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

20 Days£2290GBP

Overview

Trip Code: WCE

Extended Coast to Coast Walk Trip highlights


  • Savour the journey: hike Wainwright’s full trail at a slower pace
  • Spread the distance over 20 days on an extended Coast to Coast hike
  • Explore 3 National Parks in greater depth - Lakes, Dales & Moors
  • Stay in cosy inns, guesthouses and English country pubs
  • Tackle the longer days in smart and manageable sections
  • Benefit from over 40 years’ expert Coast to Coast walking experience

Wainwright's Coast to Coast is one of the world's great walks, stretching 192 miles across northern England from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. On this special 20-day extended itinerary, you'll follow the complete route from St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay with the walking spread over more days than our Classic or Rambler version. This makes the Coast to Coast more achievable, with daily distances averaging 12-20 km (7-12 miles) and the longest day just 24 km (14.5 miles). Splitting the long days, and offering an alternative for the most challenging day between Glenridding and Shap that takes in a trip on a Victorian steamboat, means you have more time to savour the views than just the miles. This itinerary is identical to the classic route, offering alternative options on days where splitting the route isn't possible.

Along the way you'll cross three National Parks; the dramatic peaks and lakes of the Lake District, the rolling valleys of the Yorkshire Dales, and the heather-clad uplands of the North York Moors. You'll walk through welcoming villages such as Grasmere, Kirkby Stephen and Richmond, discover historic sites including Wordsworth's Dove Cottage and enjoy the comfort of traditional inns, cosy guesthouses and country hotels at the end of each day. The extended itinerary leaves more time to explore - take a trip on the North Yorkshire Moors Vintage Steam Railway when you get to Grosmont!

With expert planning, detailed digital mapping in our navigational app and over 40 years of Coast to Coast experience, this "Doable" Coast to Coast itinerary gives you the best chance to complete England's most famous long-distance walk, and enjoy every step of the way.

*Please note that you can also choose from 15, 16, 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


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. Follow the footpath along red sandstone coastal cliffs off St Bees Head, home to England’s only breeding colony of Black Guillemots, then head inland over hilly ground to the edge of the Lake District National Park and your overnight stop at Cleator. For this extended itinerary we've begun with a shorter day than most other itineraries so you can find your hiking legs. Accommodation: Overnight at a small hotel on the edge of the Lake District National Park. The day’s total ascent 485m / descent 430m.

Meals:  B

Departing Cleator, your walk enters the Lake District National Park as you traverse Dent Hill via the lovely Nannycatch Gate and Beck. A delightful stroll which brings you to the final descent to leafy Ennerdale Bridge. Your second day on the trail is also a short hike so you can begin to relax into the trekking routine. Enjoy a coffee and cake at the cafe in Ennerdale (or a pint at the pub) when you arrive. Accommodation: Overnight at a friendly, family-owned hotel. 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). The day’s total ascent 463 / descent 424m.

Meals:  B

Follow a quiet and scenic footpath along the shore of Ennerdale Water, with an easy scramble under Angler’s Crag at Robin Hood’s Seat. A long walk on a forest track 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 with views down to Buttermere on a good day. 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 an ensemble of hamlets: Seatoller (the wettest place in England), Longthwaite, Rosthwaite and Stonethwaite. 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. Note: there is the option to shorten the walk today by taking a taxi from Honister Slate Mine to your accommodation in Borrowdale. If you wish to take this option, please confirm with your booking. This would reduce the walk duration by 5km/3 miles and relieve your knees of the descent into the valley. Accommodation: Your hotel tonight is located in the Borrowdale Valley near the hamlet of Seatoller. It has striking views over the local fells. The day’s total ascent 765m / descent 785m.

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! Accommodation: We use a number of different hotels and guesthouses in the busy village of Grasmere. The day’s total ascent 750m / descent 760m

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 feeling strong, 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. 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. The day’s total ascent: 525m / descent 443m or 900m / descent 805m (via the optional route over St Sunday Crag).

