The Coast to Coast Trail (various tour options)
€2350
per person
We are pleased to invite you on the Coast to Coast trek (306km) considered to be one of the greatest long distance self-guided walking routes in the world and a true must-do independent hiking tour in northern England. The trail takes you on an exciting journey via beautiful villages, green hills, nead farmlands and mountains in the Pennines, the English Lake District and the North Yorkshire Moors. It is a great social experience as you stumble upon fellow walkers along the trail and become part of a unique community making your hiking adventure even more memorable.
Level 3/4
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Destination
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Duration15 (6-18) Days I Level: 3/4 (of 5)
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What is includedHand picked B&B, guesthouse and small hotel accommodation incl. breakfast; Luggage transportation; People transfers to/from the trail when changes in overnight places require that; Detailed roadbook, maps and GPS tracks (1 set per reservation); Emergency phone support
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What is not includedTravel to the start or from the finish of the walk; Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks; Travel insurance; Personal equipment; Transport when you need to skip a stage.
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Best periodApril, May, June, July, August, September
FROM OUR GALLERY
The Coast To Coast Trek self-guided hiking tour in England
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Day 1: Arrive St Bees and overnight
You can easily arrive at the charming village of St Bees by train to Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness from all over England. Journey time from London is between 4,30hrs and 5,30hrs. In case you decide to arrive by car, mind that parking space is very limited.
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Day 2: Walk to Ennerdale Bridge (24km)
A plaque on the seafront marks the start of the independent coast to coast walking route you are to follow. A curious tradition is dipping your toe in the sea and taking a pebble to carry to the east coast. You follow a path north overlooking the near parts of Scotland and the Isle of Man. You will soon leave the coastal path and turn east advancing towards the Lake District Mountains. The route passes through the villages of Sandwith, Moor Row and Cleator where you ascend to Dent summit revealing a panoramic view of the area. You will descend through a woodland via Nannycatch Beck toward the small hamlet of Ennerdale Bridge.
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Day 3: Walk to Rosthwaite (24km)
Brace yourselves as the following four days of this self-guided tour are deemed by many to be the best section of any trail England has to offer. You will explore the lake district, making overnight stops at the Lakeland towns of Rosthwaite (Day 3), Grasmere (Day 4) and Patterdale (Day 5). The first highlight of the day is Ennerdale Water and the pleasant rocky path playfully following the banks of the lake. You then continue following a forest track climbing to the remote YHA Black Sail. Here experienced hikers who are up for a challenge can opt to leave the main path and climb to follow the alternative route over High Stile, rejoining the main route near the top of Loft Beck. From the YHA Black Sail continue to the lowest point of Loft Beck and then climb to the high point of the day (600m). There you can enjoy amazing views of the sea. The route continues with a descent to Honister and into the appealing Borrowdale valley. Your final destination for the day is the settlement of Rosthwaite.
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Day 4: Walk to Grasmere (15km)
You start today’s self-guided hiking on a path following the Stonethwaite Beck river than exchange it for a rocky track along Greenup Gill. A small challenge is the steps and rocks of Lining Crag, but the views are a worthy award for the effort. Not long after, you will reach Greenup Edge, the highest point of the day (620m). From there you descend to the head of Far Easedale and then can opt to follow the ridge path across Calf Crag, Gibson Knott and Helm Crag before climbing further down to Grasmere or take the less challenging track down Far Easedale.
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Day 5: Walk to Patterdale (14km)
You continue your walking adventure by taking the road to Mill Bridge and then digress following a rocky path ascending to Grisedale Tarn. You can opt to challenge yourself yet again and climb higher all the way across the extraordinary Striding Edge. From Grisedale Tarn you climb down into Patterdale.
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Day 6: Walk to Shap (26km)
You start the day with a steep climb to the Boredale Hause mountain pass and past the Angle Tarn lake. You walk around The Knott fell and take the High Street, an old Roman Road to reach the highest point of the walking route of the day - Kidsty Pike (739m). A great view across the Lake District, the Eden Valley, and the Pennine Mountains will reveal itself. You will continue towards the Haweswater Reservoir and from there to the Burnbanks settlement. From there, you bid farewell to the Lake District Mountains and feast your eyes on the green farmland of the Eden Valley as you walk to the village of Shap.
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Day 7: Walk to Kirkby Stephen (33km)
You have now reached a more flat stage of the self-guided Coast to Coast walking tour without steep climbs and descents. You will come across multiple prehistoric sites, ancient settlements, pastures, and limestone crags. You will walk through the isolated hamlet of Oddendale and pass the granite boulders formed by the Ice Age glaciers. You reach the market town Kirkby Stephen via Smardale Bridge.
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Day 8: Walk to Keld (21km)
The next three days of this unique self-guided hiking tour will guide you through the Yorkshire Dales National Park and across the Pennines, known as the great watershed of England. Great vast views and wild moorland will be a worthy compensation for the efforts as you contemplate the breathtaking landscape every step of the way. Follow a broad path through the Pennine Moors and the summit of Nine Standards Rigg (662m). You will encounter different route markings to be followed depending on the season explained in detail in your Roadbook. This stage of the walk ends with a descent to the River Swale and the road into Keld.
