Great walk, beautiful scenery, excellent accommodation, luggage transfers went without a hitch. Electronic map made it almost impossible to get lost. English weather!
Begin your British hiking adventure on the Coast to Coast: St Bees to Kirkby Stephen tour, an 8-day moderate walking journey crafted for experienced and senior travelers. Start at the Cumbrian seaside resort of St Bees and traverse the Lake District’s dramatic scenery, passing through valleys, national parks, and picturesque villages. Encounter working hill farms, traditional pubs, and the charm of English market towns. This self-guided trip includes comfortable accommodations and convenient transport. The unique selling point lies in experiencing the first half of the iconic Coast to Coast trail, blending mountain landscapes with classic English hospitality and heritage.
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
The gateway to Europe? It can be a maze of confusion for the new kid in town. But hey, we got you. With your centrally-located hotel and included tix to the Hop On Hop Off bus, you can skip the weeks of fumbling with maps, catching wrong trains & accidentally eating at all the wrong places. You'll get easy access to see some of the top attractions in the city (and so much more!). These 3 days will leave you like a true local. Oh, and our experts at the Contiki Travel Hub in the Royal National courtyard will fill you in all the deets of the best foodie spots & hidden gems in town too!
Calling all Harry Potter fans and history buffs—the Castles & Broomsticks tour is your ticket to a magical day out from Edinburgh. Cross the Anglo-Scottish border to the seaside village of Bamburgh, where you’ll explore the mighty Bamburgh Castle and enjoy a bit of beach fun. The highlight? A visit to Alnwick Castle, the real-life Hogwarts and a filming location for both the Harry Potter series and Downton Abbey.
This enchanting tour weaves together centuries of history with a dash of fantasy, making it the perfect choice for families, fans, and anyone keen to discover the stories behind Britain’s most iconic castles and landscapes.
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.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Guest House, Hostel, Hotel, Hut, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
London, St Bees, Ennerdale Bridg
London, St Bees, Ennerdale Bridge, Borrowdale, Grasmere, Glenridding, Shap, Kirkby Stephen
England, Wales, and Scotland await on this 19-day city sightseeing trip—perfect for travelers eager to experience the UK’s highlights and hidden treasures. Beginning in London and ending in Edinburgh, this group tour offers a rich blend of iconic cities, rolling countryside, and legendary landscapes.
Punt through Oxford, explore the honey-hued villages of the Cotswolds, and stroll bustling Cardiff before hiking through Snowdonia’s majestic peaks. Trace The Beatles’ footsteps in Liverpool and take in the pristine beauty of the Lake District. Heading north, immerse yourself in Glasgow’s vibrant culture, journey across the Scottish Highlands, and unwind in the fairy-tale surrounds of the Isle of Skye.
Support local communities in Edinburgh—JK Rowling’s favorite writing spot—and discover the filming locations that have captured imaginations worldwide. The tour’s unique selling point is its diverse blend of urban and rural experiences, offering a well-balanced, in-depth look at the UK’s cultural and natural riches. For those seeking a comprehensive and engaging tour package, this journey delivers adventure at every turn.
City sightseeingWalking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
London, Edinburgh, Lake District
London, Edinburgh, Lake District, Glasgow, Fort William, Isle Of Skye, Inverness, Oxford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Cardiff, Snowdonia National Park, Liverpool
Scotland's wild history and breathtaking landscapes await on the "Premium Scotland" trip, an 8-day explorer tour starting and ending in Edinburgh. Designed for experienced travelers and seniors craving both comfort and discovery, this easy-paced small group journey covers the lush hills of Perthshire, the dramatic Highlands, and the storied west coast. Visit two national parks, enjoy a 'wee dram' of whisky, and keep your eyes peeled for the legendary Loch Ness monster. Stay in a historic country manor, walk through ancient pine forests, and learn about local conservation efforts. Step into Scotland’s past at Blair Castle and the Highland Folk Museum, with settings familiar to Outlander fans. The adventure culminates in Edinburgh, where a walking tour with passionate local guides uncovers hidden city gems. The standout experience: authentic Scottish hospitality and a deep cultural immersion, making this more than a holiday—it’s a true connection to Scotland’s soul.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers