length

20 Days

difficulty

Challenging - Strenuous

trip cost

from $5995 pp

Icons / stylised / time Created with Sketch.

length

20 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Challenging - Strenuous

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

from $5995 pp

Nature Immersion

Cultural Interest

Guided Trip

our walk expert

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Experience
  • Exclusive Guide
  • Similar walks

Overview

Coast to Coast Guided

Join us on this cracking walk across Northern England following Alfred Wainwright’s much-loved Coast to Coast trail. You’ll traverse glorious panoramic scenery and three of the UK’s most stunning national parks including the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. This epic ramble sets out from the shores of the Irish Sea in the tiny village of St Bees through the magnificent wilderness of the Lake District to cross the Pennine hills and the hauntingly beautiful Yorkshire Moors. En route you’ll walk through countless small villages, experience majestic views and warm, welcoming pubs to break your journey before embracing the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay.

Our fully guided walk breaks the route down into 16 manageable stages. We also include rest days in the tiny village of Grasmere and the market town of Richmond. The first section of the walk is arguably the most dramatic as you pass over the high peaks of the fabled Lake District but each stage of the Coast to Coast Path offers something different and many love the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales equally. It is an exceptional way to enjoy the culture and history of rural England including literary connections, centuries old pubs and colourful local characters.

Coast to Coast

Highlights

Get Ready For

  • Join our expert guide on Wainwright’ famous walk across Northern England
  • Savour the rich diversity of scenery including dramatic Lakeland panoramas
  • Explore the delights of Grasmere on your rest day 
  • Hike three national parks: Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors
  • Fabulous celebratory group dinner at Robin Hood’s Bay
  • Connect with nature and like-minded people on one of the world’s best walks

Download Itinerary

Itinerary

DAILY DETAILS

Week 1: ST BEES TO ORTON
Day 1: ARRIVE ST BEES

Arrive by local train from Lancaster 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. Meet at the local pub for a warm welcome and group introduction – tomorrow your walk begins on the shores of the Irish Sea. Alfred Wainwright recommends dipping  your feet into the water to mark the start of journey and collecting a pebble to carry with you to Robin Hood’s Bay.

Day 2: ST BEES TO ENNERDALE BRIDGE (22.5KM)

The Coast to Coast walk starts with a day of varied scenery as we climb from the beach to follow the path up and over the dramatic red sandstone cliffs of St. Bees Head. The trail has three RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) viewing points and England’s only cliff-nesting seabird colony, so keep a lookout for kittiwakes and guillemots on the wing. Before too long we leave the coast and head into the hills past the quiet villages of Sandwith, Moor Row and Cleator. If the weather is fine we will take lunch by the River Eden before our first challenging climb over Dent Hill (353m). As we head towards Nannycatch Beck and Ennerdale Bridge you will catch your first glimpse of the beautiful and breath-taking Lake District National Park. If time permits we can enjoy afternoon tea or ice cream at ‘The Gather’, a delightful community owned cafe and shop.

6-7 hours – total ascent 780m / descent 665m

Meals: B

Day 3: ENNERDALE BRIDGE TO ROSTHWAITE (24KM)

A long scenic day takes us along the shores of Ennerdale Water, a forgotten corner of the Lakes that gets far fewer visitors than the Central Lakes. Leaving Ennerdale, the trail is relatively flat but includes some scrambly sections as we make our way to the remote YHA at Black Sail. The youth hostel is an excellent place to break our journey before the dizzying ascent up Loft Beck where we climb up over the wild expanse of Honister Pass. There is a choice of routes to take today depending on weather conditions, both of which will take you 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!

We pass through Seatoller village in the beautiful Borrowdale Valley before walking to Rosthwaite with its lovely pub and hotel. Down the road is the enchanting little hamlet of Stonethwaite, worth a look in for an evening pint at the charming country inn and to admire the storybook narrow lane and cottages.

7 hours – total ascent 765m / descent 785m

Meals: B

Day 4: ROSTHWAITE TO GRASMERE (14.5KM)

Today we head out of the lovely valley of Borrowdale and follow the path alongside Stonethwaite Beck, passing through fields of Herdwick and Swaledale sheep before starting our steep climb towards Eagle’s Crag and great views back down the valley. From here the path takes us along Greenup Edge to the head of Easedale Valley. Here we have a choice of paths (weather dependent) one descends down into the valley and follows the line of Teasdale Gill (better for inclement weather), the other skirts along the top of the crags and provides wonderful views and walking in good weather. On this path we will pass by the iconic Lion and the Lamb rock outcrop by Helm Crag, which is well known to Lakeland motorists in the valley below. We will enjoy fine views of the lake at Grasmere and a glimpse of tomorrow’s walk before dropping down to Grasmere in the valley below.

