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Coast to Coast

Lake District National Park

North York Moors National Park

Yorkshire Dales National Park

One of the iconic walks in the UK, the Coast to Coast - also known as Wainwright's Coast to Coast - is a long distance hike from St Bees Head in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire.

Also in Darlington, United KingdomDurham, United KingdomNorth Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Hiking Difficult

Distance
309 km
Ascent
6.6 km
Descent
6.6 km
Duration
1 day +
Low Point
6 m
High Point
781 m
Gradient
Coast to Coast Map

Despite not being one of the UK's designated National Trails, the Coast to Coast remains one of the most popular multi-day walks in the United Kingdom. Usually split out over 12 stages, this 309km / 192 mile hike passes through three of the UK's most famous national parks: the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. There is also a brief dalliance with the Pennines for good measure.

Description

The trail, pioneered by author Alfred Wainwright in 1973, links together a network of paths through Northern England. Starting out at St Bees in Cumbria, the trail passes through some of the UK's most spectacular natural areas, as well as offering a glimpse at some of England's history.

It goes without saying that there are a number of ways to complete the Coast to Coast. Towns and villages with hotels, bed and breakfasts and campsites are numerous, meaning walks from between 12 - 16 days are the most popular itineraries. The below is the suggested (original) 12-day hike, but many opt to reduce the distance on some of the longer stages.

Stage 1: St. Bees to Ennerdale (22.5km / 14.5 miles) Stage 2: Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite (22.5km / 14 miles) Stage 3: Borrowdale (Rosthwaite) to Patterdale (29.8 km / 18.5 miles) Stage 4: Patterdale to Shap (25km / 15.5 miles) Stage 5: Shap to Kirkby Stephen (33.8km / 21 miles) Stage 6: Kirkby Stephen to Keld or Thwaite (19.3km / 12 miles) Stage 7: Keld or Thwaite to Reeth (18.5km / 11.5 miles) Stage 8: Reeth to Richmond (16.9km / 10.5 miles) Stage 9: Richmond to Ingleby Cross or Osmotherley (37km / 23 miles) Stage 10: Ingleby Cross or Osmotherley to Clay Bank Top (19.3km / 12 miles) Stage 11: Clay Bank Top to Glaisdale/Grosmont (37km / 23 miles) Stage 12: Glaisdale/Grosmont to Robin Hood's Bay (32.2km / 20 miles)

The Coast to Coast hike is a popular choice for walkers and hikers due to the variety of landscapes it passes through and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing such a long distance. It is also a way to experience some of the most beautiful and unspoiled parts of the United Kingdom.

Difficulty

Difficult

Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between April and November

Features

  • Wildlife
  • Historical
  • Picturesque
  • Summit Hike
  • Wild flowers
  • Water features
  • Forestry or heavy vegetation