a lead coffin from the graveyard. If you have booked with us an extra night here, you can follow the coastal path or quiet inland roads to the attractive town of Whitehaven, with its marina and great museum. Whitehaven 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. | Accommodation: A family-run bed and breakfast in a large modernised Georgian farmhouse in the centre of St Bees.

Meals:  Nil

Take the first steps on the epic Coast to Coast walk when you climb from the beach at St Bees. Take a footpath along red sandstone coastal cliffs off St Bees Head with England’s only breeding colony of Black Guillimots, then head inland over hilly ground to the edge of the Lake District National Park. Dent Hill is the first real fell that you cross and will give you some indication as to whether you are fit enough for the following days! Although short, there follows possibly the steepest descent of the whole tour down to Nannycatch Gate and Beck. A delightful stroll along which brings you 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. If we are unable to book you into Ennerdale then we will secure accommodation for you at Cleator with a return taxi transfer that we will put in place for you (own expense).

Meals:  B

Follow 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 and originally a shepherd’s hut. A steep climb follows up the Lowther 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 & cafe and Borrowdale. 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 over Greenup Edge to Easedale and Grasmere. Grasmere is one of Lakeland’s most celebrated villages and you might have 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: We use a number of different accommodation in the busy village of Grasmere.

Meals:  B

A great walk over Grisedale Pass (609m/2000ft) and around the small mountain lake of Grisedale Tarn to Patterdale. In good weather and if you are a reasonably strong walker, we recommend that you take the detour route up St Sunday Crag (add 1½ hours). It will give some exceptional views down across Ullswater on the descend to Patterdale, possibly the most breathtaking of the trip. Another detour option is via the summit of Helvellyn, for this add 2 miles and 2 hours. // The day’s total ascent: 900m / descent 805m (via the optional route over St Sunday Crag, less if you avoid this).| Accommodation: Tonight’s accommodation is a family-run guesthouse. It is located in the centre of 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. You'll then hike up and onwards to a critical cairn where you turn off the route to High Street. It will take you 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. You 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 with some new interpretation signs. After this, you 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 their guesthouse 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 attractive market town, with St. Hedda’s Church containing the 8th Century Loki Stone relating to Norse mythology. Accommodation: We use a number of different guesthouses in the village.

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, possibly, boundary feature that no one has any real knowledge of. It marks the Watershed of England. Next you cross squelchy moors down to Keld in Swaledale. You might relish a scone & tea made on the farm at Ravenseat, where they akso breed prime rams. The moors then become increasingly gentler as you walk into Keld with its many waterfalls and old stone barns. /// The day’s total ascent 780m / descent 575m. | Accommodation: Keld - A medium-sized guesthouse with traditional Yorkshire fayre served in an attractively decorated dining room, and there are tea & coffee making facilities in all rooms.

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 you have unfavourable weather or you just prefer a lower level walk. There is a really nice pub in Gunnerside on this second route. Your day finishes in Reeth, an attractive green village which flourished at the height of the mining age and today does well out of tourism, hence a 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

Your 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) & sightseeing. The extremely picturesque North Yorkshire town of Richmond, with its cobbled market square and Norman castle, is an ever-popular destination for visitors. You can 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. You 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 set in an extremely 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, you follow an easy undulating descent down to beautiful wooded Eskdale. You also get some views opening up to the sea. The latter part of today's walk follows a pretty path through the woodlands on the banks of the River Esk. You come across the ‘Beggars Bridge’ a parabolic stone structure that has a story of love lost and love refound! Egton Bridge features a church with relics of the Catholic martyr, Nicholas Postgate. A really pretty setting, the river is famous for fly fishing and has some interesting stepping stones, which enables you to hop between the two pubs faster than using the road. // The day’s total ascent 265m / descent 616m. | Accommodation: Egton Bridge or Grosmont - We use a variety of lovely guesthouses/B&Bs in either of these villages.

Meals:  B

You follow a delightful, private road to Grosmont, where you might want to try and get in time to see a steam train pull out for Pickering. You 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 you 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 you 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. Celebrate with a drink at the Bay Hotel and as tradition states, dip your 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. This is a popular seaside location so one of many similar B&B's may be used.

Meals:  B

Your Coast to Coast walk concludes in Robin Hood's Bay after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

GALLERY

Main Gallery Image
Hotel in Cleator Celebrating the walk English Breakfast Swaledale sheep Finish at Robin Hood's Bay Pulling a pint in Keld

Inclusions

What's included

  • 17 breakfasts
  • 17 nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available
  • One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 18kg
  • Digital information pack including Navigational App, maps and route notes
  • Emergency hotline

  • Lunch, Dinner and drinks
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • Excess Luggage
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Accommodation

Hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses & country inns

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. 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. Note that the sheer popularity of this tour may mean that we cannot get you into the accommodation described for the dates of your tour. We will endeavour to get you into a similar standard of accommodation nearby, but please appreciate that there are limited options in remote areas.

It is difficult to secure 1-night bookings in Grasmere on a Friday or Saturday night. Please bear this in mind when choosing your start date or consider 2 nights here. As Grasmere has limited B&B accommodation, a hotel upgrade of approx. £60-£70 per person supplement may be applicable at the time of booking.

Suggested rest stops (must be requested at the time of booking):

GRASMERE: In the heart of the Lake District National Park. Once the home to poet William Wordsworth. The village has narrow streets with cafes, shops and pubs. A bus service connects Grasmere with Keswick and Ambleside.

KIRKBY STEPHEN: Traditional market town of historic buildings, cobbled yards and interesting shops.

