The famous walk across England is known as the Coast to Coast Walk. This long-distance trail stretches over 190 miles across the country, starting in St. Bees on the west coast of Cumbria and ending in Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast of North Yorkshire. The Coast to Coast Walk was first popularized by the famous British walker and author, Alfred Wainwright, who wrote a guidebook on the route in 1973. Today, the walk attracts thousands of hikers from around the world each year.
History of the Coast to Coast Walk
The Coast to Coast Walk was first conceived by Alfred Wainwright, a well-known walker, writer, and illustrator. In the early 1970s, Wainwright became interested in creating a new long-distance trail that would take walkers from one coast of England to the other. He spent months exploring the countryside, mapping out a route that would take in some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes in the country. In 1973, he published a guidebook on the walk, which he called “A Coast to Coast Walk.” The guidebook included detailed maps, route descriptions, and photographs, and quickly became popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Over the years, the Coast to Coast Walk has become one of the most famous long-distance trails in the world. Today, it attracts thousands of hikers from around the globe, who come to experience the beauty and diversity of the English countryside.
Attractions on the Coast to Coast Walk
The Coast to Coast Walk is known for its stunning scenery, which includes everything from rugged coastlines and soaring mountains to tranquil lakes and peaceful valleys. Some of the most popular attractions along the route include:
Lake District National Park: The Coast to Coast Walk passes through the heart of the Lake District, one of the most beautiful and popular national parks in the UK. The park is home to 16 lakes, including the famous Windermere and Ullswater, as well as some of the highest peaks in England, such as Scafell Pike and Helvellyn.
Yorkshire Dales National Park: The walk also takes in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, another stunning area of natural beauty. The park is home to a range of landscapes, including rolling hills, limestone crags, and wild moors.
The North York Moors: The walk ends in the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, which sits on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. The moors are known for their wild beauty, with rugged hills, deep valleys, and heather-covered moors.
What to Expect on the Coast to Coast Walk
The Coast to Coast Walk is a challenging route, which requires a good level of fitness and experience. The trail passes through some of the most remote and rugged landscapes in England, and hikers should be prepared for long, steep climbs, rough terrain, and changeable weather conditions. The walk typically takes between 12 and 16 days to complete, depending on your pace and the number of rest days you take.
Accommodation along the route is plentiful, with a range of options available to suit all budgets and preferences. Hikers can choose to stay in traditional guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, or campsites, and there are also a number of pubs and cafes along the way where you can grab a meal or a drink.