6 hours – total ascent 750m / descent 760 via Helm Crag

Meals: B

Day 5: REST DAY IN 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.

Meals: B

Day 6: GRASMERE TO PATTERDALE (13.5KM)

A vigorous and great day’s walking is ahead of us as the day begins with a lovely climb up out of Grasmere past Raise Beck Falls which makes for a nice stop. There are wonderful views back over the valley below before tackling the last of the  climb to the pass at Grisedale.  Keep a lookout for the  rock at ‘Brother’s Parting’ where poet William Wordsworth inscribed some (now very faint) verses to his brother John at what was to be the point of their last farewell.

Arriving at the head of the Grisedale Tarn (539m) we 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 for poor weather. The most challenging 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 feint of heart and involves some scrambling up and down rock pitches, though that does not deter walkers and on a busy summer day you’ll even see people hoisting their dogs up and down these pitches along the ridge!

All three routes lead to Patterdale and so our choice is largely dependent on weather conditions, stamina or head for heights. 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.

5 hours – total ascent: 900m / descent 805m via the recommended route over St Sunday Crag – extra 3km and 2 hours if including the detour via Helvellyn and Striding Edge

Meals: B

Day 7: PATTERDALE TO SHAP (25KM)

A long day but enjoyable day ahead as we leave the Lake District behind and head outside the National Park to the tiny town of Shap on its fringes. The path first climbs out of the Patterdale valley with splendid views back over Ullswater and the tall mountains we walked over yesterday. The trail weaves its way between the crags passing the delightfully pretty Angle Tarn to continue its climb to Knott (739m) and onto Kidsty Pike (780m) – the highest point of the Coast to Coast Path. After the summit we begin our descent 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, for many people it is their favorite and the walk takes us along the length of Haweswater close to the water’s edge. Look out for shy red squirrels whose habitat is threatened by the non-native grey squirrel. One of the Lake District’s most famous  residents was Beatrix Potter who made red squirrels famous in her book ‘‘A Tale of Squirrel Nutkin’.

Before we arrive at Shap we pass one of the highlights of the Coast to Coast walk – the evocative ruins of Shap Abbey dating back to the 12th century. Henry VIII dissolved the abbey, along with other monastic orders in 1540. We also pass the remains of an ancient stone circle which was plundered for its stone by the monks who built Shap Abbey! 

7-9 hours – total ascent: 1174m / descent 1009m

Meals: B

Week 2: Orton to Richmond
Day 8: SHAP TO ORTON (13KM)

Today’s scenery is quite different from other stages of the trail, with limestone escarpments, moorland, pasture and scattered farmhouses. The limestone plateau east of Shap yielded many archaeological finds from over 200 sites with ancient relics dated from 2,000 to 9,000 years ago. The finds  include axe heads , arrows and seed deposits from the Neolithic and Bronze Age peoples prior to the arrival of the Romans. Near Oddendale are the remains of two concentric stone circles that date back almost 6,000 years. 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!

4 hours – total ascent 535m / descent 655m

Meals: B

Day 9: ORTON TO KIRKBY STEPHEN (20KM)

Our walk today leads us into one of the least populated parts of England, up over wild moorlands to take us into a landscape of the dramatic remains of Victorian rail engineering. This is a longer day but with easy gradients and glimpses of a prehistoric past when these lonely places were once busy with human life, make it very pleasant. We will pass by Sunbiggin Tarn, a beautiful isolated lake and designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) important for its rich variety of birdlife and flora. From here we drop into the Lune Valley and Smardale Bridge where we will look out for ‘pillow mounds’ – prehistoric sites whose purpose remains unclear. After walking up Smardale Fell we drop down to the welcome sight of Kirkby Stephen, a lively town well worth exploring if you have time.

5.5 hours – total ascent 535m / 723m descent

Meals: B

Day 10: KIRKBY STEPHEN TO KELD (21KM)

There are a few variations on the walk today which could be put in place when the tracks become too eroded and muddy or when a grouse shoot is taking place. Any diversions and periods during which Coast to Coast walkers are asked to follow them over Nine Standards Rigg are indicated on notice boards at Hartley Fell (milepost 87). Your guide will make a decision around which route to take based on current information and conditions.

Leaving the sheltered valley of Kirkby Stephen the climb begins to the wild moors of the Pennine mountain range – the spine of northern England. Today also marks a watershed on the Coast to Coast as all waters from Nine Standards Rigg (an arrangement of dry stone obelisks whose purpose remains a mystery) onwards, begin to flow eastward towards the North sea, your final destination. 

