4
moderate to challenging
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 15 nights in B&Bs
Meals
  • 15 Breakfasts

16 Days£1990GBP

Overview

Trip Code: WC6

Coast to Coast Walk Trip highlights


  • Hike across England on Wainwright’s Walk famous Coast to Coast trail
  • Complete "One of the World’s Great Walks" & a UK National Trail
  • Dip your boots in the Irish Sea and the North Sea
  • 3 UK National Parks: Lake District, Yorkshire Dales & North York Moors
  • Enjoy the warm welcome at friendly B&Bs, small hotels & traditional pubs
  • Dine on hearty pub grub: Cumberland sausage & Yorkshire pudding
  • 16 day itinerary splitting the long day between Shap and Kirkby Stephen

Follow in the footsteps of Alfred Wainwright on the legendary Coast to Coast walk - a 190+ mile journey that traverses three of England’s most spectacular National Parks. This is the definitive English hill walking and long-distance trail experience, described by Wainwright himself as “one of the world’s great walks.”

This 16-day itinerary, one day longer than the classic route, breaks up the challenging 33km (20.5-mile) stretch between Shap and Kirkby Stephen with an overnight stay in the charming village of Orton. Ideal for those on a tighter schedule who prefer to avoid a long day’s hike.

Recognised as a National Trail since 2022, the Coast to Coast remains remarkably faithful to Wainwright’s original route, with minimal changes over its nearly 50-year history. The trail is a living tribute to England’s landscapes, communities, and walking heritage.

Starting in the charming Cumbrian village of St Bees, this epic hike begins at the edge of the Irish Sea. Tradition calls for you to dip your boots in the water and collect a pebble to carry across England, your talisman until you reach the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay.

The route heads east into the dramatic Lake District National Park, where walkers pass famous lakes, cross iconic mountain passes, and can optionally summit classics like Helm Crag and Helvellyn. From the Lakes, you continue into the Yorkshire Dales, taking in remote moorland, timeless villages, and the mystical Nine Standards Rigg. After a scenic stretch along the bucolic River Swale into Richmond, you tackle a long linking section before entering the North York Moors, where rolling heather moorland leads you to the cliffs of the east coast.

While walking the Coast to Coast, you will be amazed at the variety of the dry stone walls, the charming little villages and just how much that you get to eat for a full English breakfast. You’ll stay at quality, cosy small hotels, guesthouses and pubs on our Coast to Coast holidays and these, as well as the rich variety of the people that you meet enroute, reflect something of the great diversity of England.

*Please note that you can also choose from 15, 17, or 18 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


Our handpicked hotel in Cleator, Ennerdale |  John Millen Celebrating the end of our long distance walk in England |  John Millen Hearty breakfast to get you going on the Coast to Coast |  Jac Lofts Swaledale sheep Happy hikers at the end of the Coast to Coast Trail in Robin Hood's Bay |  John Millen Pulling a pint in Keld

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 pub. 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: This is a fine looking guesthouse and the interior retains many of the delightful and original features. It has a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

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 pass a famous farm at Ravenseat, where they 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

This is the longest and flattest day on the classic Coast to Coast walk. It bridges the gap between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors National Parks. It will be a gentle rural day, walking out from Richmond beside the River Swale and across the fields to Catterick Race Course. Then thread your way to Brompton on Swale, which could be an ideal first lunch stop in the churchyard before trundling along beside tiny streams and quiet country roads reaching the village of Danby Wiske. Here, find a nice green and sole pub at 22.5 km/14 miles, 5 h, where a second lunch break is advised. From Danby Wiske it is primarily a road walk although there are cross-country sections. There are two hills towards the end, a short climb to what was East Harlsey Castle, and then with the North York Moors pressing ever closer, you'll have to carefully cross the main A19 road to take a lovely woodland footpath up the hill to Osmotherley. On the way, there's the option to visit Mount Grace Priory (1398) - a ruin that has seen restoration work and there are remaining duck ponds and drainage features. Osmotherley is a quaint hill village with 3 pubs to choose from, and Britain’s oldest functioning Methodist Church 1754, John Wesley came to preach here. // The day’s total ascent 375m / descent 292m. | Accommodation: Tonight's accommodation is set in this extremely picturesque village on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. All rooms are ensuite and have tea & coffee making facilities.

Meals:  B

Find yourself on a strenuous day with repeated ascents and descents in the Cleveland Hills, then across heather moors to Rosedale. This is a roller coaster walk. A steep stretch from Osmotherley introduces you to the North York Moors, 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 descending to Lord Stones Café. It's almost hidden in an off road embankment and may come perfectly in 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 you thread through on the way up. Great views in clear weather, incl. Roseberry Topping, Vale of Mowbray, and back to the Pennines. From the road at Claybank Top, you then follow a moorland ridge up over Round Hill (454m) and maintain your height as the path follows the line of the old dismantled Rosedale Railway line. The moor can be bleak 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. Your arrival at the ancient Lion Inn at Blakey can be a great relief. // The day’s total ascent 1021m / descent 880m. | 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 ales to reward yourself with 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.


Inclusions

  • 15 breakfasts
  • 15 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


Trail Surface


Suitability

moderate to challenging

4

Moderate to Challenging. Some long days in mountainous and moorland terrain with steep climbs and descents. An average of 20km/12.5 miles is covered each day with six long days of over 25km/15.5miles and 2 of those over 30km/18.5miles. 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, 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 27 Mar to 30 Sep

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
DN1
15,17, & 18 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

£1990GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Coast to Coast PassportGBP£12
  • 2025 Single Supplement - Low & Mid SeasonGBP£580
  • 2025 Solo Traveller Supplement - Low & Mid SeasonGBP£620
  • 2026 Single Supplement - Low & Mid SeasonGBP£620
  • 2026 Solo Traveller Supplement - Low & Mid SeasonGBP£660
  • 2025 Single Supplement - High SeasonGBP£720
  • 2025 Solo Traveller Supplement - High SeasonGBP£770
  • 2026 Single Supplement - High SeasonGBP£770
  • 2026 Solo Traveller Supplement - High SeasonGBP£820
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

This 16-day itinerary follows the same route as the standard 15-day itinerary with one point of difference. The long 20.5 miles/33 km day between Shap and Kirkby Stephen is broken with a night in Orton, spreading the distance over two days making the walk less challenging.

Orton is a very pretty Cumbrian farming village, with a lovely bucolic walk in from Scarside. Flower meadows and water meadows in spring, streams, a nice pub, picturesque church and old houses. Also there is Kennedy's chocolate factory and cafe! It makes a pleasant addition to the classic route as an overnight halt splitting the long day from Shap to Kirkby Stephen (20.5miles/33km) that is part of the standard 15 day trip.

The day before from Patterdale to Shap is for many people the hardest on the walk, so it may make sense to have a couple of shorter days following this.

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. Obviously on any escorted trips, extra nights are only available at the beginning or end.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


Coast to Coast Walk Trip reviews


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Personal Experience

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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