Coast to Coast Walk
Description
- Name Coast to Coast Walk (C2C)
- Length of trail 306 km, 190 miles
- Length in days 15 days
- Traildino grading MW, Moderate walk, backpacking trail
- Hut tour grading T1, Walk
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.
Opinions
- Amy Lam August 2013
- Rate 8
- Positive A bed waiting for me every night.
- Negative Unclear trail markings
- pc22 March 2007
- Rate 8
- Positive A great walk that has three differnt flavours....the start in the lakes is amazing....the pull over the Pennines is a tough slog and then into the north york moors and the yorkshire coast....Robin hoods bay (the finish) is a great little spot, full of old world charm
- Negative I did it at the wrong time of year...hoping spring had sprung i went too early and got hit by feirce storms and some snow over the Pennine section.....BUt that only made the finish feel more rewarding
Map
Hike Reports
Links
Facts
- The Coast to Coast Walk - the complete resource centre for the Coast to Coast route
Home page of the trail.
- The Coast to Coast Walk on Walking Places
C2C Homepage on Walkingplaces.
- A Coast to Coast Walk - Alfred Wainwright
The Wainwright Society's aim is to keep alive the things which AW promoted.
- Coast to Coast Walk - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Coast to Coast Walk on AboutBritain.com
Sectionwise description
Reports
- A blog of my travels » Coast to Coast – booked
Fine blog for you.
- Coast to Coast Walk
Generations of hikers enjoyed Wrainwrights walk. Take this website: John walked the trail in 2004 and 2009 (east-west), after his father took the challenge in 1980 and his son in 2002. You'll find all their stories and more!
- Coast to Coast Walk Journals
List of reports
- coast to coast walk, walk, Coast to Coast, wainwright, C2C, photo diary, Brian Downing and Gail Downing
Excellent photo diary.
- Far 2 Go Family on Walking Places
The family walked the C2C in 2009.
- John's Coast to Coast Walk, July 2008
This is John Gillatt's report of the hike.
- Lonewalker's Coast to Coast Journal 2006
Walking from St. Bees to Robin Hood Bay along the C2C in twelve days. Lots of maps and pictures.
- The Coast to Coast Walk on Walking Places
List of reports
- The Lost Walker on Walking Places
Coast to Coast September 2009. Journal, slide shows and fundraising for St Andrews.
- Tough As Young Boots Tour 2005
Catherine and Kate report of their crossing in 2005.
- Trail Journals, Backpacking and Hiking Journals
All trail journals from the popular www.trailjournals.com regarding the Coast to Coast Walk.
- Walking Bass on Walking Places
The Coast to Coast journal of these two people is a must see, because the photographs are beautiful indeed.
- Ashley Heeley's Coast to Coast Diary
Ashley doesn't use too many words, so you might start reading his account of the C2C trail.
- Coast to Coast Footpath
Report by Janice and Alastair Lightlys, who did the hike together with their dog.
- Coast to Coast Walk
day to day report (menu upper-left) and facts, by Ian Fisk.
- Deborah & Gwen's Coast to Coast Diary
Fine day to day account of this grand walk, by mother and daughter: "My name is Deborah (to my Mum) Debbie, Debs or Deb (to my friends). My Mum, Gwen, is 75 (she won’t mind me telling)".
- Famous Five Grannies on Walking Places
The Five famous Grannies might be 63 years old on average, they finished the C2C in just 13 days.
- Footloose Librarians' Homepage on Walking Places
The journal of two Texans ("unrepentant about it"). Their final thoughts: ""Great satisfaction, of course. A sense of accomplishment that will likely never be erased. But also a sadness that the adventure has come to an end".
- Gregg Neilson's Coast to Coast Diary
Report of part of the trail, 2004.
- Gregg Neilson's Coast to Coast Diary 2009
This is Gregg's second time on the C2C, and he concludes the walk was unforgettible. His pictures bear witness!!
- Journeyman's C2C 2008 Journal
Journeyman returned to the Coast to Coast Walk. Here is his trip diary.
- Journeyman's C2C Journal
Including a section on geocaching.
- Kev and Liz's Coast to Coast Diary
Links, photo gallery, day to day descriptions, and a C2C equipment list.