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Day 9: Walk to Reeth (19km)
Today you have a couple of route options. The main walking trail crosses the moorland, passes Crackpot Hall and the ruins of the 19th century Swinner Gill mine workings. After crossing the moor it goes down into the small valley of Gunnerside Gill and backs up to Melbecks Moor. You will encounter more curious heritage sites along the way as a bonus for challenging yourself with the dynamic terrain of this route option. The last challenge is the steep descent to Cringley Bottom from where you will be walking through farmland to Reeth. The other hiking option is to follow the so-called “royal road” through the Swaledale valley passing through charming small villages.
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Day 10: Walk to Richmond (17km)
You will have the opportunity to take a breather with today’s easy walking section of the tour passing the historic Marrick Priory, Marske village, and Whitecliffe wood to the town of Richmond.
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Day 11: Walk to Ingleby Cross (36km)
You have now reached the flattest part of your independent hiking tour, the land between the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. The path crosses farmlands to Bolton on Swale and follows country lanes, crosses the low-lying Vale of Mowbray to the village of Danby Wiske. The path returns to crossing farmland in the remaining stages close to Ingleby Cross.
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Day 12: Walk to Clay Bank (19km)
The next stage of your self-guided itinerary takes you on a two-day hike of the North York Moors toward Glaisdale. You will pass through secluded villages which will enchant you with their charm and local hospitality of the inn owners. You will follow the Cleveland Way trail, cross the Cleveland Hills going up and down the hills multiple times until coming to a final descent to the road at Clay Bank Top. There is also an option to skip the numerous steep ascends and descends of today’s hiking section by taking the path around the hills from Greenbank to Clay Bank.
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Day 13: Walk to Glaisdale (29km)
You continue exploring the moorlands typical for northern England. You will conquer the highest peak of the North York Moors - Round Hill (454m). Your path leaves the Cleveland Way to follow an old railway across the moorlands to the isolated Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge. By the end of the walk, you will pass through the Glaisdale Moor in order to reach your destination - the village of Glaisdale.
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Day 14: Walk to Robin Hood's Bay (32km)
We have prepared a memorable last section of your self-guided hiking tour as a rewarding conclusion for your efforts the past two weeks. You will walk to the captivating village of Robin Hood’s Bay through a diversified combination of mystic forests, open moors, and cliffs. You will follow the River Esk to the East Arnecliffe Wood, climb to Sleights Moor and contemplate the views to Whitby and the sea. Once you reach the coastline, it is time to dip a toe in the sea and through the pebble, you have been carrying with you since Day 1. You can proudly enjoy your time in the charming village of Robin Hood’s Bay and celebrate your success.
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Day 15: Onward travel
You can continue your travels through Scarborough (a 60-minute bus journey from Robin Hood’s Bay) where regular trains connect to York and other major train stations.
TOUR LOCATION
Price
2350 Euro per person in twin/dbl room
Single room & Solo traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 710 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (incl. also sgl. room supplement): 920 Euro
Tips
Daily departures between the beginning of April and mid-September. The weather can be vastly different, from rain to wind to glorious days of sunshine. Please come prepared for walking in rain or shine. The route is waymarked sporadically so at least one of your party needs to be able to navigate using a map and compass. We will also provide you with a Coast to Coast Guidebook and a map to assist you. The route is a mixture of paths, tracks and minor roads. Some of the paths can become very muddy and boggy where progress can often be slow. One piece of luggage is allowed for the luggage transport (20kg). Getting to St. Bees: The closest airports to the start of the walk are Manchester and Newcastle. From both airports, the travel time by train is approximately 4 hours. You can also fly into any of the London Airports and take a train north from London Euston to St Bees (via Carlisle). There are also alternative trains going via Preston and Barrow-in-Furness. Getting from Robin Hood’s Bay: The closest airports are again either Newcastle or Manchester, both of which are just over 4 hours from Robin Hood’s Bay bus and train. Please check the Traveline website for timetables. You can catch a bus to Scarborough and from here a train to Newcastle, Manchester or London in order to make your onward journeys.
Accommodation
We specifically choose the hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We always try and book your accommodation as close as possible to the trail. A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs or restaurants. Extra nights: Many of our clients choose to add extra nights along the walk to sample more of the wonderful walking and attractions available on the Coast to Coast. Rosthwaite is a good choice as there are many walks around Borrowdale and you could visit Keswick which is close by. There is plenty to do in the busy village of Grasmere or if you prefer somewhere quieter Patterdale is a good option. Richmond is also a popular stop with its cobbled streets and market place. Some people like to have an extra night in Robin Hood’s Bay at the end of the walk to relax and enjoy the satisfaction of having finished this iconic walk. Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Day 1: St Bees - Stonehouse Farm ; Day 2: Ennerdale Bridge - The Shepherds Arms; Day 3: Rosthwaite - Yew Craggs B&B; Day 4: Grasmere - The How Foot Lodge; Day 5: Patterdale - Crookabeck B&B; Day 6: Shap - Brookfield House; Day 7: Kirkby Stephen - Old Croft House; Day 8: Keld - Keld Lodge; Day 9: Reeth - Cambridge House ; Day 10: Richmond - Willance House ; Day 11: Ingleby Cross - Ingleby House Farm; Day 12: Clay Bank - The Buck Inn; Day 13: Glaisdale - Red House Farm; Day 14: Robin Hood's Bay - The Villa;
Send an enquiry about this tour
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