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Wilderness Walking

England Coast to Coast

Next Trip: 30th - 11th Aug 2023 Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights

From £3,995 View Prices & Dates

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Trip created by Stevie Christie
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Region: Multi-Location
Trip Type: Wilderness Walking
Accommodation: Classic
Max Group Size: 10
Confirmed: When 3 Traveller(s) Book
Deposit From: £1,023.75 £1,023.75

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All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

Download Itinerary

Travel the width of England on foot on this epic coast to coast trail. Journeying from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, the trail starts in the small town of St Bees and finishes in Robin Hood’s Bay. During the 13 days it takes to walk the England Coast to Coast, on the way you’ll pass through 3 national parks, covering a distance of 128-miles. Hiking the most spectacular sections of Alfred Wainwright’s Coast to Coast walk, you’ll follow in the footsteps of literary giants through the dramatic fells of the Lake District, the green rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales and the sweeping expanses of the North Yorks Moors National Park.

Lead by an expert guide, you’ll discover the incredible history of the area as you pass medieval castles, historic houses, storied monuments and ancient standing stones, with the scenery changing as you go. Relax each evening in handpicked accommodation and enjoy fresh local produce. The England Coast to Coast walk may be challenging, but it is also an incredibly rewarding hike that showcases the best of Northern England’s scenery and heritage.

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy some of the finest hiking in Northern England with an expert guide.
  • Learn the fascinating history of the area from Medieval Britain to the Romantic poets of Wordsworth and Coleridge.
  • Walk through changing scenery from dramatic fells of the Lakes to the rolling green hills of the Dales.
  • Stay in a mix of traditional accommodation and enjoy fresh produce including a traditional cream tea.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival

Today make your way to Penrith on the edge of the Lake District, where you’ll meet your guides and fellow travellers at the train station. You’ll transfer over to the west coast and settle into your accommodation near Whitehaven for the next two nights. Before dinner, your guides will deliver a welcome brief to chat through the adventure ahead. Enjoy a delicious dinner and get ready for an exciting first day of hiking tomorrow. (D)

Day 2 - St Bees Head to Ennerdale Bridge

We’ll begin this morning on the beach at St Bees Head by dipping our boots into the Irish sea and marking the start of our journey from coast to coast. We’ll leave the sandy shore behind as we take to the tops of the red sandstone cliffs, with seabirds wheeling in the sky around us. After four miles, we turn inland and head east for the first time, passing through fields and country lanes with some road sections. After stopping for a pub lunch at Cleator we tackle our first hill of the trip, walking up and over the bald crown of Dent (352m). We’ll enjoy views of the fells of the Lake District, which wait on the horizon before finishing for the day at Ennerdale Bridge. We’ll transfer back to our hotel with a great first day behind you. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 15 miles / 24 km | approx. 8 hours

Day 3 - Ennerdale to Honister

We transfer back to Ennerdale Water where we start our hike today, enjoying gorgeous views of the Lakeland Fells as we go. The first couple of miles take us along the lake shore, before continuing on through Ennerdale Forest, gradually hiking further and further up the valley into the heart of the hills. We’ll arrive at Black Sails Hut, a remote youth hostel in the hills where we will enjoy our packed lunch. From Black Sail, we climb steeply up alongside Loft Beck. Although one of the steepest ascents of the trip, it’s usually managed in about 30 minutes, and the views back down to Ennerdale make it well worth the effort. Descending this afternoon to Honister Slate Mine, we’ll meet up again with the support team and transfer to the next hotel by the beautiful shore of Ullswater at Glenridding. (B, L, D)

Walk Details: 11 miles / 17 km  | approx 7-8 hours

Day 4 - Grasmere to Glenridding

We’re now in the heart of the Lake District National Park, and today’s section will start from the home of one of England’s most revered poets – William Wordsworth. We’ll visit his old house at Dove Cottage to learn about his life and love of the Lakes before taking to the hills in his footsteps. We hike a high pass up and over Grisedale Hause, then down into Grisedale Valley where the crags and hills stretch out above us. The last section of the hike crosses a low hillside providing a superb view over Ullswater. We finish by walking back to the door of our hotel in the gorgeous village of Glenridding, with an opportunity to stop in at some of the local village shops afterwards. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 9 miles / 14 km | approx 5 hours

