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

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.