Coast to Coast: St Bees to Kirkby Stephen - 9 Days

4.5Based on

Carbon neutral

9 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

20 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

St Bees, England

Ends

Kirkby Stephen, England

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

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 1 - Arrive 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. |

Accommodation:A family-run bed and breakfast in a large modernised Georgian farmhouse in the centre of St Bees.

day 2 - St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge 23.5 km/14.5 miles, 6 h

Take the first steps on this first section of the epic Coast to Coast walk when you climb from the beach at St Bees. Take a footpath along red sandstone coastal cliffs off St Bees Head with England’s only breeding colony of Black Guillimots, then head inland over hilly ground to the edge of the Lake District National Park. Dent Hill is the first real fell that you cross and will give you some indication as to whether you are fit enough for the following days! Although short, there follows possibly the steepest descent of the whole tour down to Nannycatch Gate and Beck. A delightful stroll along which brings you to the final descent to leafy Ennerdale Bridge. // The day’s total ascent 780m / descent 665m. |

Accommodation:Overnight at a friendly pub. Enjoy a home cooked meal of local produce including fish and game in season. A traditional feel is retained by the hotel, with its open fire, and the fully licensed bar serves a range of beverages including locally produced ale.If we are unable to book you into Ennerdale then we will secure accommodation for you at Cleator with a return taxi transfer that we will put in place for you (own expense).

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Ennerdale Bridge to Borrowdale 26.5 km/16.5 miles, 7 h

Follow a quiet and scenic footpath along the shore of Ennerdale Water, with a bit of an easy scramble under Angler’s Crag at Robin Hood’s Seat. A long walk on a forest track then continues to Black Sail Hut, which is the smallest youth hostel and originally a shepherd’s hut.

A steep climb follows up the Lowther Beck before traversing some of the Lakeland fells, perhaps with views down to Buttermere. Finally you reach the ‘drum house’, which marks the descent path to the Honister Slate Mine workings & cafe and Borrowdale. This is perhaps the most delightful valley in the Lakes with its crags and broadleaved trees. Borrowdale is a delightful ensemble of hamlets: Seatoller (the wettest place in England), Longthwaite, Rosthwaite and Stonethwaite. Delightful riverside paths connect the places and their pubs together - if you have sufficient energy left for the evening. You might be interested to know that ‘thwaite’ is old Norse for paddock. // The day’s total ascent 765m / descent 785m. |

Accommodation:Your hotel tonight is located at the southern end of the Borrowdale (Seatoller) Valley. It has striking views over the local fells.

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Borrowdale to Grasmere 13.5 km/8.5 miles, 5-6 h via Helm Crag

Enjoy classic Lakeland scenery over Greenup Edge to Easedale and Grasmere. Its a stiff 500m climb up to the edge via Lining Crag where you may get great views back down into Borrowdale. The once boggy trail over the pass has been improved with the laying down of hundreds of Flagstones. After the pass the trail becomes rough and descends steeply into the flower meadows on the outskirts of Grasmere. There is also a good weather variant to climb Helm Crag with good views over the town.

Grasmere is one of Lakeland’s most celebrated villages and you might have time either this afternoon or tomorrow morning to visit the poet Wordsworth's home at Dove Cottage and drop into the famous Ginger bread shop! // The day’s total ascent 750m / descent 760m. |

Accommodation:We use a number of different accommodation in the busy village of Grasmere.

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Grasmere to Glenridding 12 km/7.5 miles, 5.5 h standard route

A great walk over Grisedale Pass (609m/2000ft) and around the small mountain lake of Grisedale Tarn to Patterdale. In good weather and if you are a reasonably strong walker, we recommend that you take the detour route up St Sunday Crag (add 1½ hours). It will give some exceptional views down across Ullswater on the descend to Patterdale, possibly the most breathtaking of the trip. Another detour option is via the summit of Helvellyn, for this add 2 miles and 2 hours. // The day’s total ascent: 900m / descent 805m (via the optional route over St Sunday Crag, less if you avoid this).|

Accommodation:Tonight’s accommodation is a family-run guesthouse. It is located in the centre of Glenridding alongside Glenridding Beck, situated at the southern top of Ullswater - the second largest lake in the Lake District.

