length
18 Days
difficulty
Challenging - Strenuous
trip cost
from $3900 pp
Nature Immersion
Cultural Interest
Highlights
Get Ready For
- One of the world’s best and most loved long-distance hiking trails
- Rich diversity of scenery including mountains, lakes and moorland
- The mysterious centuries-old Nine Standards
- Character and history-filled inns and freehouses
- Great English food in trendy local gastro-pubs
NAVIGATION
FINDING YOUR WAY
Finding your way along the trail has become a lot easier with our exclusive APP, which has all your trip information and route guidance in one handy place. You still need to be self-reliant with wayfinding. For the best results, use a combination of road and trail signs, a backup paper map or guidebook, and our app. Knowing the daily distances, elevation changes and notable landmarks will enhance your navigation. Our app can pinpoint and confirm whether you’re still on the correct trail. Like with any phone app, it’s not intended to be used constantly as you walk. Read more about all the great features of the app and how to use it for navigation.
Itinerary
Daily Details
Arrive by local train from Manchester or Carlisle to the tiny Cumbrian village of St Bees whose roots date back to the 9th century and is the official start point of the Coast to Coast. The walk begins on the shores of the Irish Sea beach where Alfred Wainwright recommended you dip your feet into the water to mark the start of journey and collect the pebble you will carry with you to Robin Hood’s Bay. Take an evening stroll to St Bees Head which overlooks the small town and is a pleasant place to sit and watch the sun go down. If time permits visit the Priory.
The Coast to Coast walk starts with a day of varied scenery as you leave the coast and head into the hills. From the official starting point on the beach, follow the footpath north up and over the dramatic red sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head, which is a nature reserve for seabirds. Keep a lookout for kittiwakes, guillemots and puffins nesting on the cliff face. Pass the lighthouse and at the quarry the route turns inland through farmland and the villages of Sandwith, Moor Row and Cleator with their pebble-dashed houses built for coal miners. The Lake District National Park beckons beyond and after passing through Blackhow Wood you climb Dent Hill (353m), followed by a steep descent to the beautiful little valley of Nannycatch Beck. A delightful stroll along the beck then on road for a short distance will deliver you to the small village of Ennerdale Bridge and your gateway to the Lake District.
6–7 hours
Total ascent: 780m / descent 665m
Meals: B
A long, scenic day takes you along the shores of Ennerdale Water, a forgotten corner of the Lakes that gets far fewer visitors than the Central Lakes. There is a choice of two paths, either the traditional south side route or the relatively flat north side path, preferable in wet weather. Both paths converge at the end of Ennerdale Water where a flat walk along a forest track continues to the remote Black Sail Youth Hostel. This is an excellent place to break your journey before ascending Loft Beck after which you climb up over the wild expanse of Honister Pass with fabulous views of the fells and lakes. The Slate Mine Visitor Centre is worth a look to understand the long history of mining in this region, which goes back before even Roman Britain. Follow the path down the long descent to the Borrowdale Valley.
Take note that today’s route passes through the area that records the highest rainfall in England, a country noted for its rain! You’ll pass through Seatoller village before walking into the wide expanse of Borrowdale Valley to the village of Rosthwaite, your stop for the night.
7 hours
Total ascent: 765m / descent 785m
Meals: B
Today you head out of the lovely valley of Borrowdale and follow the path alongside Stonethwaite Beck, passing through fields of Herdwick and Swaledale sheep before climbing quite steeply up towards Eagle’s Crag with great views back down the valley. From here the path along Greenup Edge leads you into the high country at the heart of the Lake District.
Coming to the head of the Easedale Valley you have a choice of paths, one descends down into the valley and follows the line of Easedale Gill, (better for inclement weather). The other path to the left skirts along the top of the crags and provides wonderful views and walking in good weather. On this path you’ll pass by the iconic Lion and the Lamb rock outcrop by Helm Crag, which is well known to Lakeland motorists in the valley below. You get fine views of the lake at Grasmere and tomorrow’s walk before you drop down to Easedale and Grasmere in the valley below.
