Coast to Coast: Walk Kirkby Stephen to Robin Hood's Bay

Walk part of the Coast to Coast Walk through the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors at your own pace. Embark on the eastern half of Alfred Wainwright’s legendary Coast to Coast walk, tracing the route from the rugged Pennines through the Yorkshire Dales and across the heather-covered North York Moors to the dramatic cliffs of the North Sea.
Your hike begins near the halfway point of the trail in the Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Cross into the Yorkshire Dales National Park and climb the mystical Nine Standards Rigg. From there, you will follow the scenic River Swale past timeless villages and rolling farmland before arriving in the historic market town of Richmond. The journey continues into the North York Moors National Park, where panoramic vistas and sweeping moorland paths guide you towards the coast.
The final stretch leads to Robin Hood’s Bay, where tradition calls for dipping your boots in the North Sea and marking your achievement with a pint, a glass of champagne, or an ice cream on the beach. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the charm of classic northern England; fields of sheep, rolling hills, dry stone walls, friendly local communities, and hearty full English breakfasts. Accommodation is in cosy country hotels, welcoming guesthouses, and traditional pubs—each reflecting the warm hospitality of rural England.
For a gentler pace, our 11-day itinerary (trip code WCO) breaks up the final two long stages between Richmond and Blakey Ridge, giving you more time to savour the scenery. Scroll down to explore all our Coast to Coast walking holiday options.