Cross northern England from St Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea, moving from Lakeland fells to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. This is a long, varied walk with sustained climbs, open moorland and a clear coast-to-coast sense of purpose.
Start on red sandstone cliffs with the Irish Sea behind you.
Cross Ennerdale, Borrowdale, Grasmere and Patterdale on mountain paths.
Reach the Pennine watershed beneath its line of stone cairns.
Choose high moorland or gentler riverside walking between Keld and Reeth.
Climb steeply onto the North York Moors above the Vale of Mowbray.
Descend through the village to finish beside the North Sea.
The appeal is the shape of the journey. You begin beside the Irish Sea at St Bees, cross northern England on foot and finish at the North Sea in Robin Hood’s Bay. Few walks give such a clear sense of progress, with each landscape carrying you further from one coast and closer to the other.
The tougher walking comes early, with steep climbs, rocky ground and long descents through the Lake District. Beyond Kirkby Stephen, the route opens into Swaledale, farmland and long stretches of moorland before rising over the Cleveland Hills, where poor weather can make exposed ground harder.
Alfred Wainwright devised the Coast to Coast in 1973, linking existing paths across northern England into one continuous crossing. In March 2026 it became a National Trail, with improved waymarking and long-term protection while retaining the character of Wainwright’s original route.
Not sure where to start? These are the ones we'd suggest first. You'll find every itinerary further down.
CTCW3BEST FOR THE WESTERN SECTION
Begin at the Irish Sea and follow the Coast to Coast through the Lake District to Kirkby Stephen. This is the route’s more mountainous section, crossing Ennerdale, Borrowdale, Grasmere and Patterdale, with demanding climbs and a 16-mile stage to Shap.
Most PopularCTC2aBEST FOR THE FULL PATH
Walk the Coast to Coast from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, with more time built into the itinerary. Several longer stages are divided, giving you a steadier pace while keeping the full end-to-end crossing.
CTCE5BEST FOR THE EASTERN SECTION
Start at Kirkby Stephen and cross the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors before reaching the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay. The higher Lakeland fells are behind you, but there are still sustained climbs and long stretches of open country.
Tell us what you're after in a sentence and we'll show you the itineraries that fit — out of all 16 we run on this path.
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Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
4.7/5 based on 19 reviews
"Lake District is just a wonderful place to be! Everything worked out well in terms of logistics and bookings."
"We journeyed through such a variety of terrain and cultures. Celtic Trails arranged lodging which was excellent, and Sherpa was reliable for luggage transfers."
"A very efficient service. As a fit 70 year old, at first I found it quite challenging then my fitness improved. I thoroughly enjoyed the remaining walks."
"Personal, Tailored, responsive staff, helpful & Support materials"
"A very thorough and well organised walk. A lovely experience that will leave lasting memories of great views, new friends and a well exercised body and mind. I did not anticipate the wonderful camaraderie of meeting new walkers from so many different countries and backgrounds."
"Arrangements and accommodation were all excellent and I enjoyed being a "tourist" of smaller towns and villages."
"Well organised. Overall a very positive experience. We would book again. Although physically hard, it was rewarding. The scenery was beautiful & it was lovely to spend each day outside."
"Excellent and have recommended to a number of people including visitors from overseas"
"Extremely well organised, very helpful and provide a good level of accommodation"
If you add time in Grasmere, Dove Cottage gives useful context to the Lake District you have just crossed. William Wordsworth lived here from 1799, and the adjoining museum holds manuscripts, journals and personal objects connected with William and Dorothy Wordsworth. Check current opening information and tickets with Wordsworth Grasmere before visiting.
Richmond Castle stands above the River Swale close to the route through Richmond. The Norman castle dates from the 11th century, while its exhibition also tells the later story of conscientious objectors held there during the First World War. It is a worthwhile reason to allow extra time in Richmond before continuing east.
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
Explore our other walking holidays...
Northern England
Welsh Border