6 hours
Total ascent: 750m / descent 760 via Helm Crag
Meals: B
The day starts with a climb up out of Grasmere and to the pass at Grisedale, where there is a rock at ‘Brother’s Parting’. Here the poet Wordsworth inscribed some (now faint) verses to his lost brother. Arriving at the head of the Grisedale Tarn (539m) you have a choice of 3 possible routes; one leads up and over St Sunday Crag (841m), which is a ridge walk along this Monolithic block of stone with tremendous views. The central path follows the valley down to Patterdale and is the best option in poor weather. The most challenging and arduous route leads to the left up to the summit of Helvellyn (950m) and from there down onto the infamous spine of the Striding Edge – so called because of the precipitous drop off either side of the narrow path. It’s frequently used in photographs of the Coast to Coast and probably England’s best-known stretch of mountain. It is not for the faint of heart and involves some scrambling up and down rock pitches.
All three routes lead to Patterdale and so your choice is largely dependent on weather conditions and your stamina or head for heights. Patterdale is a lovely village with a serene location at the head of Ullswater. It’s well worth a stroll out in the evening before you call in at one of the local pubs or hotel for dinner. The local shop here is a mine of information and supplies for Coast to Coast walkers so it’s worth sticking your head in here also.
5 hours
Total ascent: 900m / descent 805m via the recommended route over St Sunday Crag – add 3km and 2 hours if including the detour via Helvellyn and Striding Edge; 4 hours if taking the central route down the valley
Meals: B
A long day ahead today as you leave the central lakes and head outside the national park to Shap. The path climbs out of the Patterdale valley with splendid views of Ullswater and the tall mountains over which you walked yesterday. The trail winds between the crags passing Angle Tarn and continues to climb to the Knott (739m) and Kidsty Pike (780m), the highest point on the Coast to Coast, after which you start the descent down to Haweswater lake in the valley below.
Haweswater is the most remote of the lakes and has a markedly different feel to the central lakes, for many people it is their favorite and the walk takes you along the length of the lake close to the water’s edge. Look out for golden eagles, this was the only place in England that the birds nested and consequently attracted many keen birders. At the head of Haweswater Valley you’ll pass through Burnbanks and then walk on through scenic farmland. On approach to Shap, you will pass one of the highlights of the Coast to Coast, the evocative ruins of Shap Abbey dating back to the 12th century. Henry VIII dissolved the abbey, along with other monastic orders, in 1540.
7–9 hours
Total ascent: 1174m / descent 1009m
Meals: B
Today is a long day. The scenery is quite different from other stages of the trail and the going will be a little easier. We walk across the Westmoreland Plateau with limestone escarpments, moorland, pasture and scattered farmhouses. The limestone plateau east of Shap yielded many archaeological finds from 200 sites that date back from 2,000 to 9,000 years ago with axe heads, arrows and seed deposits from the Neolithic and Bronze Age peoples prior to the arrival of the Romans in Britain. Near Oddendale are the remains of two concentric stone circles that date back almost 6,000 years.
You’ll pass by Sunbiggin Tarn with its resident birdlife before dropping into the Lune Valley and Smardale Gill Viaduct where you should look out for the ‘pillow mounds’ – prehistoric sites whose purpose remains unclear. Long dry-stone walls are a constant feature of today’s walk.
After walking up Smardale Fell with views far ahead to Nine Standards Rigg, you drop down the other side to the welcome sight of the attractive market town of Kirkby Stephen. In town don’t miss the parish church of St Hedda which has several interesting features including a Norman coffin, the tusk of the last wild boar in England and a stone depicting Loki the Viking god of mischief which dates back to the eighth century.
9 hours
Total ascent: 602m / descent 685m
Meals: B
Leaving the sheltered valley of Kirkby Stephen you’ll be climbing up to the wild moors of the Pennines, the spine of Northern England. Leaving Cumbria and entering Yorkshire, you’ll also cross over the watershed of the Coast to Coast at Nine Standards Rigg from which all waters then flow eastward to drain into the North sea. Here you will see here an arrangement of drystone obelisks whose purpose remains a mystery. The walk goes over high and boggy ground with patchy waymarking so in conditions of low cloud or heavy rain it may be advisable to walk the green marked low route to Keld. There are three seasonal variations to the route Coast to Coast walkers are asked to follow on the walk over Nine Standards Rigg and these are signposted along the way.
Descending from Nine Standards Rigg after White Mossey Hill, the moors become increasingly gentler as we walk down towards the valley and Ravenseat Farm with the chance to indulge in Amanda’s home made scones and cream. Continue to the old Norse village Keld the halfway point on the Coast to Coast.