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Glenridding to Shap 26 km/16 miles, 7-9 h

After completing today's walk, some would say this was the most difficult stage on the Coast to Coast walk.

The day starts with a steep climb up past pretty Angle Tarn. You'll then hike up and onwards to a critical cairn where you turn off the route to High Street. It will take you up and over Kidsty Pike (780m / 2560ft), the highest point on the Coast to Coast, and then descend steeply to walk along Haweswater. This is a huge body of water that was conceived in 1929 to supply Manchester with drinking water, drowning a couple of villages in the process. You then undulate through fields to Shap Abbey, the most easterly point of the Lake District National Park. This was the last abbey to be founded in England (1199) and the last to be destroyed (1540). It nevertheless is a pretty place to take a break with some new interpretation signs. After this, you continue into Shap, the old granite mining town with several pubs and shops. The village offers an interesting insight to the history of the area. // The day’s total ascent 1174m / descent 1009m. |

Accommodation:The proprietors will welcome you to their guesthouse in the village of Shap.

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Shap to Orton 12.6km / 7.5 miles

From Shap, you cross the busy road and rail routes before tranquilly passing through the high moors. There follows a hilly section across limestone scarps with limestone pavements in places strewn with ‘erratic’ granite boulders moved there by glaciers and there are a couple of small stone circles you could try to find slightly off the route. Finally, you drop into the gentler climes around Orton, a quaint picturesque village with Kennedy’s Chocolate factory to lead you into temptation, but yes, you have earned it!

Accommodation:The George Hotel is a traditional pub in this small village.

Meals:Breakfast

day 8 - Orton to Kirkby Stephen 19.8 km/12 miles, 5 h

A bridging day between Cumbria and The Yorkshire Dales. Mainly farmland walking with a section of moors around Sunbiggin Tarn, which is an important site for birds. A steep descent to the Scandal Beck at Smardale Bridge makes for a nice lunch stop. Then ascend over Smardale Fell for the pretty descent into Kirkby Stephen. This attractive market town, with St. Hedda’s Church containing the 8th Century Loki Stone relating to Norse mythology.

Accommodation:This is a fine looking guesthouse and the interior retains many of the delightful and original features. It has a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

Meals:Breakfast

day 9 - Trip Concludes

Your Coast to Coast walking experience concludes in Kirkby Stephen after breakfast.

Meals:Breakfast

Coast to Coast: St Bees to Kirkby Stephen - 9 Days

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

8 nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available

Meals

8 breakfasts

Others

One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kgDigital information pack including Navigational App, maps and route notesEmergency hotline

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Coast to Coast: St Bees to Kirkby Stephen - 9 Days

4.5

based on 2 reviews

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 66+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 811 customer reviews from

JEFFREY

Maria in Copenhagen was very helpful

1 day ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Coast to Coast: St Bees to Kirkby Stephen - 9 Days that you might like.

The Dales Way

5.0(6 reviews)

Stroll through England’s quintessential countryside on "The Dales Way," a self-guided walking tour spanning 78 miles from Ilkley to Bowness-on-Windermere. Perfect for experienced and senior walkers, this eight-day journey traverses the Yorkshire Dales’ rolling hills, limestone cliffs, and green valleys—landscapes unchanged for centuries. Marvel at historic churches, cross Roman roads, and pause in charming villages with heritage pubs. The route follows the rivers Wharfe, Dee, Rawthey, Lune, and Kent, offering serene picnic spots and abundant birdlife. Walkers will relish the straightforward gradients, though some moorland crossings and muddy sections add gentle challenge. The unique experience is the pure immersion in England’s traditional countryside—complete with comfortable accommodations, transport, meals, and a true taste of rural charm.

