Highlights
Walk the Lake District section of Wainwright's Coast to Coast trail
Special 9 day itinerary splitting the last long day into two
Savour Cumberland Sausage, Steak & Ale Pie with Yorkshire Pudding
Cross the dramatic fells and valleys of the Lake District National Park
Relax in a mix of cosy B&Bs, traditional inns and small hotels
Optional high level routes to iconic peaks like Helvellyn
Optional high level routes to iconic peaks like Helvellyn
Itinerary
Cover the first half of the Coast to Coast Walk from St Bees to the village of Kirkby Stephen crossing the Lake District National Park. 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 Coast to Coast offers some of the most spectacular scenery in northern England, crossing the rugged heart of the Lake District National Park and into the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
This 9-day itinerary cleverly splits the final long stage between Shap and Kirkby Stephen into two shorter days, giving you a more relaxed finish without losing any of the route’s highlights. It’s ideal if you’re short on time, new to long-distance walking, or want to enjoy the trail at an easier pace while still experiencing the best-loved landscapes of the Coast to Coast.
Your journey begins by dipping your boots in the Irish Sea at St Bees, then heading east with the prevailing wind at your back. You’ll walk through dramatic valleys such as Ennerdale, Borrowdale, and Patterdale, pass shimmering lakes, and cross high passes with the option to tackle famous summits like Helvellyn. As the Lake District fells give way to the gentler landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll finish in Kirkby Stephen, a charming market town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales with rail links—perfect for a celebratory rest after an inspiring week on the trail.
Prefer a faster pace? Our 8-day version (trip code UCT) keeps the classic long stage between Shap and Kirkby Stephen intact for a more challenging itinerary.
Scroll down to explore all our Coast to Coast walking options.
day 1Arrive St Bees
Make your own way to the starting point, the resort of St Bees on the edge of the Irish Sea where you'll have views across to the Isle of Man ( that's another trip). In St Bees you should have time to visit the Abbey church, which has features on the local history and a display on a mummified knight that was discovered in a lead coffin from the graveyard. If you have booked with us an extra night here, you can follow the coastal path or quiet inland roads to the attractive town of Whitehaven, with its marina and great museum. Whitehaven is famous in the annals of the US navy as the site of an elaborate raid on the British mainland by one John Paul Jones during the American War of Independence. |
day 2St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge 23.5 km/14.5 miles, 6 h
day 3Ennerdale Bridge to Borrowdale 26.5 km/16.5 miles, 7 h
day 4Borrowdale to Grasmere 13.5 km/8.5 miles, 5-6 h via Helm Crag
day 5Grasmere to Glenridding 12 km/7.5 miles, 5.5 h standard route
day 6Glenridding to Shap 26 km/16 miles, 7-9 h
day 7Shap to Orton 12.6km / 7.5 miles
day 8Orton to Kirkby Stephen 19.8 km/12 miles, 5 h
day 9Trip Concludes
What's Included
Customer Reviews
The inns were very nice, but we sometimes had confusion over dinner. One place told us that the outfitter had made reservations for us.
An amazing walking holiday across stunning scenery in the Lakes District. Very well supported by the team, with delightful accommodation, good maps and luggage handling. Thank you!
Good to Know
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