6 hours
Total ascent: 780m / descent 575m
Meals: B
Keld sits at the head of the Swaledale Valley and here the Coast to Coast dissects the longer northbound Pennines Way. Keld with its many waterfalls, and old stone barns is now a tiny hill village but in the mid 19th century it was the heart of a thriving lead mining industry and today’s walk can show you the remains and legacy of those boom times. Not only is the area littered with mining ruins but in some parts the ground has been stripped away completely to leave a scarred and desolate landscape. There is a choice of routes and in poor weather the lower level walk via Swaledale is a pretty alternative to the high route via the mines.
There is also a good village pub in Gunnerside on this lower route, consider the 10-minute detour across the Swale River for morning tea at Muker before returning back over the bridge to rejoin the path to Gunnerside.
The walk finishes in Reeth with its variety of pubs and tea shops to recuperate plus a fine village green to sit out and enjoy. Recommended by locals to do the lower route.
5 hours
Total ascent: 838m / descent 911m via the higher route. Also 5 hours via the low route.
Meals: B
Today you leave the Pennines behind and enter into the Yorkshire Dales through countryside and small villages. This morning’s walk take you through woodland tracts and the lovely villages of the Swaledale Valley such as Marrick and Marske with limestone crags beyond. If you arrive in Richmond early enough you’ll have time to explore the shops and sights of one of the Coast to Coast’s busiest towns.
Richmond is the largest town on the Coast to Coast with its own Norman castle dating back to the 11th century, a wonderful Georgian theatre and cobbled market square from which lead many winding alleys known locally as ‘wynds’.
5 hours
Total ascent: 395m / descent 510m
Meals: B
It’s recommended that you break your journey for a rest day here to catch up on any services such as laundry or just relax and recharge your batteries. This rest day can be switched to another part of the itinerary if you’d prefer to take it elsewhere or even taken out completely from your itinerary though is our recommendation that you take at least one rest day. Richmond is a great place to take a rest day and enjoy the many shops and restaurants around the central cobbled marketplace. Be sure to enjoy a traditional Yorkshire pork pie from the bakery.
A lovely day of mostly flat rural walking. Walk from Richmond beside the River Swale and across fields before passing under the busy A1 road to Catterick Racecourse which was built on a Roman fort. Continue onto Bolton-on-Swale where the churchyard holds a memorial to Henry Jenkins, who supposedly lived to 169! On leaving Bolton Beck you encounter a long stretch of road walking along quiet country roads and farmland. Consider a short visit to the historic Jacobean Kiplin Hall for lunch. Continue on through until you reach the tiny village of Danby Wiske with its Norman church, village green and single pub.
5.5 hours
Total ascent: 138m / descent 213m
Meals: B
From Danby Wiske you set out across farmlands as you make your way towards the Cleveland Hills. Today is mostly walking through rural areas on road and farm tracks along the lowest point of the Coast to Coast through the Vale of Mowbray. There is a railway line and the busy A19 motorway to cross before reaching the safety of the delightful Ingleby Cross where we recommend you treat yourself to coffee and cake at the Joiners Shop cafe – a definite must do Coast to Coast experience! The terrain becomes slightly hillier as you approach the quaint historic village of Osmotherley which is just off the path, and your home for the evening.
5 hours
Total ascent: 220m/ descent 120m
Meals: B
Today you’ll be entering into the wide open spaces of the North Yorkshire Moors and some hill walking again after the flat of the last couple of days. The North York Moors National Park offers wide open expanses of heather moorland covered with a carpet of purple flowers in the summer months. It is an area both brooding and beautiful and makes for very pleasant walking.
First we follow the path through Arncliffe Wood and a steep climb brings you to the open expanses of the North York Moors, heather clad hills with patches of forest. After coming off Scarth Wood Moor, there is a long ascent up Live Moor and Carlton Bank (408 m) before descending to the welcome sight of Lord Stones Café. Thereafter follows a succession of hilly ascents and descents with Cringle Moor, Broughton Bank and White Hill all at or over 400m. There are great views today all the way back to the Pennines before you arrive at Clay Bank Top from where you deviate from the trail to your accommodation at nearby Great Broughton (they can arrange lifts with a phone call).
6 hours
Total ascent: 1130m/ descent 1015m
Meals: B
Today‘s walk takes you up into the moors past Urra Lookout for the ‘face Stone’, one of several old standing stones some marked with inscriptions which were used as way markers in their day. You’ll cross over Round Hill (454m) then follow the line of the old dismantled Rosedale railway line to the Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge, but not seeing much else in the way of human habitation. The railway was built to exploit the ironstone on which this area prospered in the 1800s but closed in 1929. In good weather there are nice views into the upper valleys of Farn and Esk Dales, but if it’s a wet or windy day it can be a bit grim up here and the arrival at the ancient Lion Inn is eagerly anticipated. Enjoy a pint and hearty lunch here, the Lion Inn having been a welcome refuge for over 400 years and a popular tourist stop.
