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.

Statistics

1

day +

6,610

m

6,613

m

8

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Difficult

Description

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.

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.