- Lonewalker's Coast to Coast Journal 2009
Also Lonewalker returned to the Coast to Coast Walk. Here is the full account of his second journey.
- M.A.D. on the C2C - A Walking Places Journal
Two middle aged teeners hiking the Coast to Coast Walk back in 2009.
- Nathalie Penders'Hiking Page
Nathalie Penders put her story of several long distance hikes - GR5, GR10, GR20, C2C - online.
- Pete's Coast to Coast walk - July 2011
Trip report and pictures from Pete Lockey's solo C2C walk in July 2011
- Stottie Walks on Walking Places
Day to day description from Pete Stott, 2007.
- The Coast to Coast Walk - online journals of Coast to Coast walks
List of journals
- The Savage's Homepage on Walking Places
Journal of the C2C in mid August. "The Dad and the Teen hit the trails", to conclude: "Good luck with your C2C adventure, I hope you enjoy as much as we did".
- The Savage's Other Homepage on Walking Places
Another account of the Coast to Coast Walk by the Savages family, noting "Never go back. It’s a golden rule that’s served me pretty well down the years. But here I am doing the C2C again; just a year after it had been ticked off the must do list".
- Walk & Bike on Walking Places
Diary from 1991, every episode starting with picture of the day.
- Wally Trimble on the Coast to Coast Walk
Day to day short description and pictures.
Guides and maps
- A Wainwright's A Coast to Coast Walk - Striding Edge
The BBC broadcasted the walk in six episodes, with historic material of Wainwright himself.
Lodging
Organisations
Tour operators
GPS
Other
- A Coast to Coast Walk - Online Petition
The Missing National Trail! Yes, Wainwrights followers are getting serious.
Books
United Kingdom
2018
- The Andalucian Coast to Coast Walk
- Guidebook to the Andalucian Coast to Coast Walk, a 416km, 21-day route from Maro on the Mediterranean coast to Bolonia, on the Atlantic. The route, which passes through 7 Natural Parks, links some of Andalucía's most beautiful villages and passes historical sites of both Roman and Moorish origins, including Ronda and Tarifa. Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
2018
- The Andalucian Coast to Coast Walk
- From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic through the Baetic Mountains Read more
United Kingdom
- North York Moors Harvey British Mountain Map XT40
- North Yorkshire Moors National Park at 1:40,000 on a GPS compatible, contoured map from Harvey Map Services printed on light, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper, with a geological map of the region on the reverse, advice on safety and first aid, etc.The map covers most of the area on one side, but with the northernmost and... Read more
United Kingdom
- Coast to Coast with Wainwright
- This is a new edition of the classic photographic book containing the walk A. Wainwright devised in 1973, covering rights of way and areas of open access between the Irish sea and the North Sea. The route starts at St Bees Head and finishes at Robin Hood Bay, passing through three National Parks: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the... Read more
United Kingdom
- Mission Afoot Volume 1
- A Journey of Discovery about Life Itself Inspired by the 200 Mile Coast to Coast Walk Across Britain Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
Netherlands
2018
- Wandelgids Coast to Coast the Wainwright Route | Rucksack Readers
- Lange afstandswandelgids van de Coast to Coast wandeling. Wandelgids met kaarten en beschrijving. op waterbestendig papier, in spiraalbinding. This challenging walk of 184 miles (296 km) crosses the north of England from St Bees on the Cumbria coast to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea. It passes through three National Parks – the Lake... Read more
United Kingdom
- Long Distance Walker`s Notebook
- Whether you are walking an old favourite such as the Coast to Coast path or venturing off on one of Europe`s E-Routes, Wainwright`s Long Distance Walker`s Notebook is an ideal companion. As well as information on National Trails, Europe`s E-Routes and other long-distance walks there is flexible journaling space, plus sections to record details... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
Netherlands
- Long Distance Walker's Notebook
- Whether you are walking an old favourite such as the Coast to Coast path or venturing off on one of Europe's E-Routes, Wainwright's Long Distance Walker's Notebook is an ideal companion. As well as information on National Trails, Europe's E-Routes and other long-distance walks there is flexible journaling space, plus sections to record details... Read more
Belgium
- Long Distance Walker's Notebook
- Whether you are walking an old favourite such as the Coast to Coast path or venturing off on one of Europe's E-Routes, Wainwright's Long Distance Walker's Notebook is an ideal companion. As well as information on National Trails, Europe's E-Routes and other long-distance walks there is flexible journaling space, plus sections to record details... Read more
