Devised by renowned walker and writer Alfred Wainwright in 1973, the Coast to Coast Walk is the UK’s most iconic long-distance trail. Spanning 315km (195 miles), it crosses England from west to east, showcasing an extraordinary variety of landscapes, charming villages, and three distinct National Parks—the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors.
Tradition calls for walkers to dip their boots in the Irish Sea at St Bees before setting off, and again in the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay upon completion.
Starting in the quaint Cumbrian village of St Bees, the trail climbs into the dramatic fells and lakes of the Lake District, passes through classic rolling farmland and over the Pennine Hills, and ascends to the mysterious cairns of Nine Standards Rigg. Follow the tranquil River Swale to the market town of Richmond, cross the Vale of Mowbray, and traverse the heather-clad heights of the North York Moors before finishing in the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay.
In 2026, the Coast to Coast was designated a National Trail in England. Recent work across the route has focused on improving paths, enhancing safety and introducing consistent waymarking. Walkers can now follow the trail more easily than ever, with new signage marked by Wainwright’s distinctive initials: AW.
Whether you choose a guided Coast to Coast walking tour or a self-guided Coast to Coast hike or cycling adventure, you’ll stay in carefully selected hotels, guesthouses and pubs—perfect for enjoying local hospitality and refuelling with a hearty Full English breakfast.
While it's one of the UK’s most popular trails, don’t be fooled—our Coast to Coast trips are among the most challenging but rewarding tours in Europe, best suited for experienced walkers or cyclists.
To make your journey even more memorable, travellers booking with UTracks can add the official Coast to Coast Passport to their trip. This collectable booklet allows you to gather stamps at cafés, inns and checkpoints along the route—a fun way to engage with the trail and support the communities that keep this classic route alive.