Coast to Coast Part 1 Self Guided Walking Holiday

Holiday Information

Tour Availability
This walking holiday is available from April to October.

Holidays include

• Selected accommodation with en-suite rooms (as available) and full English breakfast.

• Luggage transfer between overnight accommodation.

• Backup accommodation to accommodation transfer (see support vehicle note below).

• Route information and itinerary.

• Detailed instructions to find your accommodation.

• Guidebook and Harvey map for the group Leader.

• Emergency contact.

Grade of walking

This is a challenging route. The route is mainly through the Lake District Mountains on rocky paths with some steep ascents and descents. There are also sections of undulating countryside.

Start of route
St Bees, Cumbria.

End of route
Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria.

Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in selected comfortable B&B’s, Guest Houses, Hotels and Inns. Nearly all double and twin bedrooms are en-suite. Single room accommodation is in a mix of shared facility, en-Suite and private facility rooms.

Meals
A full English breakfast is included. Packed lunches can be purchased from your overnight accommodation or from local convenience stores. Evening meals can be purchased in pubs and overnight accommodation when a pub is not available.

Luggage transfer
For the duration of the walk your luggage is transferred between overnight accommodation so all you need to carry is a day rucksack and its contents.

Support vehicle
We hope that everyone who walks the Coast to Coast route will complete their challenge, however illness and injury sometimes occur. For this reason you are supported by a daily transport service, which can drive you from accommodation to accommodation if needed.

Guide Books and Maps
A guidebook and Harvey maps are included.

Travel

By train
Train timetables can be viewed and tickets purchased online at www.thetrainline.com
Reduced price ‘Advanced tickets’ can be purchased from approx 12 weeks prior to departure. Prices can vary greatly and the cheaper tickets sometimes only become available approx 6 weeks prior to travel.
To St Bees
The train station in St Bees is a short walk from your accommodation.
Approximate journey times – From Manchester Airport 4 hours. From London 5 hours.
To/From Kirkby Stephen (for coast to coast part 1 and 2 walkers)
The train station in Kirkby Stephen is a short taxi journey (1.5 miles) from your accommodation.
Approximate journey times - Manchester Airport 3.5 hours. London 4.5 hours
From Robin Hoods Bay
Scarborough train station is a 40 minute bus or taxi journey from Robin Hoods Bay.
Approximate journey times – To Manchester Airport 3 hours. To London 3 hours.



By Car
If parking and transfers are required please request at the time of booking.
Options available -
Parking in St Bees
Off road parking in St Bees. Price £3.00 per day.
Transfer from Robin Hoods Bay to St Bees - price £90 per person (this transfer is over two days and therefore the price includes a night’s accommodation in Kirkby Stephen).
Alternatively taxi from Robin Hoods Bay to St Bees - price £160.
Parking in Kirkby Stephen
Secure parking in Kirkby Stephen. Price £3.10 per day.
Transfer from Kirkby Stephen to St Bees - price £26 per person (depart 08:30 – arrive 10:15).
Transfer from Robin Hoods Bay to Kirkby Stephen - price £26 per person (depart 16:00 – arrive 18:15).

By Air
The most convenient major International airport with rail links is Manchester Airport.

Equipment List

Please remember to
1. Keep the weight of your day pack and walking/hiking equipment to a comfortable weight for you to carry

2. Keep your suitcase/luggage under the maximum transfer weight (Maximum: 20kg (44lbs)).

The following checklist is an aid to help you with your packing
Required
Walking/Hiking boots (worn in before your holiday)
Technical walking socks e.g. liner and thick outer socks
Trekking trousers (not jeans/denim)
Waterproof over trousers
Baselayer T-shirts and/or casual shirts
Fleece or warm jumper
Waterproof jacket
Spare warm layer (to carry in your rucksack)
Warm gloves
Warm hat
Sunhat
Rucksack (25 to 35 litres) and waterproof cover
Rucksack liner e.g. large plastic bag
Water bottles 1 litre (x2)
Basic First Aid Kit and personal medication
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Torch / flashlight
Whistle

Optional
Spare Laces
Gaiters
Shorts
Thermos flask for hot drinks
Antibacterial hand wash/wipes
Camera, film, batteries
Trekking poles
Sunglasses

Dossier

The Coast to Coast Part 1 walk is a 83 mile route crossing the North of England. The route was devised by renowned fell walker and writer Alfred Wainwright and has become one of the most inspiring long distance walks in the world. The following is intended to provide further information about the route and points of interest. Please note that all distances and heights in this document are approximate and along with all the other information are provided as an aid to describe the route. Several guide books providing more detailed route descriptions and information are available.



Start of route St Bees, Cumbria

End of route Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria

Note it is possible to start or finish a self guided holiday in any village on the route if you would like to follow an alternative itinerary to those listed on our website.

Direction of walk West to East

Grade This is a challenging route most days are either classed as strenuous or long moderate. The terrain varies from undulating countryside to steep rocky ascents and descents.

Terrain
The terrain varies from rocky paths (especially in the National Parks), to farmland and country lanes. The National Parks provide the added challenges of some steep ascents and descents (perfect if you like walking in the mountains and hills).

Waymarking
Despite its popularity the route is not a National Trail. Waymarking is very scarce and therefore map reading and compass skills are essential.

Guide books and maps
A Trailblazer guidebook and Harvey maps are included. Additional guide books and maps are available for the route, please see our online shop. The Ordnance Survey Explorer maps covering the route and surrounding countryside are 303, OL4, OL5, OL19.

Luggage transfer
For the duration of the holiday your luggage is transferred from accommodation to accommodation by a luggage transfer agent. Luggage allowance is 1 bag/person weighing not more than 20kg (44lbs).

