COAST TO COAST

Distance - 182 miles

Location - St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay, England

May 2019

Itinerary

Day 1 - St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge, 15 miles

Day 2 - Ennerdale Bridge to Barrowdale, 14.5 miles

Day 3 - Barrowdale to Patterdale, 15.5 miles

Day 4 - Patterdale to Shap, 15.5 miles

Day 5 - Shap to Kirkby Stephen, 20.5 miles

Day 6 - Kirkby Stephen to Keld, 12 miles

Day 7 - Keld to Reeth, 12 miles

Day 8 - Reeth to Colburn, 14 miles

Day 9 - Colburn to Ingleby Cross, 20 miles

Day 10 - Ingleby Cross to Blakey Ridge, 20 miles

Day 11 - Blakey Ridge to Grosmont, 13 miles

Day 12 - Grosmont to Robin Hood’s Bay, 15 miles

The Coast to Coast Walk is a 182-mile unofficial and mostly unsignposted long-distance footpath in Northern England. Devised by Alfred Wainwright, it passes through three contrasting national parks: the Lake District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the North York Moors National Park.

Wainwright recommends that walkers dip their booted feet in the Irish Sea at St Bees and at the end of the walk in the North Sea at Robin Hood's Bay.

Day 1 - St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge, 15 miles

The big day had come, we would set off on our longest walk to date! A feeling of mixed emotions, nerves, anxiety but overall excited and eager to get going! We used the Packhorse service for parking and shuttle, which we would highly recommend. We left Kirkby Stephens at 8 am and arrived at St Bees around 10 am.

Once at St Bees we walked down to the sea to dip our toe into the Irish Sea and to collect our stones that we would deposit into the North Sea ... we chose the smallest stones possible!!

With the rituals completed, we set off along the coastal path with some testing terrain to start the day with. The weather was relatively kind, not too hot, not too cold with a slight breeze coming off the sea, perfect walking weather. The views along the coastal path were spectacular with plenty of photo opportunities.

We continued our walk along the coast for approx. 3-4 miles until we reached a signpost leading us away from the sea, this is the point that I felt we had really started our journey and that we were making progress!

For the next few miles we walked along quiet roads footpaths and fields.

Just before we stopped for lunch we started to make our big ascent for the day (a warm-up for what lay ahead in the days to come!). We decided to take shelter in the trees to have a bite to eat and I am glad we did as the next section of the climb was very exposed with extremely poor visibility.

We didn't hang around at the top of the climb as it was pretty cold and miserable!

We reached the tree line where we started to descend. The weather then took a turn for the worse and the heavens opened, just when we took a wrong turn! It's not an adventure if you don't get lost right!! We eventually got back on track and we were close to our end destination with only a few miles to go.

We reached the outskirts of Ennerdale and found our way to the pub where we were camping for the night. With the rain not letting off, we settled down in the pub for some well-deserved refreshments!

Accommodation - Fox and Hounds Pub
Location - 5/5, on route
Cost - £5 per person
Facilities - 3/5, this could be such a good campsite but a few things let it down. We had access to the toilets whilst the pub was open. Shower facilities were available up the road at The Gather for an additional fee (£3 pp), however, there was only one key, and therefore dependant on other campers being honest and bringing the key back. It wouldn't take much to provide additional keys, or have an outside toilet at the pub! The food in the pub was however very good, huge portions! It was a bank holiday weekend when we arrived so very busy!

Day 2 - Ennerdale Bridge to Barrowdale, 14.5 miles

We woke up to rain and plenty of it!

Packing up quickly we set off on our merry way heading towards Ennerdale Water, we had read that in wet conditions the north path would be a better option, so that's what we did! We did, however, later on hear from fellow walkers that the southern route was also fine!

The route took us around the water covering approx. 3 miles before both paths joined. We soon passed the YHA Ennerdale with its very British witty sign!

From here we followed the forest path until we reached the infamous YHA Black Sail bothy, the most isolated youth hostel in the country. The bothy had a small kitchen which was self-service with an honesty box for snacks also available. There was also a sizeable seating area which became very full. There was a real buzz with hikers sharing tales.

As we left Black Sails we made the mistake of following a couple of other hikers who had just set off.....do NOT take the route leading down towards the valley floor, take the less obvious path immediately left of the bothy.

We, unfortunately, had to cross more boggy terrain to make our way up towards Loft Beck. The path climbs up the side of Loft Beck before leading onto Grey Knotts before making the descent down to Honister Hause and Borrowdale.

