Guided Coast to Coast Walk Holiday Dossier

Northwestwalks Coast to Coast guided tours follow Wainwrights famous 190 mile long-distance route across the North of England. From St Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hoods Bay on the North Sea the route leads through spectacular scenery and contrasting landscapes, crossing the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks. There is a wealth of history along the route.

Initially the route follows the coastline around St Bees Head before turning east and entering the Lake District National Park. The Lake District is home to spectacular lake and mountain scenery. Although not high the mountains are rugged with steep footpaths. From Shap the Coast to Coast route levels to cross the undulating farmland between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, where the high ground returns but with less demanding ascents. At Richmond you leave the Dales and walk across the low lying Vale of Mowbray to Ingleby Cross and the beginning of the North York Moors. From here the trail leads you on a roller coaster ride across the heather covered hills to the North Sea and Robin Hoods Bay.

The Coast to Coast is a lengthy challenging 'trek' and should not be under estimated, the valleys through the middle section, and the arable land in the eastern section make for straightforward walking, but the hills of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors are rugged and gradients can be steep, so before you embark on this walk you must be physically fit, and equipped to meet it. The terrain on this trail is a diversity of rocky mountain paths, limestone plateau’s, country lanes, rolling hillsides and farmland.

Our guided coast to coast holidays are group holidays with a guide. Each night on the trail you stay in a different village along the route in selected accommodation, with full English breakfast provided. Your luggage is transferred for you between overnight accommodation, the minibus service will also transfer you with your luggage if you need to miss a days walking.

Start point
St Bees, Cumbria

End point
Robin Hoods Bay, North Yorkshire

Direction of walk
West to East

Group size
There will be a maximum of 12 people plus guide on your holiday.

Grade
A challenging route walked at a steady pace and therefore a good level of fitness (stamina and cardiovascular) is required.

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

Included in the price of your holiday

  • 14 nights accommodation with full English breakfast

  • Experienced guide

  • Luggage transfer between accommodation

  • Personal accommodation to accommodation transfer if required

Not included in the price of your holiday
Evening meals, packed lunches, drinks and snacks, travel insurance, travel to St Bees and from Robin Hoods Bay, souvenirs, etc.

Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in a variety of selected 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 (or have a private bathroom) it has not been possible to do so in some properties or rooms due to space limitations or buildings having listed status (a property preservation order). You can expect to share a bathroom (i.e. have non ensuite/private bathroom) for one or two nights of a full tour.

Single travellers
This group holiday is a good way to meet like minded people who share a passion to walk the coast to coast. Almost half our customers are single travellers. It’s a great way of meeting new people and making new friends. There is no single supplement as we will room you in a twin room (with two single beds) with a fellow traveller of the same sex. Single occupancy rooms are not available on this tour.

Guide
Your experienced Guide will provide daily information about the route, and guide the way. Your Guide will provide information about your accommodation and places to eat in the evening, etc. Your Guide is first aid trained.

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).

Personal transfer
If required personal transfer from accommodation to accommodation is available.

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 (see itinerary below for further information).

Extra nights accommodation
You can add extra nights accommodation in St Bees or Robin Hoods Bay. Price £38 per person per night.

Weather
The weather in Northern England is best described as changeable but we do get long dry warm spells. 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 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.

Laundrette
There is a laundrette in Kirkby Stephen.

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


Route description

The following is intended to provide some further information about the route and points of interest. Please note that all distances, timings and heights are approximate and along with all the other information are provided as an aid to describe the route. The time to cover the distance includes time spent walking and time for breaks. If further information is required please contact our office. Several guide books providing detailed route descriptions and information are also available.

Day 1 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.

Day 2 St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge (village height above sea level 100M).
Distance 14 miles - Strenuous - Height Gain 685m/2250ft – 7.5 hours
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. Initially our route heads north along the coastal path with views of Scotland and the Isle of Man. We leave the coastal path and head east towards the Lake District Mountains. The route passes through the villages of Sandwith, Moor Row and Cleator followed by a steep walk up Dent (352M), the high point of the day. Admire the views before continuing across the hilltop and descending steeply down a forest track to Nannycatch Beck. We follow the beck and then a roadside path to Ennerdale Bridge.

Day 3 Ennerdale Bridge (100M) to Rosthwaite (100M).
Distance 14 miles - Strenuous - Height Gain 530m/1740ft - 8 hours
We follow the country lanes to Ennerdale Water then the rocky path along the banks of the Lake. At the far end of the Lake we take the forest track that climbs gradually along Ennerdale valley to the remote Black Sail Hut YHA (290M). 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. We 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.

Day 4 Rosthwaite (100M) to Grasmere (75M).
Distance 10 miles - Strenuous - Height Gain 530m/1740ft - 6 hours
We take the track alongside Stonethwaite Beck then a rocky path climbing steadily alongside Greenup Gill. We walk steeply up 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. Your guide then considers several factors and decides to either 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.

Day 5 Grasmere (75M) to Glenridding (150M).
Distance 8 miles - Strenuous - Height Gain 505m/1655ft - 5 hours
We follow the lane to Mill Bridge then take the rocky path which climbs steadily alongside Tongue Gill to Grisedale Tarn (550M). From Grisedale Tarn we follow the route down hill alongside Grisedale Beck to Patterdale valley and the village of Glenridding on the shores of Ullswater.

