UK Coast to Coast Long Distance Walking Holiday

Walk England’s Coast to Coast : One of the World’s Most Beautiful Paths!

Usually ranked #1 or #2 of the best walks in the world, the UK’s Coast to Coast takes you through the stunning Lake District National Parks, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the North York Moors National Park in just the first half!  And then on the second segment, From Kirby Stephen across to the East coast, you cross over the Pennines and follow the Swale river as it rolls down to the coast.

Designed by Alfred Wainwright, this walk is actually a series of connecting foot paths, drover and bridle ways, minor roads and other rights of way allowing you to cross from Saint Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hoods Bay on the Irish Sea, across the breadth of England.  The Coast to Coast trail follows parts of some other National Trails such as the Cleveland Way and the Cumbria Way.

How Hard is England’s Coast to Coast Walk

The Coast to Coast walk is not terribly difficult.  The highest mountain you cross is Kidsty Pike in the first half in the Lake District, at 2560’/780 m elevation.  Most days, it is more of a long walk than a ‘hike’, but you are definitely ‘hiking’ when you are in the national parks.

What makes walking holidays challenging is that you have to walk long miles, everyday, so it is important that you train your body, especially your feet, for daily averages of 12-14 miles/19-22 km each day.  I recommend training for many weeks in advance.  My affiliate Trailblazer Wellness can help you train from home (tell them ATA sent you for 10% off).

When to Walk the UK’s Coast to Coast Path

Spring though fall is the time to walk the Coast to Coast trail.  The first half, from Saint Bees to Kirby Stephen can be done from April through September.  The second half, to Robin Hoods Bay can be walked from May through mid-October.

It is more crowded during the summer, so spring and fall are prefered.  In the spring, the ewes give birth, so you will see hundreds of lambs gamboling as the season progresses.  Everytime I thought I had enough lamb photos, I took out my camera and took some more, they were so stinkin’ cute!!!

Particularly in the Lake District, be prepared for rain (it’s that pretty green for a reason).  I recommend no matter when you go that you always keep a rain jacket and thermal jacket in your day pack.  If the weather is cold, consider packing rain pants and/or waterproof gloves.   During rainy periods, be especially cautious navigating so you no only stay on the path, but also on the RIGHT path when in the national parks.

I choose my affiliate One Foot Abroad for my European walking holidays. Not only are walking holidays quite reasonable, when you book through my affiliate, One Foot Abroad, they’ll figure out all the logistics for you.  They know the most fun places to stay.

One Foot Abroad will book your lodging, arrange for daily luggage transportation (so you just carry a day pack),  provide you with maps and also offers 24/7 support, should you need it.  You can customize your adventure with transfers and ‘rest days’ – just ask!

Use One Foot Abroad Promo Code ATA5 to get 5% Off ANY of their fantastic Europoean adventure travel tours.  Check out all of their tours HERE.  Also:  this exclusive promo code also works for their sister company, Follow the Camino, for ALL El Camino paths.  Check out earlier shows and websites about doing an El Camino HERE.

Save 5% with One Foot Abroad Promo Code ATA5!

Who Can Walk the Coast to Coast

Any European walking holiday, including England’s Coast to Coast, is a terrific vacation for active solo travelers, couples and friends.  If your children (I’d say at least 10-12 years old) are big hikers, than this could also be a fun family vacation.

How Long Does it Take to Walk England’s Coast to Coast Path

You can walk the entire length in 14-16 days, on average, and take a rest day or two along the way.  You also need to allow for transport to and from the end of the trail.   One Foot Abroad self-guided tours are:

Section I: 86 miles/132 km:  Saint Bees to Kirby Stephen 9 Days

Section II: 110 miles/176 km: Kirby Stephen to Robin Hoods Bay 11 Days

Note that Day 1 is the day you arrive at your starting point.  You spend the night and start your hike in the morning.  On the final day, you are already at the end point of your walk, and your tour ends after breakfast.

How to get to and from London to your start and end point

You can take a train from London to Saint Bees.  To or from Kirby Stephen, you also can take a train.  From Robin Hoods Bay, you can either a train or bus back to London.  I like the Omio or Rome2Rio apps to determine my logistics.  One Foot Abroad can also help you with your transters.

IMPORTANT LONDON NOTE:  If you choose one of the satellite ‘London’ airports instead of Heathrow, also take into account the time and expense to actually get to London as some are a LONG was away, despite the name, and traffic can be horrendous!

Check or book London flights HERE.

How to Walk the Coast to Coast (Do I need a guide?)

You don’t need a guide to walk the Coast to Coast path in England.  The trail is pretty well marked (I only got off trail once and was able to course correct easily enough).  One Foot Abroad will provide you with a map and book, and most of the trail is well marked.  I recommend downloading the Strava app for additional assistance.  Note that ‘All Trails’ performed poorly, so don’t count on it.  If the weather is bad, be especially alert for trail markers so you don’t inadvertently get off trail – especially when in a national park, where trails may intersect.

I recommend taking a ‘self-guided’ hike and use my affiliate, One Foot Abroad to make all of the arrangements for you.  They know the best places to stay (and you MUST reserve as some villages are quite small and have limited rooms).  They can plan all the logistics according to what you need, including moving your main luggage each day so all you carry is your day pack.  OFA also will give you a detailed map along with your full itinerary.  And for peace of mind, they offer 24/7 assistance.

Use Promo Code ATA5 to save 5% off of any One Foot Abroad self-guided European tours.

What Do You See on the Coast to Coast Path

The Coast to Coast walk takes you through some of England’s most scenic regions, which is why it is so popular!  You’ll spend most of your walk in rural areas, often high on the hills overlooking lakes and farms down below.  

You’ll also see lots of lambs, as the ewes give birth in the spring.  Many times you’ll be on pasture land, but occasionally you’ll be tucked in the trees.  You mostly see the lakes from above, but do walk along one particularly large and poictureque lake.  

And of course, there are those charming English villages that you’ll stay in.  One cuter than the next.

Lodging on the Coast to Coast Path

It is very important that you have reservations for your evening’s lodging!  Some of the villages are small and have limited beds, so don’t take a chance.  Also, the C2C is super popular and fills up quickly, so try to reserve well in advance to get the best places.  

I like how One Foot Abroad tries to get you into unique inns, when possible (again, reserve EARLY!).

Once we stayed on a sheep farm and the lambs were right ourside our window.  It was adorable and the room was nice, too!  Breakfast is included, but may not be available until 8am.  Pick up snacks in town as you may not be near a store for lunch.  

It’s super easy to compare travel insurance policies and prices – without disclosing your identifying information unless you decide to buy.  This is my ‘Go To’ resource!

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