The weather was testing especially on the descent when our knees started to feel the pace and terrain.

We eventually come across Honister Slate Mine and took refuge in the visitor's centre .... so too did many of the other walkers! But be warned it can get very busy with tourists!

With a good feed, we set off again with only a few miles to go to our next campsite. There is a path parallel to the main road coming down from the slate mine making it safer for walkers as it was a very narrow road.

Borrowdale soon approached and it was pretty easy to find our campsite which was a short distance off-trail, however conveniently placed for the following day.

There were quite a few large campsites, however we did book in advance.

We set up camp at around 4 pm, got ourselves sorted and bedded down for the night. What we didn't anticipate was the howling winds throughout the night which would keep up awake!

Accommodation - Chapel House Farm Campsite
Location - 4/5, approx. 400m off route, very easy to find, and easy to pick up the route on the following day
Cost - £6 per person, additional 50p for the shower (4 mins)
Facilities - 4/5, basic but good toilet and shower facilities, washing up area, shelter in a barn with tables and chairs, newspaper to help dry out shoes! This is a very large campsite, but we had a comfortable stay.

Day 3 - Barrowdale to Patterdale, 15.5 miles

Today had many ups and downs, quite literally. The day started well heading out of Borrowdale with a steady climb up Lining Crag before reaching Greenup Edge. From here the path becomes a little unclear and the ground was quite boggy. At this point we were walking with a gentleman who had completed the C2C 15 times so we were in good hands with navigation!

The point at which we started our descent was when we past two white posts, quite a distinct marker. It was all going so well until about halfway down I took a tumble slipping on a large flat shiny wet rock. It all happened so quickly and I hit the ground quite hard, almost ending up in the stream!

It took a few moments to realise what had happened and I immediately feared for my ankle as I could see that it took the brunt of the fall. We sat for about 30 mins as I was very shaken before I attempted to stand up. Luckily I could bear weight but I instantly knew it wasn't right ... thankful I hadn't broken my ankle.

Progress was slow, every step was a struggle, I was unable to place my foot at certain angles, I had lost flexibility in my ankle.

We reached the outskirts of Grasmere around lunchtime, and made the decision not to walk the extra distance into Grasmere but continue on. Before starting our next climb we found a pleasant spot by the stream to have lunch and submerge my ankle into the cold water to help reduce swelling.

After refuelling and taking some Ibruprofen we make the decision to push on. Although moving slower than normal I was able to continue walking.

Leading up to this day we had spoken about tackling Helvellyn which was one was of the alternative routes ... however, the morning's event made the decision for us. However, we intend to go back and tackle those peaks over a weekend and spend the time that it deserves.

We made our way up towards Grisedale Tarn which was a steady climb on fairly rocky terrain. Once reaching the tarn we made a steady descent along the Grisdale valley route.

We finally reached a tarmac road which seemed to go on for miles as my ankle started to throb. We reached the edge of Patterdale but then had to find the YHA where we were camping. It can't have been more than a km but wow that was a painful distance to cover.

Finally, at around 6 pm we reached the YHA, glad that the walking day was over, and time to assess the ankle.

Although the YHA was the most expensive campsite the facilities were fantastic! Treating ourselves to pizza we put our feet up in the lounge having managed to get some ice to put on the ankle. By this point the swelling was starting to come out.

We went to bed not knowing what condition the ankle would be in.

Accommodation - YHA Patterdale
Location - 4/5, approx. 10 mins off route, but easy to find down the main street in Patterdale
Cost - £16 per person, this might seem expensive however the facilities were fantastic
Facilities - 5/5, fantastic facilities! Access to all areas of the hostel including the showers, restaurant, lounge, drying rooms etc.

Day 4 - Patterdale to Shap, 15.5 miles

Day 4 did not go to plan. I woke up with a very sore and swollen ankle. I am not one to admit defeat but I knew the sensible thing to do was to rest the ankle as best I could, therefore I made the tough decision not to walk.

As I said goodbye to Kevin a few tears were shed as he set off on his merry way. Having looked at possible transport links I would make my way to Shap by bus via Penrith and Kevin would make his way to Shap via Kidsty Pike the highest section of the Coast to Coast.