Day 6 Glenridding (150M) to Shap (250M).
Distance 17 miles - Strenuous - Height Gain 760m/2500ft - 9 hours
A short valley walk then a sharp steep walk up to Boredale Hause (400M), the rocky path now climbs with less gradient past Angle Tarn and Satura Crag (600M), it descends to 500M and then climbs sharply again to round The Knott (739M). We then walk a short section of High Street. Our final Lakeland summit is 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. We descend gradually at first then steeply down to Haweswater (250M), and follow the rocky path alongside the banks of the reservoir to Burnbanks. The terrain eases as the route crosses undulating farmland to Shap

Day 7 Shap (250M) to Kirkby Stephen (180M).
Distance 20 miles - Long Moderate - Height Gain 150m/490ft - 8.5 hours
The Lake District Mountains are left behind and the gradients ease to cross the rolling farmland and hills in Eden Valley. We follow the footpaths across the limestone plateau passing the secluded hamlet of Oddendale and the granite boulders deposited by ice age glaciers. Orton lies a mile to the south of the route. We 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.

Day 8 Kirkby Stephen (180M) to Keld (350M).
Distance 13 miles - Strenuous - Height Gain 515m/1690ft - 7 hours
Across Franks Bridge and head for the lane which becomes a broad path onto the Pennine Moors and the summit of Nine Standards Rigg (662M). Depending on the time of year there are three routes over and around Nine Standards; green (avoiding the summit) for winter and spring, red for early summer, and blue for late summer and autumn. All routes cross peat, which is notoriously boggy in wet weather, before descending to the River Swale and the road in to Keld.

Day 9 Keld (350M) to Reeth (200M).
Distance 11 miles - Strenuous - Height Gain 150m/490ft - 6.5 hours
The route stays high and crosses moorland that is scarred from a lead mining industry that disappeared at the end of the 19th century. From Keld the route descends to the river then climbs past Crackpot Hall and the ruins of Swinner Gill mine workings. It crosses the moor (580M) before dropping into Gunnerside Gill (400M) and then up onto Melbecks Moor (550M). From here a broad track descends gradually passing the ruins of Old Gang Smelting Mills to Surrender Bridge (350M). The last test of the day is to drop into Cringley Bottom, cross the stream and then continue over the farmland to Reeth.

Day 10 Reeth (200M) to Bolton on Swale near Richmond (150M).
Distance 17 miles - Long Moderate - Height Gain 400m/1315ft - 8 hours
This is a much easier day’s terrain through rolling countryside passing Marrick Priory, Marske village and Whitecliffe wood. We arrive in Richmond at lunchtime and then continue to Bolton on Swale in the afternoon (to reduce the following day’s distance). Short transfer back to Richmond.

Day 11 Bolton on Swale, Richmond (150M) to Ingleby Cross (100M).
Distance 17 miles - Long Moderate - Height Gain 100m/330ft - 7.5 hours
Transfer back to Bolton on Swale. The route to Danby Wiske is almost level and generally easy going, it crosses farmland and then follows 8 miles of country lanes and then farmland again across the low lying Vale of Mowbray to Ingleby Cross.

Day 12 Ingleby Cross (100M) to Blakey Ridge (400M).
Distance 20 miles - Strenuous - Height Gain 970m/3190ft - 8.5 hours
A rollercoaster day. The path climbs through Arncliffe Wood and joins the Cleveland Way trail. The route then descends into Scugdale (100M). Not keen to stay low the path climbs steadily at first then steeply onto Gold Hill (315M). It continues onto Carlton Moor (408M) before descending to Green Bank (300M). Once again it climbs going over Cringle Moor (430M), descends to 280M back up to 400M, down again to 300M and then a final climb through the Wainstones onto Hasty Bank (398M) before descending to the road at Clay Bank Top (250M). If all the up and down seems like too much hard work there is a path that contours round the hills from Green Bank to Clay Bank. A final steep ascent to Carr Ridge (390M) is followed by a gradual rise to the summit of Round Hill (454M), the highest point on the North York Moors. The path descends to Bloworth Crossing (400M) were it leaves the Cleveland Way and continues on an almost level disused railway line across the desolate moors to the remote Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge.

Day 13 Blakey Ridge (400M) to Grosmont (50M).
Distance 15 miles - Long Moderate - Height Gain 100m/330ft - 6 hours
High on the moors we follow a road for a few miles before returning to tracks through the heathers. Another road walk and then the route takes a broad disused track gradually descending Glaisdale Moor into Glaisdale village. The route, never far from the River Esk, passes through woodland to Egton Bridge where it follows a once toll road through the private estate of Egton Manor to Grosmont.

Day 14 Grosmont (50M) to Robin Hoods Bay.
Distance 15 miles - Long Moderate - Height Gain 475m/1560ft - 7 hours
The road climbs steeply out of Grosmont (its not called the 1 in 3 for nothing) to its high point on Sleights Moor (285M), there are wonderful views to Whitby and the sea. Still on heather moorland the route descends into Littlebeck (50M). After the woodland walk it climbs back up to 200M and crosses a final stretch of heather moorland before following country lanes to the coast. We turn south to follow the coastal path to Robin Hoods Bay and a final last descent to the sea. Follow tradition once more by dipping your boot in the sea and throwing your pebble in (that should baffle the geologists in years to come). Your challenge is complete.

Day 15 Robin Hoods Bay
Robin Hoods Bay is a picturesque once fishing village and reputed smugglers haunt. Being built on the hillside the street from top to bottom of the village is the final steep descent/ascent on route.