Day 5 - Ullswater to Shap

A relaxed start to today’s journey as we board a refurbished historic steamship for a scenic cruise across Ullswater with the Fells of the Lakes spread out behind you. The boat will drop us off on the far shore, and we start walking south along the banks of Fusedale Beck, a small river that winds through the moors and hills. An ascent from here allows us to take our last look back at the Lakeland Fells. We finish the day exploring the historic ruins of the 12th century Shap Abbey and its 15th century tower. A short transfer will take us in to the Yorkshire Dales and to the picturesque village of Ravenstonedale, our home for the next three nights.  (B, L, D)

Walk details: 12 miles / 19 km | approx 6 -7 hours

Day 6 - Shap to Ravenstonedale

This morning we’ll head back to Shap to pick up the hike where we left off. As we venture further in to the Yorkshire Dales National Park the scenery changes. The hills become rounder with the limestone plateaus, rolling meadows filled with wildflowers and miles of miles of traditional drystone walls. We’ll stop for lunch in the little village of Orton to visit the family run village chocolate shop. This afternoon, you can continue the hike with your guide and end up back at the hotel. Alternatively, you can transfer back to the hotel to spend the afternoon relaxing at your accommodation or enjoying exploring the adorable wee village of Ravenstonedale and the surrounding countryside in your own time. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 6 or 15 miles / 9 or 24 km | approx 4-9 hours

Day 7 - Ravenstonedale to Gunnerside

Today we’ll cross the spine of England as we reach the halfway point of the trip. Set out on foot from Ravenstonedale hiking through the fields, crossing styles and drystone dykes, arriving in the market town of Kirkby Stephen where we break for lunch. A short transfer then takes us across the Pennine hills to the stone hamlet of Keld. From here, we’ll set out to hike the Swaledale Valley, one of the most picturesque areas of the Dales. Following the winding river, you’ll pass through fields of wildflowers as sheep dot the hills on either side. We’ll arrive at the village of Muker where we’ll enjoy a traditional afternoon tea before hiking to the village of Gunnerside where we end the walking day before transferring back to our hotel. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 12 miles / 19.5 km | approx 6-7 hours

Day 8 - Reeth to Richmond

This morning we’ll transfer to the town of Reeth where we pick up the trail again at the east end of the Swaledale Valley. Along the hike, we’ll pass through native forests and past the 12th century Marrick Priory, once home to a small community of Benedictine nuns. In the early afternoon we reach the historic and beautiful town of Richmond, still dominated by the towering keep of Richmond Castle, one of the finest and most complete 11th century fortresses in the country. We’ll enjoy a visit to the castle before settling into our hotel overlooking the town’s market square. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 10 miles / 16 km | approx 5-6 hours

Day 9 - Richmond to Lord Stones

From Richmond, we start with an easy walk along the River Swale past the ruins of Easby Abbey to St Giles. Here we meet the support van and transfer to the ruined 14th century Mount Grace Priory, which sits at the foot of the Cleveland Hills. Here we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and a look around the ruins before resuming the walk, setting off into our third national park of the trip – the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. We ascend to the top of Beacon Hill, providing an excellent viewpoint of the moors that lie ahead. We descend from the hill and cross the heather covered moors looking out for the bird life that makes this area home. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 12.5 miles / 20 km | approx 6-7 hours

Day 10 - Lord Stones to Blakey Ridge

A good breakfast today sets you up for the challenging day ahead. We traverse several low hilltops, ascending and descending along a section whimsically known as the ‘rollercoaster.’ We’ll continue across the moor before we pick up the line of the long disused Rosedale Ironstone Railway which was constructed in 1858 to link mining operations in the area. We’ll follow the railway through the wild landscape of the moor to Blakey Ridge and the famous Lion Inn, located at the highest point on the Yorkshire Moors, where we’ll enjoy a welcome drink to toast the end of day. Afterwards, we will have a short transfer to our hotel in the village of Goathland. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 12.5 miles / 20 km | approx 7-8 hours

