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On this 10-day guided hiking holiday, experience the best sections of Wainwright's Coast to Coast with expert support. You will stay in handpicked accommodations that blend charm and comfort including cosy traditional coaching inns, grand Victorian hotels and a night in a castle. Your route will skip the more demanding days, making the walk achievable and enjoyable while immersing yourself in the local English culture. Along the way, enjoy highlights like afternoon tea at a country house hotel, a Victorian steamboat ride on Ullswater, a visit to a Swaledale farm and a ride on a steam train across the North York Moors.
Starting in Keswick, dip your boots in the Irish Sea at St Bees and hike through the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors, ending in the coastal charm of Robin Hood’s Bay. The trip includes some of the best days hiking on the Coast to Coast trail including the hike from Borrowdale to Grasmere and through Swaledale to Richmond. Conclude your walking holiday with a celebratory dinner in York, where you’ll reflect on a journey filled with history, culture, and stunning landscapes. This trip is about more than just the walk—it’s an unforgettable exploration of England’s rich heritage, all with the comfort and ease of a guided experience.
Wainwright’s Coast to Coast is one of the world’s great walks, designed in 1973 by the avid British hill walker, Alfred Wainwright, to showcase northern England’s diverse landscapes, from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. This 192-mile trail, crossing three iconic National Parks—the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors—has become one of the UK’s most beloved hikes and an official National Trail.
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19kg of CO2-e PP per day
(172kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive in Keswick
Your journey begins in Keswick, a historic market town in the heart of the Lake District. Easily accessible from the West Coast Mainline train station at nearby Penrith, Keswick is a small town with a population of around 7000 people. The town is clustered around the Market Square and historic Moot Hall. There is lots to see and do: visit the local museums, shop for outdoor gear, take a boat trip on the lake, see a show at Theatre by the Lake or take the short walk down to the lakeshore to enjoy the iconic view of Catbells and the Newlands fells across Derwentwater. A single-timed transfer from Penrith Station in the late afternoon (5pm approx) is included or alternatively make your own way to Keswick from Penrith by local bus. It is also possible to arrange a private transfer, please ask your travel consultant for details. In the evening, meet your guide and fellow walkers for a briefing before dinner. Accommodation: 2 nights at our comfortable, historic Keswick hotel.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Start the Coast to Coast in St Bees – 15km/9miles – 5 to 6hrs
After a hearty English breakfast, transfer to St Bees and the start of the Coast to Coast trail. Dip the toes of your boots in the Irish sea and pick up a pebble to take to Robin Hood’s Bay at the end of your journey. The trail climbs from the beach around St Bees Head, a nature reserve home to England’s only breeding colony of Black Guillemots. The trail traverses through farmland to Cleator where we pause for today and stop at a local country house hotel for afternoon tea and fizz to celebrate your first day on the trail together. Transfer back to your overnight accommodation in Keswick in time for dinner.
Meals: B
Day 3
Hike from Borrowdale to Grasmere – 13km/8miles – 5 to 6hrs
Take the open top bus from Keswick down the Borrowdale Valley, passing alongside Derwentwater for panoramic Lakeland views. Alight at Rosthwaite to begin your hike over Greenup Edge to the vale of Grasmere. The trail today is challenging, with around 550m/1800ft of ascent. The path ascends alongside Stonethwaite Beck and Greenup Gill, eventually reaching the high ground via Lining Crag. The descent to Grasmere is on a stone-pitched path via Easedale Gill. Grasmere, home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth, nestles at the foot of spectacular fells, has its own lake and the small village boasts many pubs, cafes and restaurants. It is also home to the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop. This unique and delicious gingerbread is made daily from a secret recipe and is the perfect sweet treat for a picnic (or souvenir to bring home!). Accommodation: Overnight in a comfortable 4* hotel with pool.
Day 4
Walk to Ullswater – 12km/7.5miles – 5 to 6hrs
Waking up in the beautiful village of Grasmere, enjoy a hearty breakfast before another challenging hike today over Grisedale Pass (609m/2000ft) to Ullswater. Enjoy views over Patterdale and Ullswater and the summits of Helvellyn and the Lake District high fells. Descend into the valley to your accommodation in Glenridding close to Ullswater. Overnight in a comfortable 4* hotel with lake views (June, July & August) or a comfortable country Inn (May & September). Both hotels offer a short stroll to the edge of the lake, a great spot to catch the sunset.