4.5 hours
Total ascent: 505m/ descent 375m
Meals: B
A fine day’s walk coming down off the high moors and into idyllic countryside and villages of Glaisdale and Egton Bridge. First you’ll pass the White Cross of ‘Fat Betty’, a monument to nuns lost on the moors, and stones of the ‘Ralph’s’ as you work your way over the moors and on a clear day you’ll get your first view of the North Sea, your finish line tomorrow. Dropping into the Esk Valley you finish at the delightful village of Egton Bridge, a walker’s favourite on the Coast to Coast. This is the area where the TV series ‘Heartbeat’ was filmed and it corresponds to most people’s expectations of timeless English rural life. Enjoy an evening meal at the Postgate Inn, known as The Black Dog in Heartbeat.
6 hours
Total ascent: 265m / descent 616m
Meals: B
Your last day on the Coast to Coast is a suitably long one with many highlights – and ups and downs! This morning follow the old toll road to the village of Grosmont, you might get there in time to see one of the local steam engines of the North Yorks Moors railway pull out for its run to Pickering. Truly a grand sight from a bygone age this was also featured more recently in the Harry Potter movie series. The trail climbs steeply out of Grosmont to cross heather moors with views to Whitby and its abbey. After passing the five standing monoliths of High Brides Stones you’ll drop down to the lovely forest of the Beck Valley and the village of Littlebeck. Pass by the ‘Hermitage’ a huge boulder hollowed out to make a home and relax for tea and scones in the garden at Midge Hall near the 20m high Falling Foss Waterfall.
A last area of high moor at Greystone hills brings you finally to the coast, where the last 5km are spent on the coastal cliff path to Robin Hood’s Bay, which is concealed until the last moment. This is a charming village of red roofed houses and narrow alleyways clustered around a fine harbour. A final steep descent to Wainwright’s Bar at the Bay Hotel where you may celebrate the end of this 191 mile, 309km, crossing of England with a drink, and as tradition dictates, dip your toes into the North Sea and throw away the pebble you’ve carried from St Bees.
8 hours
Total ascent: 775m / descent 805m
Meals: B
Enjoy your last breakfast of the Coast to Coast in Robin Hood’s Bay and check-out before 10am.
Meals: B
Map
Explore
St Bees
This small town on the Cumbrian coast is the official starting point of the Coast to Coast walk. Tradition dictates that walkers start the route on St Bees beach by getting their feet wet and collecting a pebble. You do the same on the other side at the North Sea in Robin Hood’s Bay.
CLICK ON A PIN TO REVEAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAT LOCATION
Ennerdale Bridge
At Ennerdale Bridge you will catch your first glimpse of the beautiful and breathtaking Lake District National Park, which features 16 major lakes and numerous fells. The landscape is spellbinding!
Rosthwaite
The charming village of Rosthwaite is known for its picturesque landscapes, including the Borrowdale Valley, which is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the Lake District. The village is also home to the River Derwent.
Grasmere
Grasmere is one of England’s prettiest and most-loved villages. Home to poet William Wordsworth whose gravesite lies at the local church ground, and the famous Sarah Nelson gingerbread, spend your rest day exploring all its delights. There are plenty of tea shops where you can tuck into home-made cake and scones, or visit one of the many adventure stores for any last minute hiking supplies. If you have time take a tour of Dove Cottage and Wordsworth museum on the town’s outskirts where you can immerse yourself a little in his day-to-day life.
Patterdale
Patterdale is a lovely village with a serene location at the head of Ullswater Lake; it’s well worth a stroll out in the evening before you call in at one of the local pubs or hotels for dinner. The local shop here is a mine of information and supplies for Coast to Coast walkers so it’s worth sticking your head in.
Kidsty Pike
Kidsty Pike (780m) is the highest point of the Coast to Coast Path. After you’ve reached the summit, you descend to quiet Haweswater Lake in the valley below. Haweswater is the most remote of the lakes and has a markedly different feel to the central lakes.
Orton
The pretty village of Orton has amongst its attractions Kennedy’s chocolate factory – a wonderful treat for those inclined to sweet tastes after your walk; they even have a Coast to Coast chocolate bar!
