The Coast to Coast
Country
England
Region
Lake District, Northumberland
Theme
Iconic Journeys
15
Days
14
Nights
Accommodation
3 and 4 star hotels
A legendary crossing of England's backbone, from Irish sea cliffs to the tides of the North sea.
From the moment you touch the Irish Sea at St Bees to the final descent into Robin Hood’s Bay, every mile on the English Coast to Coast may well be challenging, but it’s infinitely rewarding. Mountains, moors, farmland and forgotten corners of England unfold day by day, stitched together by ancient paths and camaraderie that only small-group travel can provide. Alternative itineraries can be created to showcase the highlights of this route over fewer days.
Highlights
- Walking the entire Coast to Coast route from sea to sea
- The ritual start at St Bees Head and the ceremonial finish at Robin Hood’s Bay
- Crossing three National Parks in one continuous journey
- High mountain passes in the Lake District and the wide solitude of the Pennines
- Remote moorland days on the North York Moors
- A carefully balanced, long-distance trip featuring challenge, recovery and reward
Handpicked Accommodation
The Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge
This historic moorland inn features open fires, hearty cooking and rooms that prioritise comfort over fuss.
Why we chose it
Its sense of tradition captures the spirit of the moors better than anywhere else.
Ennerdale Country House Hotel, Ennerdale Bridge
A classic country house set among quiet gardens at the edge of the Lake District.
Why we chose it
A peaceful refuge after the first full walking day, positioned perfectly for the transition into the Lakes.
The Inn on the Lake, Ullswater
An elegant lakeside property with expansive views across Ullswater and the surrounding hills.
Why we chose it
A restorative stop after one of the toughest mountain days, combining comfort with a true sense of place.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Penrith and Transfer to St Bees
Meet your guide and fellow walkers in Penrith, where introductions unfold over lunch and a gentle stroll through town. The afternoon transfer delivers you west to the Irish Sea and the quiet village of St Bees. This is a day for preparation, anticipation and coastal air, with the sound of waves setting the rhythm for what lies ahead.
Distance. 0 miles.
Day 2 – St Bees Head and the Coastal Cliffs
The journey begins properly. Touch the Irish Sea, collect your pebble, and follow the clifftop path north with sweeping views and salt in the air. Gradually, the route turns inland, leaving the coast behind as the Lake District draws closer. As opening walks to a trip go, this is up there with the very best.
Distance. 14 miles
Day 3 – Ennerdale Water and Borrowdale
A deeply atmospheric day through the heart of the Lake District. The path traces the quiet shoreline of Ennerdale Water before threading through forest and rising steadily over the pass into Borrowdale. A remote, demanding and richly rewarding day on the trail.
Distance. 15 miles
Day 4 – High Passes to Ullswater
One of the most challenging days of the route. You cross the highest ground of the Coast to Coast, choosing between Grisedale Hause or the longer, higher option via Kidsty Pike. The descent to Ullswater is a welcome relief – be sure to stop a while and enjoy the expansive lake views.
Distance. 17 miles
Day 5 – Leaving the Lakes Behind
The mountains slowly release their grip as the route passes Haweswater and begins its transition into the gentler Westmorland Dales. Though with 16 miles on the cards today, it’s still very much a rewarding day as you experience the landscape subtly shifting beneath your feet.
Distance. 16 miles
Day 6 – The Westmorland Dales to Kirkby Stephen
Leaving Shap behind, you follow long established tracks across the Westmorland Dales, passing limestone outcrops. As the miles roll under your feet, enjoy putting the world to rights with your local guide. As Kirkby Stephen comes into view, a lively market town, you can almost taste the first sip of a local beer.
Distance: 20 miles
Day 7 – Over the Pennines into the Yorkshire Dales
Today delivers a symbolic crossing as you climb onto the Pennines via Nine Standards Rigg, marked by its distinctive stone cairns. This watershed moment separates west from east, Irish Sea from North Sea. The terrain is open and exposed, with big skies and a strong sense of space. The descent into Keld brings relief and charm, with the River Swale guiding you into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Distance. 13 miles
Day 8 – Swaledale and the Mining Tracks
A gentler, more flexible day through the beautiful Swaledale valley. Walkers can choose between a high level route that follows old mining tracks across the hills, or a lower path alongside the River Swale. Both options reveal layers of history shaped by lead mining and farming. The day finishes on Reeth Green, one of the largest village greens in England, with time to enjoy the town’s relaxed pace.
Distance. 11 miles
Day 9 – To Richmond
The route continues east through more countryside, following riverside paths and quiet farmland, dotted with livestock. The walking is straightforward, allowing legs and minds to recover. Richmond announces itself from afar, its Norman castle rising above the town. This is the largest settlement on the route and a chance to enjoy the relative hustle and bustle of this Yorkshire town.
Distance. 11 miles
Day 10 – The Vale of Mowbray
A deceptively testing day across the wide, agricultural Vale of Mowbray. With little ascent or descent, the challenge lies in the distance and maintaining momentum as you enter a tenth day on the trail. The landscape is open punctuated by small villages and farmsteads. Arrive in Danby Wiske, knowing the climb to the North York Moors lie ahead tomorrow.
Distance. 14 miles
Day 11 – Climbing onto the North York Moors
The final flat miles ease you out of the Vale before the land begins to rise decisively. This is one of the longest days of the route and demands both physical and mental resilience. As you climb onto the edge of the North York Moors, the views open wide and the character of the walk shifts once again. The sense of being nearly there begins to surface.
Distance. 21 miles
Day 12 – High on the Moors
A magnificent high-level hike across open heather moorland. Often windswept and exposed to the elements, this is yet another landscape that the Coast to Coast reveals, with 360-degree views – that is, if the weather allows. The Lion Inn appears at Blakey Ridge like a beacon, offering warmth, character and one of the most atmospheric overnight stops of the entire journey.
Distance. 10 miles
Day 13 – Descent to Grosmont
Leaving the high moors behind, the route descends gradually through open ground and forestry. The landscape becomes greener and more sheltered, with ancient paths leading towards the Esk Valley. Grosmont’s steam railway heritage adds a sense of nostalgia as the end of the trail nears.
Distance. 13 miles
Day 14 – The Finish at Robin Hood’s Bay
The final leg begins inland before curving back towards the coast. There is a last rise, a final stretch of effort, then the dramatic descent into Robin Hood’s Bay, with rooftops tumbling steeply towards the sea. At the shoreline, complete the Coast to Coast ritual by dipping your pebble into the North Sea. The crossing is complete!
Distance. 15 miles
Day 15 – Departure
Shuttle transfers take you to the nearest train station for onward travel to London or Edinburgh. The memories of this Coast to Coast will linger long in your mind.
Itinerary Designer
This route doesn’t need embellishment. Walking every mile, in order, from coast to coast is the experience. Our role is to make sure it flows, day after day, exactly as it should.
Harvey
Featured Experience
The Two Seas Ritual
The simple act of carrying a pebble from the Irish Sea to the North Sea turns a long walk into a complete crossing.