Day 5
Ullswater Cruise, overnight Augill Castle – 15km/9.5miles – 4 to 5hrs
Today’s route skips the most difficult day of the entire Coast to Coast with a delightful alternative. All aboard the Ullswater Steamer for the journey up the lake to Pooley Bridge. This scenic journey takes around an hour and affords stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The Ullswater steamboats have a rich history and many of the vessels were built in the 1880s and remain in service! On arrival in Pooley Bridge, hike over Askham Fell down to Bampton and the meandering River Lowther and on to Shap Abbey, a 12th century ruin dissolved in 1540 by Henry VIII. From here transfer to Kirkby Stephen for your overnight stay in Augill Castle where we will enjoy a group dinner. Overnight in the castle which is a blend of historic charm and modern comfort.
Meals: B,D
Day 6
Hike from Keld to Reeth via Swaledale – 20km/12.5miles – 5 to 6hrs
Transfer from Augill to Keld. Taking the low route from Keld to Reeth on the Coast to Coast makes for an enjoyable and beautiful walk through the Swaledale Valley. With a strong farming heritage and a landscape of hills, wildflower meadows and old stone walls this valley is a typical Yorkshire Dale. We’ll break our journey to visit a Dales farm to learn about life in the valley on a working farm. Meet some farm animals (who you’ll meet will depend on the time of year) and learn about ways this farm is maintaining tradition and working with nature to conserve the landscape. From here it’s a short final hike into Reeth, an attractive settlement with a village green and a collection of pubs and tea shops. Overnight at an old coaching inn close on the green.
Day 7
Hike from Reeth to Richmond – 20km/12.5miles – 5 to 6hrs
Continue your hike through the Swaledale valley as the trail winds through meadows alongside the River Swale. The route is more gentle today, passing through villages and farmland with fewer climbs and mostly level paths as you hike to the historic market town of Richmond. Its centrepiece is the impressive 11th-century Norman castle, which overlooks the town and offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Cobbled streets lead to independent shops, welcoming cafés, and a picturesque market square, while the River Swale flows below. Explore the town and Richmond castle in the afternoon. Accommodation: Overnight in an 18th century coaching inn with a 21st century interior.
Day 8
Hike to Grosmont and train to Goathland – 18km/11miles – 5 hrs
An early start for the transfer (1 hr 25 mins) from Richmond to Blakey Ridge in the North York Moors national park. Hike across the dramatic moorland scenery as the trail winds through Eskdale with views opening up towards the sea. You come across the ‘Beggars Bridge’ a parabolic stone structure that has a story of love lost and love refound! Egton Bridge features a church with relics of the Catholic martyr, Nicholas Postgate. A really pretty setting, the river is famous for fly fishing and has some interesting stepping stones, which enables you to hop between the two pubs faster than using the road. Arriving in Grosmont we walk to the train station to take the North Yorkshire Moors Railway steam train (if timings and availabilty allow). This heritage railway is one of the most iconic and scenic in the UK. Running for 24 miles through the heart of the North York Moors National Park, it operates lovingly restored steam and heritage diesel trains between Pickering and Whitby, with stops at charming rural stations like Goathland (famous as "Hogsmeade" in the Harry Potter films), your destination for this evening. Accommodation: Overnight in a charming 19th century country house hotel in the village, close to the Mallyan Spout waterfall.
