3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 10 nights in hotels and guesthouses
Meals
  • 10 Breakfasts

11 Days£1330GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: WCO

Coast to Coast Walk East Trip highlights

  • Walk the eastern half of Wainwright’s legendary Coast to Coast trail
  • More relaxed itinerary splitting 2 long days between Richmond & Blakey
  • Explore the Pennines, Yorkshire Dales & North York Moors National Park
  • Follow the River Swale through villages to historic Richmond
  • Walk across the Vale of Mowbray into the North York Moors
  • Traverse heather-clad Blakey Ridge to the North Sea coast
  • Benefit from over 40 years’ expert Coast to Coast walking experience

This rewarding eastern section of Alfred Wainwright’s legendary Coast to Coast walk takes you from the rugged Pennines, through the Yorkshire Dales, and across the beautiful North York Moors National Park to the dramatic cliffs of the North Sea. This extended 11-day itinerary breaks up the middle stages of the route, allowing for shorter daily distances, more time to explore the scenery, and a more relaxed pace through one of England’s most charming walking regions.

Your journey begins in the Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, climbing the mystical Nine Standards Rigg before descending into the rolling green hills and timeless villages of the Yorkshire Dales. Follow the meandering River Swale into the historic market town of Richmond, then continue towards Blakey and the heather-covered slopes of the North York Moors. From here, the trail rolls dramatically towards the coast, ending with a triumphant arrival in Robin Hood’s Bay. Tradition calls for dipping your boots in the sea and celebrating with a pint, a glass of champagne, or an ice cream on the beach!

Along the way, you’ll experience classic English landscapes of dry stone walls, historic market towns, and friendly village pubs. Accommodation is in cosy small hotels, traditional inns, and welcoming guesthouses—places that showcase the warmth and hospitality of rural England.

If you’d like a faster-paced adventure, our 9-day version of this itinerary (trip code WCO) keeps the final two days between Richmond and Blakey Ridge intact for a more traditional challenge. Scroll down to explore all of our Coast to Coast walking options.

Countries:

England

Starting Point:

Kirkby Stephen

Finishing Point:

Robin Hoods Bay

Itinerary

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Make your own way to Kirkby Stephen on the edge of the Pennine Hills. You should have time to explore this pretty old market town with St. Hedda’s Church containing the 8th Century Loki stone relating to Norse Mythology. Or we recommend adding an extra night if you like to enjoy this town more. | 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:  Nil

It's your first day of this second half of Wainwright's Coast to Coast! 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. Thwaite - traditional stone hotel with 12 en-suite 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. All rooms are ensuite and have tea & coffee making facilities.

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. // 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 walking experience 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

What's included

  • 10 breakfasts
  • 10 nights accommodation on a twin share bases 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
  • 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.

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

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 Yorkshire Dales and North Yorks Moors are a mix of hill 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

3

Moderate. Some long days in upland terrain with steep climbs and descents. An average of 19km/12miles is covered each day with five long days of over 20km/12.4 miles. 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 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 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 31 Mar to 9 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High Season is from 1 May - 30 June & 1-30 Sep. A supplement applies for high season departures.
DN2
9 day version available (code WCK).

Priceper person from

£1330GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Coast to Coast PassportGBP£12
  • 2025 Single SupplementGBP£450
  • 2025 Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£480
  • 2026 Single SupplementGBP£480
  • 2025 Single Supplement - High SeasonGBP£500
  • 2026 Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£510
  • 2025 Solo Traveller Supplement - High SeasonGBP£530
  • 2026 Single Supplement - High SeasonGBP£530
  • 2026 Solo Traveller Supplement - High SeasonGBP£570
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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This is the second half (actually slightly more than half), and the eastern sectioin of the original Coast to Coast itinerary that we have been running for almost 45 years, from Kirkby Stephen to Robin Hood's Bay. We have included extra nights at Danby Whiske and Great Broughton to break up a couple of the longer walking days.

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, 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 the Pennines, Dales and 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.

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 Yorkshire Dales 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.

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 Pennines and North Yorkshire Moors – 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, 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. 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 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.

That depends on how you like to travel, but extra nights can be a great idea if you want to slow the pace and explore a little more. Richmond and Robin Hood’s Bay are both popular places to extend your stay – you could visit the castle in Richmond and explore this historic market town, while from Robin Hood’s Bay it’s just a short hop to Whitby. Kirkby Stephen and Keld are also good options; Keld is especially peaceful and ideal if you’d enjoy a quieter walking day to nearby villages like Thwaite or Muker. If you’re on a guided (escorted) trip, extra nights can only be added at the beginning or end, but on a self-guided departure you’ve got more flexibility to customise your route.

Coast to Coast Walk East 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.

Coast to Coast Walk East Videos

Walk England's Coast to Coast with Walkers' Britain

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