I had a long wait for my first bus to Penrith so I lay in the tent feeling sorry for myself! I gave Kevin a helping hand by taking the tent with me which would make his backpack a little lighter. The bus took 45 mins, as soon as I reached Penrith I felt uncomfortable, it felt so busy! I had considered making a visit to A&E but knew it wasn't broken and there wasn't much they could have done for a suspected ankle sprain. I had planned to get the bus to Shap however the wait was about 2-3 hours and I just wanted to get there, get the tent set up and rest my ankle. So I chose to get a taxi which took about 30mins and cost £20.

I arrived at the New Ing Lodge in Shap just before lunch, the owner was very kind and let me set up early. The rest of the afternoon consisted of napping and reading with my ankle elevated wondering what Kevin was doing!

Although I didn't walk with Kevin ... I got a full update when he arrived at camp. There was a steady climb out of Patterdale with views overlooking the village, waving to the wife below. The weather was lovely which made for pleasant walking conditions. Reaching Kidsty Pike to be met with glorious views. The terrific summit was met with the biggest descent on the walk, to begin with it was a grass verge that led down to Haweswater reservoir. The route takes you along the left bank of the reservoir which seemed to go on for miles ending at the dam. From the dam it takes you through a wooded area and through fields before reaching Shap Abbey. The terrain and elevation made it a tough day.

After a tough day for both of us, we were eventually reunited!

After hearing how tough the trail was I am so glad I made the decision not to walk as I know I would have struggled and there was the risk of making it worse.

The New Ing Lodge was lovely, with camping and B&B facilities, they also offered hot cooked meals in the evening, it was really nice to sit with other hikers and talk about the day's tales.

Accommodation – The New Ing Lodge
Location – 5/5, on route, close to local town
Cost – £7 per person
Facilities – 4/5, washing facilities in the outbuildings, the garden is on a slope however there are flat sections. There is a bar on-site, they also offer home-cooked meals and have a lovely lounge area with games etc.

Day 5 - Shap to Kirkby Stephen, 20.5 miles

Following a day and night of rest, ice and elevation the ankle swelling had reduced and the bruising had come out nicely. Feeling much more confident on my feet I made the decision to continue walking. We knew that the route would be relatively kind and flattish (compared with previous days anyway!), I am pretty stubborn and I wasn't going to let this defeat me!

The walk out of Shap was very slow loosening off my ankle as it had become very stiff. The route swiftly takes you over the M6 before reaching an exposed grassy section.

As we approached Orton we made the decision not to walk into Orton and take the alternative route. By this point we were talking about finding somewhere to rest for lunch. Then as if by magic we came across a lovely little honesty hut at Sunbiggin Farm. The hut/ shed was open to walkers selling drinks and snacks, with a table and chairs to rest your weary feet. You could not have timed this any better!!

By this point the ankle has holding up, I had started to get more flexibility and was walking a little better, less hobbling.

We continued on towards Kirkby Stephen crossing field after field passing archaeological sites (to be honest we didn't see much!). We then descended to the bridge crossing Scandal Beck seeing the Giants' Graves (aka pillow mounds) which is a series of long narrow mounds. From here in the distance is the Smardale Gill viaduct.

We then walked up to the crest of Smardale Fell before walking the final stretch into Kirkby Stephen.

With it being almost midway along the route we had booked a B&B so we could wash all of our kit and get ourselves sorted. The day was finished off nicely with a foot spa in the B&B!

I was chuffed to have made it through the day as 20 miles was a long distance let alone with a sprained ankle.

Accommodation – Fletcher House
Location – 5/5, on route, close to the local amenities
Cost – £ 85 per night, our (almost) half way treat!
Facilities – 5/5, absolutely fantastic B&B, the owners were very welcoming and kind. Tea and coffee were available in the dining room. Lovely lounge area to watch tele. Bathroom with large bath available with all the bubbles!! Foot spa also available….which we took full advantage of! Tip – laundrette just around the corner from the B&B.

Day 6 - Kirkby Stephen to Keld, 12 miles

We knew today would be a shortish day, however we had also read that the terrain was going to be challenging and very boggy … they were not wrong!

Unfortunately, it started raining quite early on and continued for the rest of the day, which made for a miserable walk!

Upon leaving Kirkby Stephen there is a sharp rise up to the Nine Standard Riggs. The visibility was awful and extremely windy, therefore we didn’t stay at the Nine Standards for long which was a real shame. From here there are 3 routes, on paper we chose the red route which was suggested for that time of year.