8 days

Hadrian's Wall Walk From Whitley Bay - 8 Days

5.0(3 reviews)

Step back into Roman Britain on the 'Hadrian's Wall Walk From Whitley Bay – 8 Days' tour, a self-guided hiking adventure tracing the storied frontier built by Emperor Hadrian in 122 AD. This moderate trek stretches 133 kilometers across northern England, from the North Sea at Whitley Bay to the red sandstone city of Carlisle, weaving through cityscapes, moorlands, and World Heritage Sites. Follow the path of the ancient wall—once a vital defensive line separating Romans from the 'barbarians'—as it snakes over ridges, dips through valleys, and emerges in surprising places from urban estates to windswept crags. Along the way, visit imposing forts like Birdoswald and Housesteads, marvel at the engineering of the Vallum ditch, and absorb the layered history that persists in every stone. The route offers a rich variety of scenery and the comfort of carefully arranged accommodations, meals, and transport. You’ll experience the contrasts of bustling Newcastle, tranquil Eden Valley, and the wild heights of Highshields Crags. The unique selling point of this walking tour is its immersive historical experience—perfect for travelers who want to walk in the footsteps of Romans, explore England’s past, and savor a journey through ever-changing landscapes.

8 days

Best of the Cotswolds Self-Guided Walk

Wander through the storybook villages and golden-stone cottages of England’s countryside on the Best of the Cotswolds Self-Guided Walk. This nine-day trekking trip, designed for experienced travelers seeking a gentle pace, leads you through the prettiest North Cotswold towns—Chipping Campden, Broadway, Guiting Power—and the historic Saxon capital of Winchcombe. Stroll along riverside paths, enjoy rolling hills, and visit renowned gardens at National Trust manors like Hidcote and Kiftsgate. Shorter walking days mean ample time to explore local pubs, tea rooms, and the region’s horticultural gems at your leisure. The unique selling point of this tour is its blend of quintessential English scenery, historical intrigue, and self-guided flexibility, offering a relaxed yet immersive way to experience the heart of the Cotswolds.

9 days

The Cumbria Way - 8 Days

5.0(5 reviews)

Uncover the beauty of the English Lake District on The Cumbria Way - 8 Days, a moderate self-guided walking tour designed for experienced travelers and seniors. Starting in Ulverston and finishing in Keswick, each day’s manageable distance allows ample time to enjoy lakes, valleys, and the literary legacy of figures like Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. The route avoids higher, more challenging uplands, focusing instead on scenic lowland paths and tranquil countryside. Comfortable accommodations and included transport ensure a hassle-free experience. The unique selling point is the tour’s accessibility—offering the quintessential Lake District walking experience without the need for advanced navigation or strenuous climbs.

8 days

South West Coast Path: Penzance to Mevagissey - 8 Days

4.6(5 reviews)

Walk along the southern section of the Cornwall Coastal Path. Discover one of the most scenic stretches of the South West Coast Path as you walk from Penzance to Mevagissey, a route rich in natural beauty, cultural history, and coastal charm. This journey takes you through dramatic cliffs at The Lizard—Britain’s southernmost point—along wooded estuaries, sheltered tidal creeks, and the tranquil Fal River. The region is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, known for its lush gardens, palm-lined paths, and unique microclimate. Along the way, you’ll encounter tiny fishing villages, secret smugglers’ coves, and stories of shipwrecks that inspired authors like Daphne du Maurier and Virginia Woolf, and latterly Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path. Whether you're admiring the birdlife, exploring subtropical gardens, or simply taking in a spectacular Cornish sunset, this moderate week-long walk offers a deeply memorable experience for both nature lovers and literary enthusiasts alike.

8 days

Coast to Coast: St Bees to Kirkby Stephen - 8 Days

3.0(1 review)

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.

8 days

The Dales Way - 10 Days

5.0(1 review)

The Dales Way - 10 Days invites experienced travelers and seniors to journey through the heart of the English countryside, from Ilkley to Bowness-on-Windermere. This moderate walking tour covers 78 miles of the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, meandering through rolling hills, limestone valleys, and traditional villages. Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls, ancient churches, and welcoming pubs, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and picnics by scenic rivers. The route is celebrated for its gentle gradients and variety, offering a taste of England’s timeless rural charm. The unique feature of this trip is the opportunity to experience the full Dales Way, a beloved long-distance path, at a leisurely and enjoyable pace.

10 days

Keep Exploring England

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights