Dales and Moors

Make your way to the pretty market town of Kirkby Stephen on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Kirkby Stephen is famous for its many historical buildings, most notably the church built from distinctive red sandstone that dates back to 1220.

You’re in for a treat today as you cross the Pennine Hills from Cumbria into Yorkshire. The romantically named (we think) Pennines are a range of small mountains with the northern fells designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Your day begins with pleasant walking along quiet country lanes before reaching Hartley Fell where you make a choice from three signposted seasonal routes. Wainwright’s original route climbs the fell and passes a collection of towering 800-year-old cairns called the Nine Standards. At the summit there are wonderful views to enjoy before making your way along the recently built (2017) flagstone path that protects you from the worst of the unavoidable bog as you descend to the famous ‘Ravenseat’ farm. There’s no way to keep your boots and socks totally dry, so just go with the flow and enjoy the Yorkshire Dales at their finest.

6 hours
Total ascent: 780m / descent 575m
Meals: B

The locals will tell you to take the much prettier low route to Reeth, and we agree. You’ll not only walk beside the happily bubbling River Swale, but the route will take you close to the delightful village of Muker and the best cream teas on the Coast to Coast! It’s one of the joys of slow walking that you can take your time and enjoy these simple pleasures. On the path again, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the lovely pastureland and meadows nestled within wonderful drystone walls. The walls offer an intriguing array of ‘gateways’ which we like to call ‘ancient BMI indicators’ – breathe in! Providing you’ve been able to pass through the stone wall doors and make it to Reeth (one of our favourite villages on the trail) can we suggest an ice-cream on the green or ale at the pub.

5 hours
Total ascent: 838m / descent 911m via the higher route. Also 5 hours via the low route.
Meals: B

Today you’ll understand why the Yorkshire Dales is such a much-loved walking destination. After leaving Reeth, the River Swale meanders reassuringly beside you providing company as you stride out on wide easy pathways to Marrick Priory. This once Benedictine nunnery, now an outdoor education centre, was in use from 1140 to 1160 and is considered one of the best preserved in the UK. From here the path follows the Nun’s Steps through gorgeous woodland and lush farmland to charming Marske where wildflowers seem to peek from every village garden. On your way to Richmond also note the changing geology as you pass by some of the limestone cliffs for which the Yorkshire Dales is famous.

5 hours
Total ascent: 395m / descent 510m
Meals: B

Richmond is the perfect place to put your feet up, finish laundry or book a massage. Although you may be more enticed to discover its winding streets, cobbled market place and Norman castle for which it is famous. You can also shop for artisan gifts or sample local produce such as cheese, honey and fudge at ‘The Station’, the town’s former railway station. There’s also ‘The Noted Pie Shop’ in the market square, which comes highly recommended by the Coast to Coast team at RAW Travel and the British Pie Association – don’t miss it!

Meals: B

It’s probably fair to say that Alfred Wainwright put Danby Wiske, with its population of just over 300, on the map. This tiny village is the halfway point between the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors and is the lowest point on the Coast to Coast path. The River Swale is your companion again as you leave Richmond for the agricultural fields of the Vale of Mowbray. There’s the pretty church at Bolton-on-Swale where you can buy refreshments and ponder your journey. Also, look for the monument of local man Henry Jenkins who reputedly lived to age 169! From here it’s a gentle stroll along quiet country lanes and fertile pastured fields before a warm friendly welcome from the villagers at Danby Wiske.

5.5 hours
Total ascent: 138m/ descent 213m
Meals: B

The Cleveland hills beckon tantalisingly in the distance, but there’s no need to rush. Enjoy a relaxing walking pace along back country roads while enjoying the sights and sounds of rural England. Treat yourself to coffee and cake at the Joiners Shop Cafe in the idyllic village of Ingleby Arncliffe before settling in for the night to prepare yourself for tomorrow’s stunning climb to the gorgeous North York Moors.

4 hours
Total ascent: 220m/ descent 120m
Meals: B

You’ll follow the Coast to Coast path through Arncliffe Wood before a steady climb brings you to the stunning expanses of the North York Moors. If you’re walking in late summer you’ll enjoy a beautiful carpet of purple heather. Watch out for shy grouse who live among the moorland. There’s a long ascent to Live Moor and Carlton Bank but the scenery is so lovely you’ll barely notice. Break your journey at the delightful and much loved Lord Stones Café, a local landmark specialising in locally sourced produce. After a succession of hilly climbs, you’ll enjoy the wonderful views back over the Pennines and through to the North Sea. Once you arrive at Clay Bank Top your hosts for the night will transfer you to nearby Great Broughton or Chop Gate.

6 hours
Total ascent: 1130m/ descent 1015m
Meals: B

This short easy walking day over heath covered grassland has been carefully considered because we think everybody should have the opportunity to spend a night at the remote Lion Inn. The family owned inn sits atop the moors at Blakey Ridge surrounded by heathland wilderness. Built in 1553, the pub is cosy, rustic and oozes history. The low beamed ceilings, wide open fireplaces and ancient stone walls will charm the pants off you, plus the food is great and the views are spectacular.

4.5 hours
Total ascent: 505m/ descent 375m
Meals: B

High on Blakey Ridge you can take in the surrounds as you stroll down the Esk Valley past the medieval stone markers of Young Ralph and Fat Betty. There are numerous myths and legends around Fat Betty including that the cross marks the place where two nuns from nearby Rosedale Abbey lost their lives on the misty moors. As you head towards Glaisdale Moor and the village of Egton Bridge, the wide unenclosed vista inspires you to stride out with an unbound sense of freedom and adventure

6 hours
Total ascent: 265m / descent 616m
Meals: B

One of the best last days of any walk! Before you begin your climb out of Grosmont look out for steam trains at the vibrant village station. You can catch glimpses of Whitby Abbey in the distance. if your steps start getting slower as you move towards Robin Hood’s Bay, we completely understand – you won’t want this special walk to end. But there’s much to look at on your final walking day, including the last of the captivating moorlands and pretty Little Beck Woods. Enjoy morning tea or lunch at the delightful Falling Foss Tea Gardens before, finally, meeting the North Sea and stunning cliff-top views as you walk the last few kilometres and head straight to Robin Hood’s Bay and Wainwright’s Bar to celebrate your achievement.

8 hours
Total ascent: 775m / descent 805m
Meals: B

A day to relax and enjoy your achievement of completing the Coast to Coast walk. Explore this charming little town, maybe walk the Cinder Track or just relax in the local pub and swap stories with fellow walkers!

Meals: B

After a leisurely breakfast feel free to check out before 10am. If you have time, explore the fascinating nooks and crannies of Robin Hood’s Bay on the ‘Original Robin Hood’s Bay Ghost Walk’ – the trail meanders through backstreets and alleyways while you listen to tales of smugglers, sailors and shipwrecks.

Meals: B

• Hassle-free walking with exclusive use of RAW Travel’s specifically designed Coast to Coast navigation hiking app
• Pre-trip consultation from our Coast to Coast Team – added assurance to help you on your way
• 12 nights’ accommodation in character-filled warm country inns and B&Bs, hand-selected by our team
• Fresh fruits, yoghurts, cereals or a traditional hearty English breakfast to support you each day on the trail
• Pack-free walking with daily luggage transfers to your accommodation (max. 18kg per person)
• Coast to Coast guidebook (1 per twin/double share)
• Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted for every walker

• Single supplement $840
• Travel insurance
• Flights