Three seasonal routes have been introduced to help protect the delicate biodiversity of the area from thousands of walking boots. One thing you will notice is the peat bogs, they are almost unavoidable and we recommend gaiters for this section if you have them. After Nine Standards Rigg the moors become increasingly gentler as the path continues into the tiny hamlet of Keld with its many waterfalls and old stone barns.

6 hours – total ascent 780m / descent 575m

Meals: B

Day 11: KELD TO REETH (18.5KM)

Keld sits at the head of the Swaledale Valley and here the Coast to Coast dissects the longer northbound Pennine Way. Keld 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 leads us through 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 route to the high route via the mines. There is also a good village pub in Gunnerside on the lower route. The walk finishes in Reeth with its variety of pubs and tea shops to recuperate, plus a fine village green to sit in if the weather is fine. 

5 hours – total ascent 838m / descent 911m via the higher route

Meals: B

Day 12: REETH TO RICHMOND (18KM)

Today we leave the Pennines behind and enter into the Yorkshire Dales passing through lovely farmland countryside and small villages. This morning’s walk follows the River Swale – as you walk you begin to understand why the Dales is a much-loved walking destination. The path follows the Nun’s Steps through gorgeous woodland tracts and the lovely villages of Swaledale, Marske and Marrick. Marrick Priory, now an outdoor education centre, was once a Benedictine nunnery in use from 1140 to 1160 and is considered one of the best preserved in the UK.  Notice the changing geology as you pass the limestone crags and cliffs for which the Yorkshire Dales is famous.

5 hours – total ascent 395m / descent 510m

Meals: B

Day 13: REST DAY IN RICHMOND

Time for a rest day to take a break from the walking and put your legs up for the day. Explore the shops and sights of one of the Coast to Coast’s busiest towns. Richmond is an attractive market town 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’.

Meals: B

Day 14: RICHMOND TO DANBY WISKE (22.5KM)

A lovely day of mostly rural walking. We 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. We continue onto Bolton-on-Swale where the churchyard holds a memorial to Henry Jenkins, who supposedly lived to 169! On leaving Bolton Beck we encounter the longest stretch of road walking for the entire Coast to Coast. Nonetheless, the walk along quiet country roads and through pretty farmland is very pleasant and enjoyable. Our stop for today is the tiny village of Danby Wiske with its Norman church, village green and single pub. Depending on B&B availability we may transfer by taxi to our accommodation in a nearby town. 

5.5 hours – total ascent 138m / descent 142m

Meals: B

Week 3: Danby Wiske to Robin Hood's Bay
Day 15: DANBY WISKE TO INGLEBY CROSS (15.5KM)

Crossing the bridge just outside Danby Wiske you can see the outline of the Cleveland Hills into the distance towards Ingleby Cross. Today is mostly road walking through rural areas and the lowest point of the Coast to Coast through the Vale of Mowbray. Make you 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

Day 16: INGLEBY CROSS TO CLAY BANK TOP (20KM)

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.

Today we will enter into the beautiful wide open spaces of the North Yorkshire Moors to experience some hill walking after the flat terrain of the last couple of days. A steep climb through Scarth Wood onto the open expanses of the North York Moors with heather clad hills and patches of forest. The Coast to Coast Path hoins the Cleveland Way leading to a long ascent up Live Moor and Carlton Bank (408 m) before descending to the welcome sight of Lord Stones Café. We continue on the Cleveland Way following 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 we arrive at Clay Bank Top where we deviate from the trail to our accommodation at nearby Great Broughton.

6 hours – total ascent: 1130m / descent 1015m

Meals: B

Day 17: CLAY BANK TOP TO BLAKEY RIDGE (13.5KM)

Today‘s walk takes us high onto moorland where on a clear day you will get your first view of the North Sea. We pass Urra Lookout and the ‘Face Stone’, one of several old standing stones, some marked with inscriptions, which were used as way-markers in their day. Then cross over Round Hill (454m) to follow the line of the old dismantled Rosedale railway line to the Lion Inn at Blakey. The railway was built to exploit the ironstone (a type of iron ore) 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 – if it’s a rainy or overcast day it can be a bit bleak and gloomy, which makes the arrival at the ancient but welcoming Lion Inn eagerly anticipated.

4.5 hours – total ascent 505m / descent 375m

Meals: B

Day 18: BLAKEY RIDGE TO EGTON BRIDGE (18.5KM)

High on Blakey Ridge we can take in the surrounding expanses as we meander into the Esk Valley, firstly passing the medieval stone markers of Young Ralph and Fat Betty. There are numerous myths and legends around Fat Betty including the cross marks the place where two nuns from nearby Rosedale Abbey lost their lives. We will enjoy a fine day’s walk along flat easy paths into idyllic countryside and the villages of Glaisdale and Egton Bridge, a walker’s favorite 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. 