United Kingdom
- Coast to Coast Walk: Part 2, East - Swaledale to Robin Hood`s Bay
- The eastern part of the Coast to Coast Walk between Keld in Swaledale and Robin Hood’s Bay presented in eight stages at 1:50,000 on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant map from Footprint Walks in their series covering long-distance hiking routes. Contours are at 100 feet intervals, with spot heights also shown in feet. Both titles covering... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
United Kingdom
2017
- The Coast to Coast Walk
- Guidebook to the Coast to Coast long-distance walking route from St Bees Head in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire. At 190 miles (300km), this popular long-distance route can be walked in 2 weeks. With clear route description, maps, trek planner and accommodation guide. A separate 1:25,000 map booklet is included with the guidebook. Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
United Kingdom
2017
- The Coast to Coast Walk: St Bees to Robin Hood`s Bay
- Third edition of Cicerone s guide to the Coast to Coast walk popularised by Wainwright. The walk across northern England from St Bees Head in Cumbria to Robin Hood s Bay on Yorkshire s east coast is now one of the most popular long-distance walks in Britain. At 188 miles (302km) long, the trail can be easily walked within a two-week holiday... Read more
Netherlands
2017
- The Coast to Coast Walk
- Guidebook and Ordnance Survey map booklet to the Coast to Coast Walk. The route stretches some 188 miles (302km) from St Bees on Cumbria's west coast to Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire. It is suitable for most fit walkers and can be comfortably walked in around a fortnight. The full Coast to Coast route is described from west to east in 13... Read more
Belgium
2017
- The Coast to Coast Walk
- Guidebook and Ordnance Survey map booklet to the Coast to Coast Walk. The route stretches some 188 miles (302km) from St Bees on Cumbria's west coast to Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire. It is suitable for most fit walkers and can be comfortably walked in around a fortnight. The full Coast to Coast route is described from west to east in 13... Read more
United Kingdom
2013
- Southern Upland Way
- The Southern Upland Way is Alan Castle’s Cicerone guide to Scotland’s coast to coast trail. The guide covers the length of the route from picturesque Portpatrik on the west coast across the Galloway and Border Hills to finish on the east coast at Cockburnspath, south of Dunbar. The route, at 212 miles, is one of the longest National Trails... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
Netherlands
2013
- The Southern Upland Way
- The Southern Upland Way is Scotland's Coast-to-Coast walk and the longest of the National Trails north of the Border. It runs for 212 miles (341km) from picturesque Portpatrick on the west coast across the Galloway and Border Hills to finish on the east coast at Cockburnspath south of Dunbar. On the way it passes through remote and romantic... Read more
Belgium
2013
- The Southern Upland Way
- The Southern Upland Way is Scotland's Coast-to-Coast walk and the longest of the National Trails north of the Border. It runs for 212 miles (341km) from picturesque Portpatrick on the west coast across the Galloway and Border Hills to finish on the east coast at Cockburnspath south of Dunbar. On the way it passes through remote and romantic... Read more
United Kingdom
- Wainwright`s Way
- Wainwright`s Way is a journey on foot through Wainwright`s life from Lancashire to the Lakes. This walking guide charts a 126-mile long-distance route linking the place where Wainwright was born - a Victorian terraced house in Audley Range, Blackburn - with his final resting place on Haystacks, his heavenly corner of Lakeland. Along the way,... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
United Kingdom
- Wainwrights Way
- Wainwright's Way is a journey on foot through Wainwright's life from Lancashire to the Lakes. This walking guide charts a 126-mile long-distance route linking the place where Wainwright was born - a Victorian terraced house in Audley Range, Blackburn - with his final resting place on Haystacks, his heavenly corner of Lakeland. Along the way,... Read more
Netherlands
- Wainwrights Way
- Wainwright's Way is a journey on foot through Wainwright's life from Lancashire to the Lakes. This walking guide charts a 126-mile long-distance route linking the place where Wainwright was born - a Victorian terraced house in Audley Range, Blackburn - with his final resting place on Haystacks, his heavenly corner of Lakeland. Along the way,... Read more