Day 11 - Blakey Ridge to Grosmont

Beginning from Blakey Ridge, we set out across the moor again and then descend into the beautiful and wonderfully-named dale of Great Fryup. We make for the village of Glaisdale and Beggar’s Bridge which was built by Thomas Ferris in 1619 and is now a Grade II listed structure. We’ll stop to learn the history here and then make our way on to Grosmont and lunch. At Grosmont, we then jump aboard a heritage steam railway and enjoy a short ride through beautiful scenery to the famous Goathland Station, used as a location in many films and TV shows including Harry Potter. Disembarking, we walk up through the pretty village back to our hotel. This afternoon there will be the opportunity to wander around the village and the local shops. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 12 miles / 19 km | approx 6-7 hours

Day 12 - Littlebeck to Robin Hood’s Bay

Our final day of walking starts from Littlebeck, where we walk through gorgeous woodland to the waterfall of Falling Foss. From there we strike out for the coast, which is now just a few miles away. We reach our lunch stop at Hawsker, and can tuck in knowing that there is not far to go. From Hawsker a short hike takes us finally to the coast and the last few miles are along the beautiful sea cliffs, until we reach Robin Hood’s Bay. We’ll walk through the village and to the water where you can dip your toes in the North Sea, having hiked coast to coast across England. We’ll enjoy a celebratory drink at the Bay Hotel Bar, before heading to our lovely hotel at the top of the hill to relax and enjoy a celebration meal together. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 13 miles / 21 km | approx 7 hours

Day 13 - Travel to York, Depart

After a relaxed final breakfast, you’ll leave the coast today and start the journey home. After a last look out at the North Sea, your guides will transfer you to the train station in York where you will say goodbye to the group. From here you can start your journey onward to home taking the memories of your adventure with you. (B)

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Wilderness Walking
England Coast to Coast

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Trip Dates & Prices

Trip Dates for 2023AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
30th Jul - 11th Aug 20236 place(s) leftCONFIRMED£4,095Book Now
20th Aug - 1st Sep 20239 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£3,995Book Now
3rd Sep - 15th Sep 20235 place(s) leftCONFIRMED£3,995Book Now
Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
7th Apr - 19th Apr 202410 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£3,995Book Now
28th Apr - 10th May 20245 place(s) leftCONFIRMED£4,095Book Now
7th Jul - 19th Jul 202410 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£4,095Book Now
28th Jul - 9th Aug 202410 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£4,095Book Now
25th Aug - 6th Sep 202410 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£4,095Book Now
29th Sep - 11th Oct 202410 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£4,095Book Now

Trip Details

Accommodation Read More

Our accommodation partners are carefully chosen according to a number of factors – charming locations, very good facilities and a reputation for providing excellent hospitality.

Single Rooms

For solo travellers: Accommodation is based on sharing a twin room with another solo traveller of the same gender. A limited number of rooms for single occupancy are available on a first come first served basis, subject to a single supplement of £650. Please enquire for availability.

Meals Read More

All meals from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 13 are included int his trip. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

Great food is of paramount importance on all Wilderness England trips and we will enjoy excellent regional cooking throughout this all-inclusive trip.

On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group. However, if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

Inclusions Read More

The trip includes the following:

  • 12 nights accommodation in a variety of hotels, inns and local guesthouses.
  • All meals from Dinner on Day 1 through to Breakfast on Day 13.
  • Snacks while hiking, giving a taste of the local region.
  • Complimentary, unlimited, potable water during a trip.
  • Expert guiding throughout.
  • All transfers throughout.
  • All excursions and entrance fees as featured in the itinerary.
  • Trip incidentals.

We do not include drinks or any gratuities you may choose to leave.

Trip Grading Read More

Blue Graded 4-6

Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

Travel Read More

Your Guide will meet you at Penrith Railway Station at 2:00pm on day 1 of your trip.

You will be returned to York Railway Station at 11:00am on the final day of your trip.

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Make This Trip Private

Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

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Chris Page

Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of England. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

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Difficulty Grades Explained

Blue Graded Walking Holidays
Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

Compare walking grades

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