Spain’s Camino Frances or the UK’s Coast to Coast Path? Here’s how to choose

If you’re dreaming of your next big adventure, Spain’s Camino Frances and England’s Coast to Coast Path might both be on your radar. Both are iconic long-distance walks offering stunning landscapes, rich history and a deep connection with nature – but they are worlds apart in character and experience. So how do you choose which one is right for you? If you’ve conquered the Camino, are you ready for the challenge of the Coast to Coast Path? Here’s what you need to know to help you decide.

A quick look at both trails

• Camino de Santiago: The Camino de Santiago (or Way of St James) is a network of pilgrimage routes across Europe leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The most famous and popular is the 790km Camino Francés, which welcomes more than 500,000 pilgrims each year on a journey that’s both spiritual and rewarding, with modern comforts along the way.
• Coast to Coast Path: This 309km journey from St Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea takes hikers through three of England’s most stunning national parks: the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. Created by Alfred Wainwright, it’s a classic hiking route known for its rugged and wild beauty.

The atmosphere: pilgrimage vs. hiking challenge

• Camino Frances: The Camino is steeped in spirituality, community and tradition. It’s not just about the walking – it’s about the connections you make along the way. Pilgrims often greet each other with a warm Buen Camino! You’ll find yourself walking alongside people from all over the world with stories, songs and sometimes even shared meals. There’s an emphasis on reflection and camaraderie along this popular trail.
• Coast to Coast: The Coast to Coast Path is more of a rugged, independent trekking experience. It doesn’t have the same spiritual tone as the Camino, but there’s still plenty of trail-side camaraderie, often found in the local pub at day’s end. You’ll spend long stretches walking in solitude or with your group, surrounded by sweeping moors, misty hills and timeless countryside. It’s quieter, more introspective and deeply rewarding.

The terrain: rolling hills vs. varied challenges

• Camino Frances: The Camino Francés is accessible for most walkers, with terrain that’s both varied and manageable. The route passes rolling hills, farmland and medieval villages along forest paths, gravel trails and quiet roads. It includes three significant mountain passes reaching up to 1500m and crosses the vast, open Meseta plateau with limited services. Strong infrastructure and clear waymarking make it ideal for beginners and long-distance walkers alike.
• Coast to Coast: This is where the Coast to Coast sets itself apart – it’s a true hikers trail. The terrain is wildly varied, from the steep climbs and descents of the Lake District to the open moorlands of the North York Moors. You’ll navigate rocky paths, boggy fields and even scramble up a few hills. Being comfortable with map-reading is important here; while the route is marked, it’s not always obvious.

Weather: sunny Spain vs. moody England

• Camino Frances: Spain’s weather can vary depending on the season and route, but it’s generally warmer and more predictable than England. Spring and autumn are the most popular times to walk, offering mild temperatures and fewer crowds. You’ll still need to prepare for a rainy day, but it’s nothing like Britain’s famously changeable skies.
• Coast to Coast:  In contrast, the UK’s weather can shift dramatically – sometimes all four seasons in one day! Rain, wind and fog are part of the adventure. Good waterproofs and a positive attitude are essential. When the sun breaks through, the English countryside is simply magical.

Accommodation: hotels vs. B&Bs

• Camino Frances: When you walk the Camino with us, you’ll stay in authentic, quality accommodation from grand Parador hotels to charming casa rurales. We have chosen the most interesting and centrally located lodgings right along the Camino route offering an authentic and comfortable Spanish experience. 
• Coast to Coast: The Coast to Coast offers a quintessentially English experience, with cosy pubs, charming B&Bs and small hotels along the way. These are often family run, with hearty breakfasts to fuel your day. Your welcoming hosts are used to catering for tired walkers with muddy boots and big appetites.

Food and drink: tapas vs. pub grub

• Camino de Santiago: Walking in Spain means indulging in hearty local dishes like paella, tortilla española and sampling regional wines. Pilgrim menus offer affordable 3-course meals (often with wine included) and tapas bars are perfect for casual dining. Coffee lovers will be happy too – cafe con leche stops are part of the Camino rhythm.
• Coast to Coast: Expect classic English fare, from fish & chips to shepherd’s pie. Pub meals are the staple here, washed down with a pint of ale or cider. Breakfasts are often a full English affair, with eggs, bacon, and all the trimming – enough to power you through those tough climbs.

Navigation: signposted vs. self-navigated

• Camino Frances: The Camino is famously well-signposted. Yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols guide you every step of the way, so it’s nearly impossible to get lost. As the numbers are much higher each year on this path, there are plenty of pilgrims to follow or to ask and check if you are on the right path.
• Coast to Coast: This route requires more preparation. A guidebook and our RAW Travel App are the tools you will use, especially in poor weather when trails can become unclear. We include a day on the trail with an experienced mountain guide. Our guide is an experienced fell-walker who aims to support you on your first day in the Lake District. 

Cultural immersion: Spanish villages vs. English countryside

• Camino de Santiago: The Camino is a journey through centuries of history, from medieval cathedrals to ancient Roman bridges. Each town has its own story, traditions and charm, making the route as culturally rich as it is scenic.
• Coast to Coast: This trail takes you straight into the heart of rural England. Think stone cottages, old stone walls and timeless villages. You’ll experience authentic countryside life – a pint with locals, sheep-dotted hills and the kind of quiet beauty that feels unchanged for generations.

Support services along the route: pilgrim infrastructure vs. national park remoteness

• Camino de Santiago: On the Camino there is a high level of day-to-day support along the route. You are never far from a bar, cafe or a small store offering a pilgrims menu, snacks or a strong coffee. If you need a taxi, it’s often just a phone call away.
• Coast to Coast: In contrast, the Coast to Coast is far more remote and requires you to be self-reliant. Some sections cross open moors and high passes with no shops or services. A packed lunch, careful planning and a little independence go a long way – but that’s part of its charm.

So which walk should you choose?

Both the Camino de Santiago and the Coast to Coast Path offer remarkable journeys – but they appeal to slightly different kinds of walkers. Choose the Camino de Santiago if you’re drawn to a social, spiritual experience, with manageable terrain, great food and a sense of shared purpose. It’s ideal for those who love connection, culture and the comfort of knowing help is never far away. Opt for the Coast to Coast if you’re craving a challenge – a self-reliant trek through wild landscapes and ever-changing scenery. It’s a test of endurance, wayfinding and resilience, and the rewards are immense: solitude, sweeping views and a deep sense of accomplishment.

If you’ve already completed the Camino, the Coast to Coast can feel like a natural next step – a chance to stretch your skills and explore something more untamed. As many walkers say, the Camino is a walk, but the Coast to Coast is a hike. With the right preparation, mindset and support you’ll be ready for it.

Whether you choose Spain’s sun-soaked pilgrimage or England’s misty moors, both paths promise something more than just a walk; they offer a journey of discovery, connection and transformation.

Buen Camino – or, as they say in England – Happy trails!