Wonderful combination of coastal and countryside walking with interesting historical connections and not too strenuous. Dorchester in particular was worth the extra day's stay.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
West Lulworth, Lyme Regis, Bridp
West Lulworth, Lyme Regis, Bridport, Abbotsbury, Dorcheste
Follow the Coast to Coast Walk from St Bees towards the historic villages and beautiful landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales. Experience the most dramatic section of Wainwright’s legendary Coast to Coast route on this self-guided walking holiday from the Irish Sea at St Bees to the market town of Kirkby Stephen. The western half of the trail showcases some of the most spectacular scenery in northern England, taking you across the rugged heart of the Lake District National Park and into the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
If you're short on time, new to long-distance walking, or prefer to explore the route in manageable stages, this itinerary is an ideal way to sample the best-loved landscapes of the Coast to Coast. It’s also perfect for hikers who simply want the thrill of crossing the Lake District on foot, experiencing the quiet valleys, shimmering lakes, towering peaks and traditional fellside villages. You’ll start your journey by dipping your boots in the Irish Sea at St Bees, then head east with the prevailing wind at your back. The route leads through dramatic valleys such as Ennerdale, Borrowdale, and Patterdale, with the chance to take optional high-level detours to iconic Lakeland summits like Helvellyn. As the Lake District fells give way to the gentler landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, your walk concludes in Kirkby Stephen, a charming town with rail links and a great place to relax after an inspiring week on the trail.
Looking to take things at a gentler pace? Our 9-day version of this trip (trip code WSK) breaks up the longer stage between Shap and Kirkby Stephen, offering a more relaxed alternative.
Scroll down to explore all our Coast to Coast walking options.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Hostel, Guest House, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
St Bees, Kirkby Stephen, Ennerda
St Bees, Kirkby Stephen, Ennerdale Bridge, Borrowdale, Grasmere, Glenridding, Shap
Embark on an unforgettable eight-day journey through Scotland’s rolling hills, ancient ruins and the less-visited East Coast. Walk through the historic Royal Mile with an expert historian in Edinburgh, join a guided tour of Stirling Castle – the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots – and cruise the serene waters of Loch Lomond. Take a tartan weaving workshop, sit down to a malt whisky tasting at a local distillery along the Speyside Whisky Trail and explore the Isle of Skye on a daytrip through rugged landscapes. Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace and unwind at your Feature Stay in Meldrum house – a 13th-century mansion in the Aberdeenshire countryside.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
My wife reviewed this trip for both of us.
In essence we loved it, the tour director and driver were fabulous.
The trip lived up to expectations then consistently offered more.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
London, Dartmoor National Park
London, Dartmoor National Park, Falmouth, St Austell, Salisbury
Loved the organization of our Scotland trip! Steven, our guide, was excellent! Some of my favorite trips were Bosnia and Beyond and Baltics in Winter (older version). Great communication with the US office in planning.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Edinburgh, Dunblane, Loch Ness
Edinburgh, Dunblane, Loch Ness, Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park