We made a slight error by following some flags and later had to correct ourselves, taking a slight detour across the bog, not such a clever move! We later learnt that the flags had been put out for an event that was planned for the following day ... oops!

Once back on course, the path was relatively easy to follow, the weather however was proving to be the challenging part.

We eventually reached the road which was a welcome break from all of the slipping and sliding.

The path soon disappeared and we were back to the bog, however not quite as bad as the first section.

We reached our campsite around 2pm, very wet and in need of dry, warm clothes and a lie-down! Although it was a short day in terms of miles the weather can make or break your mood!

That evening we walked to Keld Lodge for dinner where we met some of our family. It was approx. 1/2 mile down the road, but worth the extra steps!

Accommodation – Keld Bunk Barn and Yurts
Location – 5/5, on route
Cost – £8 per person
Facilities – 5/5, toilet and shower facilities (looked very new), kitchen and seating area with kitchen appliances and utensils etc. Drying facilities available for an additional fee. Tip – book early to have the opportunity to use their hot tub! Unfortunately, we missed out.

Day 7 - Keld to Reeth, 12 miles

With the toughest section of the coast to coast behind us, we were looking forward to seeing the change in the landscape.

Today we were joined by Kevin's parents, which was a great morale booster. There are two routes to Reeth a high and low route, however I'm not sure there was much difference in terms of mileage nor difficulty. Plus it wasn't raining so win win!

We chose to do the high route which would take us past remains of the lead mining industry. It is said that mining in the Swaledale area dates back to Roman times, it was evident that it was once a large part of the region's economy.

The route wasn't so well signposted so we took a few wrong turns where we had to take some interesting detours to get back on track but it made for a great day of walking.

Approaching Reeth we come in via sloping fields ... this has to be our least favourite terrain!

We arrive into Reeth by around 3 pm with a well-deserved beverage in one of the pubs in the square.

The campsite wasn't too far away, we pitched up, showered then headed back to the pub for some dinner. All in all a great day!

Accommodation – The Orchard Caravan
Location – 4/5, slightly off route by approx. 200m, easy to find and close to the village
Cost – £17.50 per tent £0.20 for showers
Facilities – toilet and shower block, washing and drying facilities for an additional fee, charging station for campers

Day 8 - Reeth to Colburn, 14 miles

We left Kevin's parents who were walking back to Keld, and we set off on our merry way, today we would leave the pennines behind. Leaving Reeth we walked alongside the River Swale for a mile or so before walking towards Marrick Priory. There is a steady incline uphill through woods known as steps wood, which then becomes nuns steps. It is said that the nuns from the abbey constructed the 375 steps. At the top of the steps, we arrived into Marrick a lovely little village.

There isn't a lot of signposts across the coast to coast so we welcomed the homemade signs that we saw along the way!

Moving away from Marrick we crossed fields towards Marske. We congratulated ourselves reaching Marske by eating a few chocolate raisins on a bench we found close to the church. Good rest stop!

We crossed many more fields before a steady climb up onto the ridge towards Applegarth which looked down onto the River Swale and also the B6270. From here we were only a few miles from Richmond. The heavens opened to welcome us into Richmond.

We started to see signs of civilisation which is a strange feeling after walking across vast areas of landscape seeing very few people or buildings.

Reaching Richmond we were on the lookout for the main square where we could resupply and grab some lunch.

We found a lovely little cafe where we could sit outside ... conscious we may not smell the freshest!!

With our bags and bellies full we set off to our campsite which was a further 3 miles or so outside of Richmond.

Once we passed Richmond we were starting to feel the fatigue. Although we knew we didn't have far to go, our bellies were full, the sun was shining and emotions were running high.

At around 3 pm we fell to the floor and just lay down, exhausted.

We gathered ourselves together and were so pleased to see our destination on the horizon.

We arrived at our campsite which was basically in the garden of a B&B. The owners were very nice and welcoming, so too were their dog! It was a lovely quiet spot with access to a bathroom, which was all we needed.

Accommodation – St Giles Farm
Location – 5/5, on route
Cost – £6 per person
Facilities – toilet and shower facilities available 24 hrs. Unsure if it was the weather however the bathroom was full of insects, what appeared to be mosquitoes, not very nice!

1/4

Day 9 - Colburn to Ingleby Cross, 20 miles

Eager to set off on day 9 we made our way towards Ingleby Cross. Today would be a long day however we knew that the terrain would be kind.

