Overview
The Coast to Coast Path was devised by Alfred Wainwright, the famous English walker and guidebook author in 1973, as an alternative to the north-south Pennine Way. It covers 305km from the sea cliffs of St Bees on the Irish Sea through three national parks (Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors) to Robin Hood’s Bay’s fishing village on the North Sea. The Coast to Coast Path has become one of England’s most popular long-distance walks globally, and it includes probably the best walking England has to offer. As Wainwright put it himself in one of his guidebooks, “[The Coast to Coast Path] puts the Pennine Way to shame” for scenic beauty, variety and interest.
This self guided walking itinerary covers the eastern section of the Coast to Coast Path from Kirkby Stephen to Robin Hoods Bay. We also offer the western section from St Bees to Kirkby, or if you have the time and stamina you can walk the entire path in 16 days.
- Walk Alfred Wainwright’s famous path
- Cross three National parks – Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors
- Kirkby Stephen in the Upper Eden Valley
- The true gem of the Yorkshire Coastline – Robin Hood’s Bay
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kirkby Stephen
Arrive and overnight Kirkby Stephen – a busting town, steeped in history.
- Accommodation: Redmaine House (Kirby Stephen) or similar
Day 2: Keld to Reeth | 18-20km
Short transfer to Keld. From Keld, there is a choice of two routes. A low-level route that follows the River through Swaledale and the farmland and woodland of the area. Or a higher route that is a step through the history of lead mining in the area and a more rugged choice with some fantastic views along the way. You finish in the village of Reeth.
- Walking for the day: 18-20km
- Accommodation: The Manse (Reeth) or similar
Day 3: Reeth to Richmond | 19km
Today you will be leaving the Pennines. From Reeth you head through Swaledale, soon passing the Marrick Priory, which was founded in 1155. The tower that survives dates from the 13th century. From here it is a steep but short climb to Marrick and then undulating walking through fields and woodland before a descent into Richmond, a bustling small town with plenty of pubs where you can stock up on supplies for the next few days.
- Walking for the day: 19km
- Accommodation: Cordilleras House (Richmond) or similar
Day 4: Richmond to Danby Wiske | 22km
Leaving Richmond behind, you follow the line of the River Swale before heading through farmland. Today’s walking is pleasantly flat, especially after passing Brompton-on-Swale. Overnight in Danby Wiske with its 11th century Norman church, the lowest point inland of the entire route.
- Walking for the day: 23km
- Accommodation: The White Swan or similar
Day 5: Danby Wiske to Ingleby Cross/Osmotherley | 15-18km
Another easy-going day with no major climbs, although you slowly gain height throughout the day. Pass through a pretty combination of fields and woodland with open views before arriving at Ingleby Cross at the beginning of the North Yorkshire Moors. Depending on accommodation availability, your overnight could be in Osmotherley.
- Walking for the day: 15-18km
- Accommodation: The Golden Lion (Osmortherley) or similar
Day 6: Ingleby Cross/Osmotherley to Blakey | 33km
Walk through woodland then head uphill for superb views back to Richmond and ahead towards the North Sea. You are finally in the North York Moors National Park with its wide expanses of heather covered moorland, contrasting with the distinctive rocky crags of the Wain Stones. It feels like you are on a high mountain, but the North York Moors is only 4,500m above sea level. Today’s stretch brings you across the plateau, along the route of an abandoned mine railway to The Lion Inn pub. Originally a 16th-century hunting lodge, it’s the third highest pub in England and the only building for miles around.
- Walking for the day: 33km
- Accommodation: The Lion Inn (Blakey Ridge) or similar
Day 7: Blakey to Grosmont | 22km
Today’s route is mainly flat and downhill beside Great Fryup Dale and into Glaisdale. There’s one sting in the tail to get up and down into Egton Bridge before you end the day in peaceful Grosmont (pronounced ‘Growmont’), one of the stops on the famous North York Moors steam railway.
- Walking for the day: 22km
- Accommodation: The Geall Gallery B&B (Grosmont) or similar
Day 8: Grosmont to Robin Hood’s Bay | 25km
Start the day with a steep road climb up onto the moor before descending into beautiful Littlebeck – but not before catching a glimpse of the sea and the breathtaking Whitby Abbey! Through Falling Foss woods with its hidden follies, walk over the last section of the Moors. The final stretch takes you from High Hawsker along the top of the Jurassic cliffs – with stunning coastal scenery and the sight of a dolphin if you’re lucky. There are gorgeous vistas of Robin Hood’s Bay as you descend to this beautiful
old fishing village. On arrival, don’t forget to throw your St Bees’ stone into the North Sea. Congratulations – You’ve crossed England!
- Walking for the day: 25km
- Accommodation: Lee-side (Robin Hood’s Bay), The White Horse and Griffin (Whitby) or similar
Day 9: Departure
Departure or extra nights upon request.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodations on this tour include a mix of charming small hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses. They have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere, cuisine and/or unique services. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
- Lockholme B&B
- Willance House
- The Villa
- Ivy Cottage
- Elstavale
- Butt House
- The White Swan
- Arncliffe Arms
- The Lion Inn
*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal or higher value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available on the route, lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops, or packed lunch can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. You can have dinner at the guesthouse you are staying at or at the village pubs and restaurants.
Difficulty and terrain
While not too demanding in terms of elevation gains and terrain, most days offer 5-6h of walking (up to 7h on some days). You will cover a variety of terrain, but there are no steep ascents and descents. Some of the paths can become muddy and boggy, and progress can often be slow (read more about difficulty grades). The trail follows well-maintained footpaths, bridleways, open fields and some minor roads. The trail is waymarked only sporadically. A comprehensive guidebook and map are supplied. You can also call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from end-March until mid-October.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date during the season.
If you are a seasoned and well-equipped hiker, we can eventually book you on off-season dates.
Getting there
Up-to-date travel advice on the United Kingdom is available here (for Canadian citizens) and here (for US citizens).
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour are Manchester (MAN) and Newcastle upon Tyne (NCL).
By train or bus
- From Newcastle to Kirkby Stephen it is 2.5h journey by bus. Journey time from London via Leeds is about 6h. Please check the Traveline website or use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- 8 nights in twin/double rooms with an en-suite or private bathroom (small hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses)
- 8 breakfasts
- Detailed journey documentation and practical information: personalised trip notes and maps (digital copy only)
- Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel – up to 20kg per bag
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Extra nights along the trail are bookable upon request
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