Day 9
Complete the Coast to Coast, transfer to York – 17km/10.5 miles – 5- 6 hrs
A short transfer takes you to the village of Littlebeck for your final hike on the Coast to Coast trail to Robin Hood’s Bay. The final stage of the Coast to Coast walk from Littlebeck to Robin Hood’s Bay is a rewarding and varied stretch, bringing the journey to a spectacular close. The trail begins in the peaceful woodland of Littlebeck, where mossy paths and trickling streams lead past the enchanting Falling Foss waterfall. From there, the route climbs across heather-covered moorland with sweeping views, before descending through fields and quiet lanes toward the coast. As the North Sea comes into view, anticipation builds until you reach the charming fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, with its steep cobbled streets and dramatic cliffs. Tradition calls for walkers to dip their boots in the sea, marking the end of an unforgettable cross-country hike and enjoy a pint at the Bay Hotel! Your journey ends with a transfer to the ancient city of York (1hr 25mins) where you can enjoy a final celebratory dinner. Overnight at a comfortable, boutique hotel in the ancient city of York.
Day 10
Arrangements end after breakfast
Tour arrangements end after breakfast. You can spend further time exploring York. Please speak to a member of our team should you wish to book additional nights’ accommodation. York is on the East Coast Main Line with regular trains departing north to Edinburgh and south to London.
What's included
What's not included
We have chosen comfortable and characterful accommodation for this tour so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings after a day out on the Coast to Coast trails, including a castle! This Victorian castle offers a truly memorable stay, blending historic charm with modern comforts. Rooms are ensuite, and the property is full of period detail and local personality. If for any reason this hotel becomes unavailable, we’ll arrange a similar standard nearby.
We have chosen comfortable and characterful accommodation for this tour so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings after a day out on the Coast to Coast trails. Nestled in the heart of the northern Lakes, your Keswick hotel offers Victorian elegance, large landscaped gardens, and ensuite rooms full of character. It’s a peaceful and convenient spot for walkers. If for any reason this hotel becomes unavailable, we’ll arrange a similar standard nearby.
We have chosen comfortable and characterful accommodation for this tour so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings after a day out on the Coast to Coast trails. For your stay in the Yorkshire Dales, we’ve selected a country house hotel in Reeth—an elegant Georgian country house offering stunning village green views and a warm, boutique atmosphere. All rooms are ensuite and tastefully styled with local character. If for any reason this hotel becomes unavailable, we’ll arrange a similar standard nearby.
We have chosen comfortable and characterful accommodation for this tour so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings after a day out on the Coast to Coast trails. In the heart of Wordsworth country, you’ll be staying at a hotel on the shores of Grasmere—modern luxury on the shores of the lake. This hotel blends contemporary design with Lake District serenity, with ensuite rooms and spa facilities. If for any reason this hotel becomes unavailable, we’ll arrange a similar standard nearby.
We have chosen comfortable and characterful accommodation for this tour so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings after a day out on the Coast to Coast trails. At the hotel in Goathland, you’ll experience traditional country charm in a beautiful moorland setting. This classic English hotel, set near the famous waterfall, offers cosy ensuite rooms and hearty hospitality. If for any reason this hotel becomes unavailable, we’ll arrange a similar standard nearby.
We have chosen comfortable and characterful accommodation for this tour so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings after a day out on the Coast to Coast trails. We’ve chosen a hotel in Richmond for its central location and historic ambience. This Georgian coaching inn combines period elegance with modern comfort, making it an ideal base to unwind after a day on the trail. All rooms are ensuite. If for any reason this hotel becomes unavailable, we’ll arrange a similar standard nearby.
We have chosen comfortable and characterful accommodation for this tour so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings after a day out on the Coast to Coast trails. With its spectacular lakefront setting, the hotel in Glenridding offers a luxurious stay with breathtaking views of Ullswater. This stylish hotel features ensuite rooms, excellent dining, and beautiful grounds. If for any reason this hotel becomes unavailable, we’ll arrange a similar standard nearby.
We have chosen comfortable and characterful accommodation for this tour so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings after a day out on the Coast to Coast trails. For your final night, we’ve selected a characterful guesthouse in York —a beautifully restored townhouse offering boutique comfort just a short stroll from the city centre. Rooms are ensuite and styled with thoughtful, contemporary touches. If this hotel is unavailable, we’ll arrange a property of similar quality nearby.