Belgium
- Wainwrights Way
- Wainwright's Way is a journey on foot through Wainwright's life from Lancashire to the Lakes. This walking guide charts a 126-mile long-distance route linking the place where Wainwright was born - a Victorian terraced house in Audley Range, Blackburn - with his final resting place on Haystacks, his heavenly corner of Lakeland. Along the way,... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
United Kingdom
2017
- The Coast to Coast Map Booklet
- Map of the 190 miles (300km) Coast to Coast Walk, between St Bees Head in Cumbria and Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire. This booklet is included with the Cicerone guidebook to the trail, and shows the full route on OS 1:25,000 maps. This popular long-distance route typically takes a fortnight to walk. Read more
- Also available from:
- Stanfords, United Kingdom
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
United Kingdom
2017
- The Coast to Coast Cecerone Map Booklet
- All the mapping you need to complete the 185-mile (296km) unwaymarked Coast to Coast Walk from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood`s Bay, North Yorkshire. Devised by Alfred Wainwright and now a firm favourite among long-distance walkers, it typically takes a fortnight to complete, and is suitable for most fit walkers.This booklet of Ordnance... Read more
United Kingdom
2017
- The Coast to Coast Map Booklet
- 1:25,000 OS Route Map Booklet Read more
Netherlands
2017
- The Coast to Coast Map Booklet
- All the mapping you need to complete the 185-mile (296km) unwaymarked Coast to Coast Walk from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire. Devised by Alfred Wainwright and now a firm favourite among long-distance walkers, it typically takes a fortnight to complete, and is suitable for most fit walkers. This booklet of Ordnance... Read more
Belgium
2017
- The Coast to Coast Map Booklet
- All the mapping you need to complete the 185-mile (296km) unwaymarked Coast to Coast Walk from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire. Devised by Alfred Wainwright and now a firm favourite among long-distance walkers, it typically takes a fortnight to complete, and is suitable for most fit walkers. This booklet of Ordnance... Read more
Maps
United Kingdom
- Yorkshire Dales Harvey Touring & Planning Map
- Yorkshire Dales on a road map at 1:100,000 from Harvey Map Services with several enlargements showing main roads across local towns, plus descriptions of interesting locations, advice on public transport, etc. The map shows the Dales region with altitude colouring to indicate the region’s topography. Long-distance trails such as the Dales Way,... Read more
United Kingdom
- Coast to Coast East - Keld to Robin Hood`s Bay Harvey National Trail XT40
- The eastern part of the Coast to Coast hiking route between Keld and Robin Hood`s Bay presented at 1:40,000 on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant map from Harvey Map Services. The map shows this section of the route on six overlapping panels, starting at the intersection of the Coast to Coast Walk and the Pennine Way, and leading across the... Read more
United Kingdom
- Coast to Coast West - St Bees to Keld Harvey National Trail XT40
- The western part of the Coast to Coast hiking route between St Bees and Keld presented at 1:40,000 on a light, waterproof and tear-resistant map from Harvey Map Services. The map shows this section of the route on six overlapping panels from the Irish Sea coast of Cumbria to Keld and the intersection of the Coast to Coast Walk and the Pennine... Read more
- Also available from:
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart Adventure Atlas Coast to Coast Walk | A-Z
- AZ heeft de meest gedetailleerde wandelkaarten voor de Coast to Coast Walk gebundeld in een atlasje. Daardoor is het heel handig qua formaat. De kaarten zelf zijn perfect voor het wandelen. The A-Z Adventure series features the accuracy and quality of the 25k OS Explorer mapping in a convenient book, complete with index. The A-Z Adventure... Read more
United Kingdom
- Garmin GB Discoverer mapping 1:50k - Coast to Coast Walk
- Walk from coast to coast with your GPS device in the renowned detail of OS Landranger mapping with this microSDÖ card Garmin GB Discoverer 1:50k. Also includes NAVTEQ road data and points of interest, and you'll get turn-by-turn directions to your destin Read more
Walking holidays
United Kingdom
- Coast to Coast self guided walking tour
- A self guided walking tour from the west to the east coast of England. The Coast to Coast is one of the world’s great walks and encompasses two coasts, three national parks and 199 miles of footpath to create a perfect snapshot of northern England. Created by Alfred Wainwright, this long distance walk takes you through picturesque villages,... Read more