Kirkby Stephen
Kirkby Stephen is a lively market town. It’s well worth exploring if you have time. When you eave the sheltered valley of Kirkby Stephen the Coast to Coast path takes you into the wild moors of the Pennine mountain range – the spine of northern England.
Keld
The tiny hamlet of Keld sits at the head of the Swaledale Valley and has many waterfalls and old stone barns. In the mid-19th century it was the heart of a thriving lead mining industry. You’ll reach it after you’ve passed the Nine Standards Rigg – an arrangement of dry stone obelisks whose purpose remains a mystery.
Reeth
Reeth has a variety of pubs and tea shops to recuperate after your day’s walk, plus a fine village green to sit in if the weather is fine.
Richmond
Richmond is an attractive market town and one of the Coast to Coast’s busiest towns. It has its own Norman castle dating back to the 11th century, a wonderful Georgian theatre, and cobbled market square from which lead many winding alleys known locally as ‘wynds’.
Danby Wiske
The tiny village of Danby Wiske has a Norman church, village green and single pub.
Ingleby Arncliffe
Treat yourself to coffee and cake at the Joiners Shop Cafe in the idyllic village of Ingleby Arncliffe. It has delicious coffee specialties from all over the world and is a haven on the Coast to Coast.
North York Moors
The beautiful North York Moors are famed for the heather-clad moorland, most spectacular in the late summer when it magically lights up the landscape in a fiery blanket of bright pinks and purples.
Blakey Ridge
High on remote Blakey Ridge you can take in the surrounding expanses as you meander into the Esk Valley and pass the medieval stone markers of Young Ralph and Fat Betty. The Lion Inn, a 16th-century freehouse, is located at the highest point of the North York Moors National Park and offers breathtaking views over the valleys of Rosedale and Farndale.
Egton Bridge
Egton Bridge is a favourite on the Coast to Coast. This is the area where the TV series ‘Heartbeat’ was filmed and it corresponds to most people’s expectations of timeless English rural life.
Robin Hood’s Bay
Robin Hood’s Bay is a charming village of red roofed houses and narrow alleyways clustered around a fine harbour. You can celebrate the end of your crossing of England with a drink at Wainwright’s Bar and, as tradition dictates, dip your toes into the North Sea and throw away the pebble you’ve carried from St Bees!
Inclusions
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- Hassle-free walking with exclusive use of RAW Travel specifically designed Coast to Coast navigational hiking app
- 17 nights’ accommodation in warm character-filled country inns and B&Bs – all hand-selected by our team
- Fresh fruits, yoghurts, cereals or a traditional hearty English breakfast to support you each day on the trail
- Daily luggage transfers (max. 18kg per person)
- Coast to Coast guidebook (1 per twin/double share)
- Advice and support from our experienced Coast to Coast team
- Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted for every walker
- Single supplement $1255
- Travel insurance
- Flights
Preparation
Self-Guided Walking
This self-guided walking tour requires individuals to use problem-solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes. You’ll have use of our exclusive navigation app, which will help you find your way. If this is your first self-guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of our first-time travellers attest. The freedom of a self-guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.
Exclusive Guide
get inspired
Wainwright’s iconic Coast to Coast Path passes through glorious scenery in three of England’s best national parks – the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. There are countless small villages, majestic views and warm, welcoming pubs to break your journey. Find out all you need to know in our free Destination Guide bursting with inspiration, travel essentials, practical information and more!
Coast to Coast
The Self-Guided Trip – Coast to Coast
- Includes your own personal Lake District guide for a day
- Traverse northern England on Wainwright’s famous walk
- Meander three of the UK’s most beautiful national parks
- Be charmed by quintessential English villages and pubs
$4,595.00
Coast to Coast
Dales and Moors – Coast to Coast
- Walk quiet pathways of England’s most-loved national parks
- Discover the fascinating and mysterious Nine Standards Rigg
- Eat fresh local produce and sample regional ales and ciders
- Explore the almost 1000-year-old Richmond Castle
$2,620.00
Coast to Coast
Lakeland Ramble
- Includes your own personal mountain guide for a day
- Wander through charming lakeland villages
- Absorb the remote wilderness of the Lake District
- Listen for cuckoos in the Borrowdale valley
$2,185.00
Coast to Coast
The Slow Walk – Coast to Coast
- Includes your own personal Lake District guide for a day
- Take your time, enjoy life in the slow lane
- Reconnect with nature, yourself or your walking buddy
- Be captivated by woodlands, meadows and mountain views
$5,195.00
TRIP date selection
when would you like to travel?
Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed