The Coast-to-Coast Walk is the quintessential English walking experience. The route combines challenge, discovery, and breathtaking scenery. From the Irish Sea to the North Sea, this iconic national trail showcases the dramatic landscapes of England.
More than a journey through geography, the Coast to Coast is a personal journey. As Kerri-Lyn shares:
“Pushed me out of my comfort zone and was amazing…I still think about our trek and say to myself ‘wow I did that,’ such pride in pushing through it with the help of all my group.”
It’s about finding joy in the unexpected—a cozy village pub, the camaraderie of fellow walkers, or the satisfaction of a hearty full English breakfast.
Through the reflections of past adventures, discover why this trail is one of the world’s great walks.
Sheep, cows and spectacular views
The journey begins at St Bees on the enchanting Irish Sea, with views of the Isle of Man. The first trek to Ennerdale Bridge follows sandstone cliffs, passes Nanny Catch Gate and Beck. It’s here that you’ll find your stride—both physically and mentally.
“Day 1 of our Coast 2 Coast, Wainwright Way. What an amazing effort by everyone. Sheep, cows and spectacular views.”
Big climbs mean big downs
The second day turns the ascent gear up at Angler’s Crag and Lowther Beck. But, as we go up, we also need to go down, with the descent into Borrowdale. Trekkers begin to experience the coast-to-coast hilly terrain.
“What a big day! The theme of the day was rocks! Everywhere we walked today…Rocks! Big climbs mean big downs!”
Where there is a hill there is a view
Challenges can present themselves, even on shorter days, and climbing up Helm Crag takes some perseverance.
“Another day in the Lake District meant more hills, however where there is a hill there is a view! The countryside is spectacular.”
The climb is totally worth it for the descent into Grasmere—one of the most beautiful stops along the trail.
“Such a pretty walk.” – Julie Attard
Gorgeous valleys of high or low road
Choices of route often present themselves; it depends on how trekkers feel on the day. We will always be together at the start and at the end.
“We had the options today of the high road and the low road. Prior to lunch, Mike, Amber and Sue P, took the high road, after lunch Amber and Damo opted for the St Sunday climb. The rest of our group took the standard route, and we all met to walk into Patterdale together! Another fabulous day!”
The trek guides will support you when choices of routes present themselves.
“Deb and Mike Manders from Getaway Trekking did a wonderful job guiding us on this trek, providing lots of encouragement, support and ensuring we arrived safely at our destination each day. A truly amazing experience and one I won’t forget!” – Sandra M
28km and our feet are sure feeling it
There’s long, challenging walks on this trek, but luckily, the route is well balanced with long and short days.
“What a big day! 28km and our feet are sure feeling it. Highlights? Leaving the fells relatively dry! A shorter day tomorrow and we are really happy about that.”
A hop, skip and a jump over the M6
Occasionally, we must cross busy roads, luckily there’s ample safe bridges, and we soon leave the bustle of civilisation.
“A lovely “stroll” today after our big day yesterday. A stop at Orton for lunch then just a hop, skip and a jump over the M6 to the Westmorland Hotel. A relaxing afternoon ahead!”
Everyone is enjoying the time together
As we reach the end of the journey through Cumbria, the terrain shifts as the thwaites widen, and the landscape grows more remote. Trekkers enjoy the charming pubs, at the end of the day. This journey truly bonds you with friends for life.
“Mainly grassy paddocks today with cows, sheep and a couple of really big bulls! Everyone is enjoying the time together and it shows at dinner. Lots of chatter, laughing and singing! All looking forward to another great day tomorrow!”
A day of laughter and team support
Remote and rugged with boggy terrain may sound uninviting, but trust us, it’s spectacular! We continue across terrain which can be uneven to walk over, and marshes that you can sink into– there’s lots of photo and team-building opportunities.
“Kirkby Stephen to Keld and the theme today was mud! We crossed it, we slipped in it and we got stuck in it! Then we had to manage the grass mounds and try and keep our ankles safe! A day of laughter and team support! Perfect! Half way done and we are looking forward to more fun and laughter for the next half!”
Grassy paddocks, hamlets and the River Swale
Walking down into the village of Keld, takes trekkers through a series of fields, all with spectacular views of the Dales. The end destination of Reeth with its collection of pubs is often a fan-favourite.
“A gentler walk today from Keld to Reeth – approx 20kms. Grassy paddocks, hamlets and the River Swale, but not to allow complacency, some “annoyingly steep” climbs were included. The night finished with some good old English darts.”
Richmond supporter in Richmond
We do venture to lots of country pubs, which everyone loves. The warm fires, delicious comfort food, and, of course, sport on the TVs.
“Of course we have a Richmond supporter in Richmond!”
Photo opportunity with Rishi Sunak
The banks of the Swale River cover a lot of ground on country roads. The tiny village of Danby Wiske surprisingly is a favourite for past Prime Ministers…
“Nice and flat! Grass paddocks, cows, corn fields, wheat fields and rivers. We finished the day with a photo opportunity with Rishi Sunak.”
Our arms still work well enough to have a drink
Leaving roads behind and climbing the Cleveland Way presents its challenges. But the charming village of Osmotherley is totally worth it, and the refreshing drink it welcomes trekkers with is the icing on the cake.
“Some sore knees, scrunched toes and a couple of blisters but apparently our arms still work well enough to have a drink at the end of the day!”
It was so different from anything else
Climbs such as up to Live Moor, then to Carlton Bank and the Wainstones certainly gets the heart pumping, but it’s seriously worth it for the fantastic views.
“Today was a stroll! Started with the obligatory up, which has become the normal for our mornings. The views across the North Yorkshire Moors were amazing though.”
There’s some serious sight-seeing happening here, with the descendant that follows to Lord Stones Café, followed by Cringle Moor, Broughton Bank and White Hill.
“I really enjoyed this day. It was so different from anything else already walked.” – Caron Harbott
Almost there!
The penultimate day of the trek starts, of course, with a hearty breakfast. Trekkers enjoy talking about the journey so far and what they’ve achieved.
“Blakey Ridge to Egton Bridge. Almost there! Definitely feeling weary but saddened that we only have 1 more day of walking.”
We walked, talked, laughed, sang and cried
The final day takes trekkers (for the final time) on a steep ascent and descent, finally reaching the ultimate destination of the sea. This lovely memory sums up the walk perfectly:
“And we have finished! Over 330kms walked, through becks, moors, dales and thwaites. We walked, talked, laughed, sang and cried through it all!”
Highly Recommend!
For those still on the fence, let the words of Damo and Nick inspire you:
“Highly recommend! 🤘” – Damo
“Wonderfully well organised & run trek.” – Nick Crofts
This walk is not just about the kilometres covered but the personal growth, shared moments, and breathtaking beauty along the way.
So, lace up your boots, embrace the challenge, and prepare for a life-changing experience. As Craig puts it:
“One fantastic walk, organised by a fantastic company, a great experience, lifetime memories.” – Craig Bult
You’re guaranteed to come back for more adventure once you get a taste for it after Coast to Coast, like David:
“Great trip and looking forward to our next adventure” – David Pope
Ready to start your Coast to Coast journey? Get in touch with us today or visit our Coast to Coast page to find out more