Meals:  B

The standard Coast to Coast stage from Glenridding to Shap is widely regarded as the most challenging of the entire route. Instead, you may prefer our recommended alternative: a gentler, more scenic journey via Ullswater and Askham Fell. Begin by boarding the historic Ullswater Steamer for a one-hour cruise to Pooley Bridge, with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding fells. Many of these elegant vessels date back to the 1880s and remain in service today, adding to the charm of the experience. From Pooley Bridge, walk across the rolling expanse of Askham Fell, descending towards Bampton and the meandering River Lowther, before continuing on to Shap Abbey – a striking 12th-century ruin dissolved by Henry VIII in 1540. Pooley Bridge to Shap via Askham Fell (16km/10 miles – 309m ascent, 199m descent) Standard Hike via Kidsty Pike (26km/16 m – 1175m ascent, 1009m descent) - details for this will also be provided should you choose to hike this day. Accommodation: A guesthouse or one of the local hostelries in 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. The day’s total ascent 199m / descent 222m.

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 is an 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. The day’s total ascent 204m / descent 263m.

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. 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.The day’s total ascent 780m / descent 575m.

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 and would be our recommendation for this extended itinerary. 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. Accommodation: Your accommodation tonight is the oldest surviving Inn in Reeth, dating from 1680. The day’s total ascent 838m / descent 911m (via the higher route).

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. 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. The day's total ascent 395m / descent 510m.

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. The day’s total ascent 35m / descent 135m.

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. The day’s total ascent 183m / descent 58m.

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, a hotel that has developed around a former dwelling dating from early 1700. It combines quality service with the atmosphere of a Yorkshire country inn. The day’s total ascent 741m / descent 640m.

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 an inn that 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. The day’s total ascent 242m / descent 112m.

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. Accommodation: Egton Bridge or Grosmont - We use a variety of lovely guesthouses/B&Bs in either of these villages. The day’s total ascent 265m / descent 616m. |

Meals:  B

Leaving the quiet village of Egton Bridge, today’s walk is short but full of variety. The path follows the River Esk through woodland and meadows, before climbing gently onto open moorland with wide views across the North York Moors to the farm at Littlebeck. You could stop at Grosmont to take a trip on the North Yorkshire Steam Railway to Pickering and back. Accommodation: Overnight in B&B accommodation on a local farm. The day’s total ascent 272m / descent 228m.

Meals:  B

Your final day on the Coast to Coast begins with a gentle climb out of Littlebeck into the tranquil woodlands of the Little Beck Valley. Here you pass Falling Foss waterfall, a perfect spot to pause before the path continues across open moorland with sweeping views towards the sea. The trail then crosses heather-clad ridges and quiet farmland, with the landscape gradually flattening as you near the coast. Approaching the North Sea, you descend to the dramatic cliffs above Robin Hood’s Bay, where the sight of the red-roofed village below signals the end of your journey. Tradition calls for walkers to dip their boots (and often a pebble carried from St Bees) into the sea, marking the completion of Alfred Wainwright’s legendary walk across England. With 192 miles behind you, celebrate your achievement in the pubs and cafés of Robin Hood’s Bay, a fitting end to one of the world’s great walks. Accommodation: our 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. The day’s total ascent 277m / descent 282m.

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

  • 19 breakfasts
  • 19 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 and local transport costs inc Ullswater Steamer
  • 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. Even within this extended and slower-paced itinerary, there are 5 days of 20km/12.5 miles or more. This itinerary misses out the long days over 25km/15.5miles but you should still expect to walk between 5 to 7 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

DN1
15-18 day versions available as well as guided options.

Priceper person from

£2290GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£900
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£970
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

This itinerary is the whole walk and follows the same route as the other complete hikes, but with extra nights added (Cleator, Orton, Danby Whiske and Littlebeck). We are also suggesting hikers follow an alternative routing on the most difficult day from Glenridding to Shap. This way, some of the longer days have been made more leisurely and manageable. This is a great option if 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.

This is the most achievable way to walk the full Coast to Coast. With the trail spread across 20 days, you’ll enjoy shorter daily distances, characterful stays in inns and guesthouses, and expert support throughout. You’ll still cross all three National Parks and finish at Robin Hood’s Bay – giving yourself the best chance of success and the time to truly savour the journey. There will be more time on the way to see the sights and enjoy the scenery, culture and local people.

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.

Yes, if the weather is good, for strong 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 an 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.

If you would like to make the trip even more "doable" extra nights and rest days will ensure you are able to take time out to regather your energy along the way. Grasmere, Kirkby Stephen and Richmond are great places to break the journey and stay extra nights. There is lots to see and do in each of these charming small towns. With an extra night, you allow yourself more time to see the sights and visit for example Ambleside, Keswick (from Grasmere).

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.


Extended Coast to Coast Walk Trip reviews


Why travel with us

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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.

Extended Coast to Coast Walk Videos

Walk England's Coast to Coast with Walkers' Britain