RICHMOND: Historic market town, dominated by the Norman Castle, which is open daily. There are regular markets and quite a few places to eat. It’s the largest town on the Coast to Coast path.

ROBIN HOOD'S BAY: Picturesque village with tiny streets, shops, cafes and pubs. During the late 18th century smuggling was rife on the Yorkshire coast. Adding an extra night after finishing your walk to relax, swim or just enjoy the coast is worthwhile.

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

moderate to challenging

4

Moderate to Challenging. Some long days in mountainous and moorland terrain with steep climbs and descents. Even within this more moderately paced Rambler itinerary, there are 8 days of over 20km/12.5 miles with 3 long days of over 25km/15.5miles. You will be walking between 6 to 9 hours per day at a steady pace throughout the day covering 4-5 km per hour. This multiday hike 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, crossing streams and walking on steep rocky and coastal terrain. Mixed weather can be expected. We would not recommend the route for first time walkers. It is essential to undertake some training in hill country prior to the trip. 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.

Departure dates

Daily from 30 Mar to 28 Sep

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
DN1
15,16, & 17 day versions available.
DN2
Mid Season is from 1 Jul to 31 Aug and High Season is from 1 May - 30 June & 1-30 Sep. A supplement applies for mid and high season departures.

Priceper person from

£2180GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Coast to Coast PassportGBP£12
  • 2025 Single Supplement - Low SeasonGBP£680
  • 2025 Solo Traveller Supplement - Low SeasonGBP£710
  • 2026 Single Supplement - Low SeasonGBP£730
  • 2026 Solo Traveller Supplement - Low SeasonGBP£760
  • 2025 Single Supplement - Mid SeasonGBP£770
  • 2025 Solo Traveller Supplement - Mid SeasonGBP£810
  • 2025 Single Supplement - High SeasonGBP£830
  • 2026 Single Supplement - Mid SeasonGBP£830
  • 2025 Solo Traveller Supplement - High SeasonGBP£870
  • 2026 Solo Traveller Supplement - Mid SeasonGBP£870
  • 2026 Single Supplement - High SeasonGBP£890
  • 2026 Solo Traveller Supplement - High SeasonGBP£930
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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This itinerary is the whole walk and follows the same route as the 15-day tour, but with 3 extra nights added (Orton, Danby Whiske and Great Broughton). This way, some of the longer days have been made more leisurely and manageable. This is a great option is you are concerned about the longer days of consecutive hiking, or if you'd just like to take more time to soak up the views and enjoy meeting people along the way.

Since becoming a National Trail, signage along the Coast to Coast has improved in lower, populated areas, but it’s important to know that waymark signs are not permitted within UK National Parks, which means key sections through the Lake District and the North York Moors can still be difficult to navigate, especially in poor weather. To help you stay on track, we provide the Walkers’ Britain Navigation App, which gives you offline access to daily GPX routes, trail notes, and off-route alerts – no mobile signal required. While the app offers reliable, real-time guidance, we strongly recommend carrying paper maps and having basic navigation skills as a backup, particularly in remote or upland terrain.

Yes, the Coast to Coast was officially designated as a UK National Trail in 2022 and will become one in 2026. This recognition has led to ongoing improvements in access, maintenance and waymarking, particularly in more accessible areas. However, due to restrictions within UK National Parks, you’ll find little or no signage in sections that pass through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. So while the National Trail status brings more support and recognition to the route, confident navigation remains essential – especially in remote or upland areas.

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.

Yes, you’re likely to meet fellow walkers along the Coast to Coast, especially during peak season from late spring through early autumn. While the route has a wonderfully remote and peaceful feel in places, it’s one of the UK’s most iconic long-distance walks and attracts walkers from around the world. Some days you may pass several others heading in the same direction or crossing paths, particularly near popular stops or in the Lake District. That said, there are also long stretches where you might walk for hours without seeing anyone, especially in the higher or more rugged sections – perfect if you enjoy a mix of friendly encounters and time to yourself.

While GPS is a valuable tool and the Walkers’ Britain Navigation App provides reliable, offline GPX tracks with real-time route guidance, we strongly advise against relying on GPS alone. Batteries can run out, devices can fail, and in bad weather or remote areas, even the best technology can fall short. Some sections of the Coast to Coast – especially in the Lake District and the Pennines – are unmarked due to National Park restrictions and can be hard to follow in low visibility. Always carry paper maps as a backup and ensure you’re confident using them. Combining GPS with traditional navigation is the safest and most responsible way to enjoy the trail.

If the weather is good, for fit walkers the high level variants of the Coast to Coast are worth doing. You should be aware that the Red Pike option above Ennerdale often takes walkers an extra 2 hours over the standard route. The Helm Crag option adds and extra hour, the St. Sunday Crag option above Grisedale takes about 1.5 hours more than the standard route, and the Striding Edge option about 2 hours more than the standard route. We advise to always bear this in mind in terms of evening meals etc.

It depends what you like to do! Grasmere and and Robin Hood's Bay are great places to stay. With an extra night, you allow yourself more time to see the sights and visit for example Ambleside, Keswick (from Grasmere) or Whitby (from Robin Hood's Bay). Other places to spend extra time could include Kirkby Stephen or Keld, the latter is very quiet but there are nice walks to Thwaite and Muker.

Please have your bags ready for collection by 8:30am each morning. This doesn’t mean they will be picked up exactly at that time, but your accommodation may be one of the first stops depending on the day’s schedule. Having your bags ready ensures a smooth transfer, even if the driver arrives earlier than expected.

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 route notes and app will highlight where you can find food along the way.

Coast to Coast Walk 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.

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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.

Coast to Coast Walk Videos

Walk England's Coast to Coast with Walkers' Britain