We walked a couple of miles before reaching the motorway underpass and shortly after passing the racecourse and across Catterick Bridge. Feeling very overwhelmed by the heavy traffic, the noises and sounds of civilisation we were glad for the route to quickly take us away from all of that and onto a quieter path following the river.

We covered a lot of miles across flat terrain, footpaths, fields, road and pavements. Following the Cicerone book, we felt as though we were ahead of the bubble until we later realised we took a completely different route to our fellow hikers! Whichever route you take the landscape will be much the same.

By lunchtime, we were in the village of Danby Wiske, just into time for the pub to open!

The afternoon was much like the morning. We had a very welcomed rest at Wray House where there was an honesty box and some very interesting spooky surprises!

Towards the end of the day we knew we had to cross the A19 which was a very busy dual carriageway. It was pretty daunting but you just have to be patient and commit to moving once you see an opportunity. Although I had an ankle injury I managed to hobble/ run across the road, pretty impressed with myself!

Note - if you want supplies get them at the petrol station before you cross the road because there aren't any shops in the village.

The Bluebell Inn was a short (ish) walk once you have crossed the A19.

We arrived at the Bluebell Inn after 4 pm, however, the pub wasn't open yet. Another camper had already arrived and set up their tent so we followed suit. The campground was a vast flat area of grass, with shower facilities in an annexe to the main building. It was one of the nicest places we stayed, we were surprised how few people were camping. We could, however, hear the noise from the busy A172 road which we would cross the next morning.

Accommodation – The Bluebell Inn
Location – 5/5, on route
Cost – £10 per person
Facilities – 5/5, toilet and shower facilities available 24 hrs, with a sink area and kitchen appliances. Food was lovely, however, we would recommend that you book as it got very busy.

Day 10 - Ingleby Cross to Blakey Ridge, 20 miles

Today was going to be a tough day with a mix of terrain and many miles to endure. The morning would consist of 5 peaks, with the afternoon being flat and arduous.

We set off early as we knew it would be a super long day, we also had the threat of rain which was due around midday.

It wasn't long before the legs got tested with a steady incline to meet the Cleveland Way.

Walking through woodland we finally reached the North York Moors National Park, said to be the worlds largest expanse of heather.

The peaks came one after the next, short sharp up, short sharp down, repeat.

Note - there is an alternative route which runs along the left side of the peaks. By this point my ankle was manageable and I wasn't going to be defeated and not experience the true coast to coast.

At the top of one of the climbs was Alec Falconer memorial seat, how can you resist. The next peak is quite recognisable with a rocky outcrop called Wain stones (reminds me of batman!...no idea why!). Note, walk straight up through the middle, don't attempt to go around the side, we made that mistake and had to backtrack.

Finally, we reached Clay Bank Top which cemented the halfway point in our minds, the tough terrain was firmly behind us. With one final climb up to Urra Moor, the final part was to become a mental battle.

The terrain was very flat, vast and repetitive. By this point, we were starting to feel the miles but we pushed on with the help of some music which kept our minds occupied.

Urra Moor became Farndale Moor which then became Blakey Moor.

As the miles ticked away, we knew we were close to our destination for the evening, The Lion Inn. The Inn appeared on the horizon like a mirage, were our eyes deceiving us. As we got closer to the building our hearts sank when we had to walk in a C shape, having to walk away from the Inn before we got closer.

Note - do NOT walk up to the main road!! Don't make the mistake I did, turn at the wooden post which had information about birds and the moor, otherwise, you will be walking extra miles... we exchanged a few crosswords at this point!

The route brings you around the back and around the Inn which is just on the main road.

Although it's not an official campsite the Inn allow walkers to camp on the grounds close to the Inn which state 'No camping'!! Oh the irony!! However a couple of the other walkers had pitched their tent in the pub beer garden, and the weather had made a turn for the worst and thankfully the staff allowed us to camp in the grounds also, sheltered from the bad weather.

The weather really set in, fog, rain, wind...the whole works! Around 7 pm we witness two very wet miserable walkers arrive at the Inn....glad it wasn't us!

We took over a table at the Inn for the rest of the evening, treating ourselves to some pub grub in front of a log fire!

Accommodation – The Lion Inn
Location – 5/5, on route, very exposed however and what appeared to be in the middle of nowhere
Tip – as you start to see the pub on the horizon, do not continue along the path, turn left up the grass bank, taking almost a direct route towards the pub.
Cost – £5 per person
Facilities – 4/5, toilet facilities during pub opening hours, shower facilities were also available for no additional cost. Extensive food menu.