The trails in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors are a mix of mountain footpaths, woodland trails and farm tracks. You will follow a variety of natural trails, some very narrow and rocky and with uneven surfaces. Trails that are stone, gravel and slate can become slippery when wet, and some of the terrain is across boggy landscape and it can be muddy after lots of rain. A good level of fitness and ability on rocky and muddy trails is required. Good boots are essential. Carry plenty of drinking water and adequate protection against the sun, wind and rain.
This trip is grade 4, Moderate to Challenging. The Coast to Coast in Comfort Tour is a shorter variant of the Coast to Coast route that includes only the most interesting days hiking and omits some of the more difficult parts of the route. That said, the route is still challenging and there are some long days of up to 20km (12.5 miles) with ascent and descent of up to 900m/3000ft. A good level of fitness is required to complete all of the hikes on this tour, and you should be comfortable with hiking for up to 6 hours on consecutive days in hilly terrain. You must be comfortable climbing up over stiles, walking on steep rocky and coastal terrain. Mixed weather can be expected. When walking early or late in the season, you need to be mindful of shorter daylight hours and be prepared for changeable weather conditions.
Per Person, Twin Share
This carefully crafted itinerary features the most scenic and rewarding sections of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast, skipping the more remote and demanding parts of the route. With full support from an expert guide, it offers a more accessible and enjoyable alternative to the full two-week trek. But this trip is more than just a walk—it’s a cultural journey through the heart of northern England. Enjoy afternoon tea in a country house hotel, visit a working farm in the Yorkshire Dales, ride a steam train across the North York Moors, cruise Ullswater on a vintage steamboat, explore Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, and even spend a night in a castle. Smart use of vehicle transfers allows us to bypass the toughest sections while giving you access to the most comfortable and characterful accommodation available along the way.
Usually the group walk together with the guide, although it's common for groups to separate a little so that people can walk at their natural pace. The group will then regroup at rest stops. However, on difficult ground, or bad weather, the guide may insist everyone walks closely together so they can keep an eye out for everyone to ensure their safety. Walking in a group can be both a social and solitary experience. Some people prefer to walk quietly at the back, others like to mix and chat - some people like to choose a bit of both! The guide will quickly get to know everyone and assess their walking style and make allowances for this during the trip.
You’ll stay in handpicked, upgraded accommodation throughout—think charming country inns, stylish hotels, and even a night in a castle—chosen for comfort, character, and warm hospitality. We have chosen the best available accommodation close to the Coast to Coast route to suit your itinerary.
Absolutely. You’ll walk through all three National Parks—Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors—visit places like Grasmere, Richmond, and Robin Hood’s Bay, and enjoy added cultural experiences like a visit to Richmond Castle, a hill farm visit, and a steam train ride.
Yes, you'll be led by an expert guide who brings the landscape, history, and stories of the Coast to Coast to life. They’ll handle navigation and logistics, so you can simply enjoy the walk and soak in the scenery.
The trip includes expert guiding, comfortable upgraded accommodation, daily breakfast and a dinner, cultural visits and local experiences, luggage transfers, and all transport during the trip, including scenic extras like a Victorian steamboat cruise and a steam train ride *subject to relevant timetables.
This was announced in 2022 and it should mean more funding for trail maintenance and signage of Wainwright's Coast to Coast. It is however unlikely that you will suddenly see a rash of waymarks across the higher levels of the walk, such as in the Lake District for example.
You don't have to join the group for dinners at all. In some places where there isn't a lot of choice available, a restaurant may have been booked for the group in advance. You don't have to go, just make it very clear to the leader so that they can adjust arrangements. In some instances, the food may have to be prebooked - so if you have preordered, either cancel in good time or honour the reservation.
Not at all. Your luggage is transferred for you each day, and the guide takes care of all navigation and logistics, leaving you free to enjoy the journey with just a daypack.
While many accommodations offer the convenience of a packed lunch, we encourage you to support local bakeries, cafés and village shops along the route where possible. Not only does this give you the chance to enjoy freshly made, regional specialities – like a warm pasty, handcrafted sandwich, or local cheese – but it also helps support small businesses in the communities you’re walking through. It’s a great way to vary your lunch each day, discover local flavours, and reduce food waste. Some rural sections have limited options, so a mix of pre-ordered packed lunches and spontaneous local stops is often the best approach.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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