Coast to Coast Walk: Guided

Complete Wainwright's Coast to Coast on a small group walking holiday

Join one of the few companies in the UK to offer fully guided trips along Alfred Wainwright’s legendary Coast to Coast walk. For over 40 years, Walkers’ Britain has been leading small-group walking holidays along this iconic 315km / 195-mile trail from the Irish Sea at St Bees to the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay, crossing three of England’s most spectacular National Parks: the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors.

Why choose a guided Coast to Coast Hike with us?

Our experienced leaders bring the route to life, sharing the stories, wildlife, history, and hidden viewpoints that make this one of the world’s great walks. From pointing out rare flora in the Lake District to explaining the history of a stone bridge in the Dales, your guide adds a depth of knowledge and local insight you simply can’t get from a map.
We keep our groups small, typically 4 to 12 walkers, so you’ll enjoy a friendly, personal atmosphere and the camaraderie of like-minded hikers from around the world. All logistics are taken care of: luggage transfers, route planning, and handpicked accommodation on the trail in cosy independent hotels, guesthouses, and traditional pubs.

Our Guided Coast to Coast Trips

You can choose from two main styles of guided walking holiday:

  • Classic Full Route Guided Coast to Coast

Walk the entire trail in 15–17 days, starting at St Bees on the Irish Sea. Then crossing the rugged fells and passes of the Lake District and striding through the Yorkshire Dales. You will be rolling across the heather moorland of the North York Moors before dipping your boots in the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay. This is the ultimate way to complete Wainwright’s vision, supported every step of the way by an expert guide.

  • Best of the Coast to Coast in Comfort

For those who prefer shorter walking days, more time for sightseeing, and premium accommodation, this 10-day guided trip focuses on the most scenic and iconic sections of the trail. You’ll still cross all three National Parks but enjoy extra experiences such as a cruise on Ullswater, a heritage steam train ride, a visit to a Yorkshire Dales hill farm, and even a stay in a castle. The trip concludes with a night in the historic city of York, the perfect finale.

Both options give you the unforgettable experience of literally walking across England, with the support, knowledge, and passion of a Walkers’ Britain guide. Plus the reassurance of over four decades of experience running Coast to Coast trips.

 

For those that like to travel self guided or with their own private group, the team at Walkers’ Britain can organise tailored departures that meet your exact wishes. Just contact us to discuss your requirements or read more about private group trips.

 

Find your Coast to Coast Walk: Guided trip

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Why travel with us

Walking Specialists Along the Coast to Coast

We have been operating walking holidays in the United Kingdom and Europe for over 50 years. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can focus on exploring the United Kingdom and Coast to Coast trail by foot.

Great Value & Quality Coast to Coast Walks

Our well priced guided Coast to Coast trips offer great value for money. Included in your package is an experienced professional guide, bag transfers and locally-run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your guided walking holiday along the Coast to Coast.

Personal Experiences of Wainwright's Coast to Coast

We've been walking and cycling the planet for five decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of the UK and dozens of times on the Coast to Coast, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot.

Responsible travel

Walkers' Britain is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. We take travellers to many countries which are home to challenging wilderness, rich biodiversity, and fragile environments. It is the travel choices we make while visiting these environments that reduce the negative impact. This is the essence of responsible and sustainable travel - something we take very seriously. View our award winning Responsible Travel Guidebook here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Often family run and independent, these charming hotels range from 2 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge of the Coast to Coast walk is invaluable. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Bed & breakfasts (B&Bs)

Simple yet rich in local character, the B&Bs chosen on our guided Coast to Coast walks are clean, comfortable and run by hosts that help add to your hiking experience.

Guesthouses

Similar to bed & breakfasts, these family-owned accommodations are clean and comfortable. Rooms with en-suites generally have a shower but no bath due to space. There may be a separate room with a bath tub.

Leaders in the field

John Millen

With over 25 years of experience in active adventures, John's travels have taken him to a multitude of countries including Tanzania, Belize, Uzbekistan, Nepal, Kenya, Russia and Botswana. John began leading Walkers' Britain trips in 1991, resulting in a strong sense of the outdoor activities that Europe has to offer. He is energised by exploring different environments and physical challenges and spends much of his spare time on mountaineering trips, cycling and walking in the Yorkshire Dales.

Daryl Cavanagh

Climbing led our guide Daryl Cavanagh to other sports and active travel all around the world. It gave him once-in-a-lifetime experiences and memories that can never be taken away. Getting away from busy life helps him relax. "The feeling of stillness being on the side of a hill or mountain, and just enjoying the view is priceless", he says. Daryl tips: "No adventure completely goes to plan, that is the nature of adventures, so enjoy it all - even the bumps in the road. Take plenty of photos but also put the camera away and enjoy the environment -the memories will last".

Mark Watson

Mark has travelled all his life. In the UK he discovered the Coast to Coast walk, which spans the breadth of England. "This walk never stops fascinating me and is different every time I go. It brings together in one walk many diverse cultures, different scenery and is a favourite of mine".
Mark tips: It’s really important to stay fit for these trips and to prepare in advance as much as possible. As a guide, Mark can easily get out on the fells where he lives in Cumbria. This keeps him hill fit. To be active travel ready, it’s a good idea to read up on your itinerary and country, Mark says. 

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