Support vehicle
We hope that everyone who walks the Coast to Coast route will complete their challenge, however illness and injury sometimes occur. For this reason you are supported by a daily transport service, which can drive you from accommodation to accommodation if needed.

Accommodation description
Accommodation is booked in comfortable B&Bs, Guest Houses, small Hotels and Inns. Types and standards of accommodation vary from village to village, and room sizes and facilities vary within accommodation. Many properties are hundreds of years old, and although many rooms have been converted to ensuite it has not been possible to do so in some properties or rooms due to space limitations or buildings having listed status (i.e. a property preservation order). As an indication if you require double or twin occupancy you can expect to share a bathroom (i.e. have a non ensuite room) for one to three nights of a full tour. For single occupancy rooms we aim to book at least 50% of the nights ensuite.

Meals
A full English breakfast is included in the cost of your holiday and is served at your accommodation. Packed lunches (average cost £5) are available to buy from your accommodation or local shop, and evening meals (average cost £12) are generally available from local pubs or your accommodation.

Weather
The weather in Northern England is changeable. You should be prepared for all possibilities as weather, particularly in the mountains, can change quickly. Weather statistics are available from the Met Office at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/

Clothing
Good outdoor clothing and waterproofs are essential.

Footwear
Comfortable walking boots which provide good grip on multiple terrain and ankle support are recommended.

Equipment
A suggested equipment list will be sent to you.

Mountain Rescue
Advice from the Mountain Rescue Organisation is available at http://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/advice.php

Laundrette
There is a laundrette in Kirkby Stephen.

Travel
For information on travelling to and from the route please click here

St Bees
The seaside village of St Bees on the Cumbria (west) coast is the official starting point for Wainwrights world famous Coast to Coast walk.

St Bees to Cleator (village height above sea level 60M). Distance 9 miles
A plaque on the seafront marks the start of Wainwrights coast to coast walk. Tradition says to dip your toe in the sea and then collect a small pebble to carry with you to the east coast. The route heads north across the coastal path with views of Scotland and the Isle of Man. Leave the coastal path and head east towards the Lake District Mountains. The route passes through the villages of Sandwith and Moor Row to Cleator.

Cleator to Ennerdale Bridge (100M). Distance 5 miles
From Cleator the route starts to climb and a steep walk takes you to Dent (352M). Admire the views before continuing across the hilltop. Descend steeply down a forest track, follow Nannycatch Beck and then the roadside paths to Ennerdale Bridge.

Ennerdale Bridge (100M) to Rosthwaite (100M). Distance 14 miles
Follow the country lanes to Ennerdale Water then the rocky path along the banks of the Lake. At the far end of the Lake make for the forest track that climbs gradually along Ennerdale valley to the remote Black Sail Hut YHA (290M). The adventurous and experienced fell walkers can leave the track and climb to follow the alternative route over High Stile (807M), rejoining the main route near the top of Loft Beck. From the YHA continue to the bottom of Loft Beck and a steep ascent to the high point of the day at 600M. The views back to the sea are spectacular. Follow the rocky path across the fell and descend to Honister (330M). Continue descending into the beautiful Borrowdale valley to the village of Seatoller (120M) then follow the footpaths to Rosthwaite.

Rosthwaite (100M) to Grasmere (75M). Distance 10 miles
Follow the track alongside Stonethwaite Beck then the rocky path climbing steadily alongside Greenup Gill. Climb the steps and rocks (a bit tricky but not technical) to the left side of Lining Crag (500M) and admire the views to the north and east. Continue to Greenup Edge, today’s high point at 620M, and then descend the rocky path to the head of Far Easedale. You then have the option to follow the ridge walk across Calf Crag, Gibson Knott and Helm Crag before descending steeply into Grasmere or take the less arduous route down Far Easedale.

Grasmere (75M) to Patterdale/Glenridding (150M). Distance 8 miles
Follow the road to Mill Bridge then take the rocky path which climbs steadily alongside Tongue Gill to Grisedale Tarn (550M). The adventurous and experienced fell walkers can leave the route and climb higher to follow one of the alternative routes, either right over St Sunday Crag (841M), or left onto Helvellyn (950M) and then across the infamous Striding Edge. From Grisedale Tarn follow the route down hill alongside Grisedale Beck into Patterdale.

Patterdale (150M) to Burnbanks (210M) near Bampton. Distance 12 miles
From Patterdale a sharp steep walk brings you to Boredale Hause (400M), the rocky path now climbs with less gradient past Angle Tarn and close to Satura Crag (600M), it descends to 500M and then climbs sharply again to round The Knott (739M). The route then turns sharp left onto High Street, an old Roman Road, and then right onto Kidsty Pike (780M) the highest point on route. From here look back across the Lake District and then turn to view the Eden Valley and the Pennine Mountains. Descend gradually at first then steeply down to Haweswater (250M), and follow the rocky path alongside the banks of the reservoir to Burnbanks. If staying in Bampton 1.5 miles away follow the country lanes to your accommodation, if not continue onto Shap.

Burnbanks (210M) to Shap (250M). Distance 4 miles
Follow the paths across undulating farmland to the village of Shap.

Shap (250M) to Orton (230M). Distance 8 miles
The Lake District Mountains are left behind and the gradients ease to cross the rolling farmland in Eden Valley. Follow the footpaths across the limestone plateau passing the secluded hamlet of Oddendale and granite boulders deposited by ice age glaciers. Orton is a mile to the south of the route so if you are walking to Kirkby Stephen you can bypass the village.

Orton (230M) to Kirkby Stephen (180M). Distance 12 miles
Continue over rolling farmland and across the moors passing Sunbiggin, the hidden remains of several ancient settlements, and Smardale Bridge to the market town Kirkby Stephen.

Kirkby Stephen
Kirkby Stephen is a small market town in the eden valley with a few pubs, cafes and shops.