4 hours – total ascent 265m / descent 616m

Meals: B

Day 19: EGTON BRIDGE TO ROBIN HOOD’S BAY (28KM)

Our last day on the Coast to Coast is a suitably long one with many highlights – and ups and downs! This morning we begin by following a private road to the village of Grosmont where we hope 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 the train was most recently featured in the Harry Potter movie series.

After Grosmont the trail climbs steeply with views across to Whitby and its elegant abbey. The path crosses a main road onto heather moors before passing the five standing monoliths of High Brides Stones before dropping down to the lovely forest of the Beck Valley and the village of Littlebeck. We stop just past here to enjoy a break at the delightful garden cafe next to the 20m high Falling Foss Waterfall.

A final section of high moor at Greystone hills finally brings us to the coast, where the last 5km is walked 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. We will celebrate the end of our 192 mile crossing of England with a drink at Wainwright’s Bar, and as tradition dictates, dip our toes into the North Sea and throw away the pebble we’ve carried from St Bees.

7 hours – total ascent 775m / descent 770m

Meals: B L D

Day 20: DEPART ROBIN HOOD’S BAY

You are free to check out anytime today before 10am.

Meals: B

Inclusions

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Included
  • 20 day fully guided walk with our qualified UK mountain guide
  • 19 full cooked English breakfasts or lighter options including cereals, yoghurts, fruits and toast 
  • 19 nights accommodation in small personally chosen hotels, inns and B&Bs
  • Celebratory dinner at Robin Hood’s Bay
  • Traditional English morning or afternoon cream tea
  • Daily luggage transfer (not exceeding 17kg)
  • Trailblazer Coast to Coast guidebook
  • RAW Travel luggage tags
Excluded
  • Single supplement
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
Optional Extras
  • Ullswater Steamer Cruise (weather/time permitting)
  • Visit Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread Shop – Grasmere
  • Explore Wordsworth Museum – Grasmere
  • Visit William Wordsworth’s grave – Grasmere
  • Sample the delicacies at Kennedy’s Chocolate Shop – Orton
  • Tour Richmond Castle

Experience

The raw travel difference

signs icon

FLEXIBLE, TAILORED TRIPS

RAW Travel offers an unmatched level of flexibility to deliver the trip you want. We listen to you and tailor your trip to fit the timeframe and distances you prefer. We know from experience this incredible walk is an adventure that works best if it's adapted to your ability. Let's work together to create your perfect Coast to Coast walk!

Boot icon

DAY WITH A MOUNTAIN GUIDE

A unique feature of our walk is the day you spend hiking with our experienced Lake District mountain guide. Your guide will provide you with local knowledge, insights and basic navigational skills to give you the confidence to fully enjoy your Coast to Coast walk.

Raw Travel

COSY INNS & COUNTRY COTTAGES

Walking the Coast to Coast path with us means staying in lovely English guesthouses and historic pubs that provide a warm welcome and good comfort at the end of your walking day. The accommodation is an enjoyable part of this trip and we have chosen places with quintessential English character.

Luggage transfer icon

LUGGAGE TRANSFERS

You will have daily luggage transfers so you can walk with just a daypack. This leaves you free to focus on enjoying your walk, knowing your luggage will be waiting for you each night and help is at hand.

Coast to Coast destination guide

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!

Download Now

Similar walks

Coast to Coast

Coast to Coast Path hikers
13 Days

Coast to Coast

Dales and Moors – Coast to Coast

Challenging Self-Guided
  • 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
from

$2,495.00

view trip
Lake District, Coast to Coast Path
9 Days

Coast to Coast

Lakeland Ramble

Challenging - Strenuous Self-Guided
  • 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
from

$1,990.00

view trip
Coast to Coast0000
20 Days

Coast to Coast

The Self-Guided Trip – Coast to Coast

Challenging - Strenuous Self-Guided
  • 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
from

$4,295.00

view trip
Coast to Coast walker lake District
23 Days

Coast to Coast

The Slow Walk – Coast to Coast

Challenging - Strenuous Self-Guided
  • 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
from

$4,950.00

view trip
Coast to Coast walker
16 Days

Coast to Coast

The Swift Walk – Coast to Coast

Challenging - Strenuous Self-Guided
  • Enjoy high fells, wild moorlands and deep lakes
  • Fall in love with idyllic rural towns and historic villages
  • Mingle with fellow walkers in cosy, centuries-old pubs
  • Have fun as you challenge your fitness and stamina
from

$3,450.00

view trip

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

dates
availability
price
single occupancy
dates
31/05/2023 - 19/06/2023
availability
Limited Places
price
$5,995
single occupancy
$1,400
dates
09/08/2023 - 28/08/2023
availability
Sold Out
price
$5,995
single occupancy
$1,400

sign up to our newsletter

explore the world with Raw