Day 11 - Blakey Ridge to Grosmont, 13 miles

A relatively good nights sleep after some terrible rainy weather throughout the night we set off on our penultimate day.

We had read that the weather at Blakey Ridge can be somewhat of a whiteout, very foggy, and it did not disappoint. We set off in the fog however it cleared quite quickly.

Today would be a relatively easy day covering 13 miles with kind terrain. We walked through more moorland past Danby High Moor and Glaisdale Moor following Glaisdale Rigg which led us into Glaisdale.

We arrived at Glaisdale just before lunchtime, a small village with a very steep road. Deciding to push onto Grosmont we started to see the train tracks which is home to the North York Moors Railway, a sign that we were getting closer to Grosmont.

Walking through woodland and along roads, we approached Egton, a picturesque village.

Tip - there are some public toilets in Egton.

A few miles later and we had made it to Grosmont!! A small village centred around the railway which was like stepping back in time and you can't help but pay attention to the steam trains.

Having talked to a fellow walker earlier that day she recommended the train station cafe, so that's exactly what we did and it was bang on the money, full of nostalgia.

Tonight we were not camping (hallelujah!), we had treated ourselves to a B&B which was just next to the railway, just what was in order to rejuvenate us before our final day.

Accommodation – The Station Tavern
Location – 5/5, on the route
Cost – £85 per night, a treat for our final night
Facilities – 5/5, lovely spacious room, food served in the evening and breakfast provided in the morning

Day 12 - Grosmont to Robin Hood’s Bay, 15 miles

And just like that, it was our final day! What a trip it had been so many memories, and spectacular sights, today was only going to put the cherry on the top!

We left Grosmont nice and refreshed with the sun shining (its as if it knew!)! Leaving Grosmont we saw many other walkers, walkers we had met on previous days and those whom we hadn't had the pleasure to meet previously. There was a real buzz and excitement. We met some absolutely lovely people, everyone was so kind and friendly and that's what we love about walking.

There was an immediate climb out of Grosmont which got the body moving, and lungs working! Once again we crossed moorlands and walked on roads for most of this section. We had a great view of Whitby Abbey in the distance (somewhere we need to visit in the future). We approached Littelbeck wood which was really pleasant and pretty. There we came across the infamous Hermitage (hollow boulder) and Falling Fodd (waterfall). The path leads out through a car park, and we were hit with a large group of day hikers. Putting our foot down to pass the bubble we crossed what was supposed to be a little boggy section, however with the weather being fairly nice over the previous day, it was perfectly fine, which made for good progress in terms of time.

Although we set off at a good time and we had a rough idea of how long it was going to take us, we had to be at the meeting point in Robin Hoods Bay to be collected by Packhorse, so in the back of my mind that was nagging at me.

Approaching High Hawsker we took refuge on the village bench, for a well earned sit down and food, from here you can almost smell the end! Pushing on we walked through the caravan parks before finally reaching the North Sea. But it wasn't over yet, the route follows the coastline for several miles before nipping in to get a glimpse of Robin Hoods Bay, what a sight!! Within 30 mins we were at the sea dipping our toes into the water, depositing the little pebbles we had carried 182 miles +. The accomplishment we had achieved didn't quite sink in until much later.

Unlike the start there isn't much in the way of a plaque or official finish marker, which we were quite disappointed about. We celebrated with fish and chips!!

The Packhorse service collected us from Robin Hood’s Bay at 4pm and drove us back to Kirkby Stephens where we collected our car and headed home.

As we drove home that night it started to sink in what we had accomplished, walking 182 miles carrying all of our kit, home and food was pretty awesome! Not only that but with one of us with a sprained ankle!

Review

For those looking for a long-distance walk with varied terrain, this is the one for you! There are so many itinerary options with lots of places to stay without waking off-trail too much. There is a real sense of community amongst the hikers on the coast to coast.

Try not to trip and fall early on in the trip, or at all for that matter!!!
Take your time - I for one sometimes worry about things which shouldn't matter and sometimes need to be more patient.
Listen to your body - I am absolutely gutted I missed a day however I'm not sure how I would have completed that day had I decided to walk.
Transfers - we would highly recommend the Packhorse service. Really easy to book and organise and were very punctual.
Be prepared - be prepared for all types of terrain and all sorts of weather! We experienced it all.

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