190 miles, 304 km, 15 days

The immensely popular Coast to Coast Walk is not officially a trail, but the creation of one man, the legendary Alfred Wainwright. The first edition of his guide book dates from 1973.

Why is this path so popular among hikers? Hiking the 190 miles, 304 km, you are treated to some of the most beautiful English landscapes: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales (part of the Pennines) and the North York Moors. It is by no means an easy walk, especially when you choose the alternative paths higher up, which is stimulating too. In addition, while walking you connect one sea to the next. In the end what really counts are symbolism and myth, though Wainwright must have foreseen it all: "Surely there can not be a finer itinerary for a long distance walk", he wrote.

As mentioned, you are free to choose your own path, which is what Wainwright suggested in the first place. Over time some sections of the trail have been moved.

The crowds of hikers have resulted in many local people offering B & B, and travel companies ready to transport your luggage and arrange accommodation. If all this is too modern for you, just carry along your tent and a copy of Wordsworth's poems.