England Coast to Coast

The coast-to-coast journey across England from the Irish Sea to the North Sea is one of the greatest hikes in the world. We’ve perfected this classic walk, hiking its most spectacular stretches as we cut a swath across England’s historic and literary landscape and through three magnificent national parks. We start in the impossibly romantic Lake District, the sublime countryside that inspired Wordsworth and Coleridge, hike into the stone-built villages of the Yorkshire Dales (James Herriot country), then enter the purple heather lands of the North York Moors, hiking from Bronte country to Robin Hood’s Bay on the wild North Sea. The good cheer of village inns and rural pubs where we relax with fellow hikers adds to the charm of this delightful journey.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-4
Irish Sea / Ravenglass / Lake District National Park

At the village of Ravenglass in the Lake District, we christen our boots in the Irish Sea (a tradition for coast-to-coast hikers), then set out on a rolling coastal path with stunning views out to the Isle of Man. Entering Lake District National Park, we hike through a tranquil landscape of stone walls overhung with berry bush and glistening green fields where flocks of sheep graze. The mountain scenery is magnificent, with colorful fellsides swooping up from crystal lakes surrounded by a great amphitheater of emerald mountains. Our hikes bring us over Styhead Pass, with panoramas of England’s highest peak, and through the beautiful valley of Borrowdale.

Days 5-6
Lake District National Park

In the famous village of Grasmere, we visit Dove Cottage, home of the poet William Wordsworth, then enjoy one of the Lake District’s classic hikes—a jaunt over 1,600-foot Grisedale Hause (hause is Old Norse for pass). Once a pony track for Victorian ladies and gentlemen, this fine grassy trail zig-zags up to a high pass and then descends into a long verdant valley flanked by ancient stone walls. Our final Lake District hike crosses the solitary eastern heights on a Roman road, the highest engineered by the Romans in England. Bidding farewell to the fells of Lakeland, we set our sights ahead toward the Limestone Country of Yorkshire, site of James Herriot’s memoirs as a country vet, All Creatures Great and Small.

Days 7-9
Yorkshire Dales National Park

Entering Yorkshire Dales National Park, we hike across the main watershed of England by way of Nine Standards Rigg, a summit dominated by massive and mysterious stone cairns. From the summit, the coast-to-coast trail views are spectacular, with the Lake District behind us and the Yorkshire Dales ahead. Our hike along the banks of the River Swale amid stone barns and wooded valleys brings us through some of the most charming villages in England. On Day 9, we enjoy the historical treasures of ancient Richmond, poised majestically above the River Swale, its narrow cobblestone alleys sheltered by a massive Norman castle.

Days 10-12
North York Moors National Park

We experience a dramatic change of scenery on our walk along a moorland escarpment. The views are bewitching, with purple heaths fading into a patchwork of golds and greens. On a clear day, we can catch a glimpse of the North Sea.

Days 13-14
Robin Hood’s Bay / York

The last leg of our journey brings us past the evocative ruins of Whitby Abbey and along blustery cliffs down to the beach at Robin Hood’s Bay where we let the North Sea lap our boots and congratulate one another on a job well done. Depart for Manchester via the medieval city of York on Day 14.

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What the Trip is Like

The hiking on this trip is Level 4+, Moderate to Strenuous. Terrain can be rugged, with steep climbs over uneven ground. The hikes range from 6-8 hours in length, with stops for lunch. We will be hiking through boggy terrain, open fells, and over craggy rocks. Altitudes are not high, and we carry only a daypack, but distances are long on some days, and there are many days with steep ups and downs, especially in the Lake District section of the hike. Please make a special effort to get in good physical condition for the trip. Due to the steepness of some descents and the rocky surface in some sections of the path, the trip should not be attempted by anyone who has serious problems with knees or hip joints.

We hike the Coast to Coast from west to east, so that the prevailing wind and weather is at our backs. This can make a great difference in the changeable English climate! It does mean, however, that we start the trip with the hardest and highest section, the Lake District.. Proper rain gear and gaiters will keep you comfortable no matter what weather blows in, and good conditioning will have you ready for the hike. A good pair of hiking boots is your most important piece of equipment. Your boots should have a Vibram-type sole, a good grip, and ample cushioning, and they should be waterproofed. Hiking poles are highly recommended—they are particularly useful on steep descents. Although it may be warm enough for shorts on many days, long pants and rain protection will also be necessary for any possible cool or inclement weather.

We have designed this itinerary with our veteran Trip Leaders, who have selected the best stretches of the Coast to Coast hike. We do not hike every inch of the trail from one coast to the other—this is not a “purist” trip following every mile. The itinerary is flexible and adjusted by the Trip Leader's knowledge and by weather conditions. A day of rain may make one route more desirable than another, for both safety and comfort. Please note that in Britain, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 PM.

Explanation of Trip Levels