Activity Overview:

The Coast to Coast Walk is a 320 km (200-mile) long-distance footpath that spans England west to east, traditionally from St Bees (Cumbria) on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood’s Bay (North Yorkshire) on the North Sea. Devised by legendary British walker Alfred Wainwright, the route crosses three national parks — the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors — offering a stunning blend of mountains, moors, dales, villages, and historical sites. It’s an unforgettable walking adventure through some of the UK’s most beloved scenery.

What’s Included:

• Full 14-day suggested itinerary (flexible: 12–16 days possible)

• Daily distances, terrain difficulty, and key sights

• Accommodation recommendations: B&Bs, inns, and hostels

• Luggage transport service availability (optional)

• GPS routes, map suggestions, and public transport connections

What’s Not Included:

• Travel to/from trailheads (St Bees and Robin Hood’s Bay)

• Meals and refreshments unless arranged in advance

• Travel insurance, personal gear, or guided services

• National Park entry fees (not required for walkers)

Suggested 14-Day Itinerary – Classic Coast to Coast Walk

🟦 Moderate to Challenging – ideal for fit hikers with some experience

🌊 Day 1 – St Bees → Ennerdale Bridge

• Touch the Irish Sea, then walk along sandstone cliffs and rolling fields

• Distance: ~23 km | 6–7 hrs

⛰️ Day 2 – Ennerdale Bridge → Rosthwaite

• Enter the Lake District with views of Ennerdale Water and Haystacks

• Distance: ~25 km | 7–8 hrs

🏞️ Day 3 – Rosthwaite → Grasmere

• Cross the Honister Pass, descend into the famous literary village

• Distance: ~14 km | 5 hrs

🏔️ Day 4 – Grasmere → Patterdale

• Optional summit: Helvellyn or St Sunday Crag

• Mountain and lake views all day

• Distance: ~14 km | 5–6 hrs

🌄 Day 5 – Patterdale → Shap

• A wild stage over Kidsty Pike (highest point of the trail)

• Leave the Lakes behind and cross into limestone country

• Distance: ~26 km | 8 hrs

⛪ Day 6 – Shap → Kirkby Stephen

• Easier terrain: pastures, riverbanks, and abbey ruins

• Distance: ~32 km | 7–8 hrs

🌿 Day 7 – Kirkby Stephen → Keld

• Enter the Yorkshire Dales, cross Nine Standards Rigg

• Boggy moorland and open spaces

• Distance: ~21 km | 6 hrs

🏘️ Day 8 – Keld → Reeth

• Choose the high route (mines and moors) or low route (villages and valleys)

• Swaledale is charming and historic

• Distance: ~19 km | 5 hrs

🏞️ Day 9 – Reeth → Richmond

• Lush countryside and riverside trails

• Arrive in the historic market town of Richmond

• Distance: ~18 km | 5 hrs

🚶 Day 10 – Richmond → Danby Wiske

• Long but gentle farmland stage

• Less scenic, but a restful walking day

• Distance: ~23 km | 6 hrs

🌾 Day 11 – Danby Wiske → Ingleby Cross

• Flat terrain and quiet villages before the North York Moors

• Distance: ~19 km | 5 hrs

⛰️ Day 12 – Ingleby Cross → Blakey Ridge

• Enter the North York Moors via Clay Bank Top

• Moorland ridge walking with sweeping views

• Distance: ~21 km | 6 hrs

⛰️ Day 13 – Blakey Ridge → Grosmont

• Follow the old railway path with views over Eskdale

• Descend into the steam railway village of Grosmont

• Distance: ~21 km | 5–6 hrs

🌊 Day 14 – Grosmont → Robin Hood’s Bay

• Final climb over the moors, then descend to the sea

• Tradition: dip your boots in the North Sea!

• Distance: ~25 km | 6–7 hrs

Additional Notes:

• Best time to go: May to September (June is ideal)

• Waymarking: Trail now officially a National Trail (as of 2022–2023), with improved signs

• Accommodation: Book in advance in summer; some remote areas have limited options

• Trail Customization: Shorter or longer versions possible depending on pace

• Highlights: Lake District peaks, Swaledale villages, Yorkshire ruins, North Sea finish