Coast to Coast Path National Trail
Cross from the Irish Sea to the North Sea on the Coast to Coast Path National Trail over the fells of the Lake District, peaks of the Yorkshire Dales and moors of the North York Moors National Parks
The Coast to Coast long distance walk has been a firm favourite with hikers since it was first described by Alfred Wainwright in 1973. It starts at St Bees on the west coast and runs through some of the finest landscapes in northern England including the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks, over upland fells and across the Vale of York before ending at Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast. In 2022 the government agreed to make the Coast to Coast a National Trail. Work is underway to make this happen with improvements being made to the line of the trail, signage and surfacing as well as access for all, community engagement and information provision.
This work is not complete, you can still walk the Coast to Coast but the work to create the Coast to Coast Path National Trail is ongoing.
Introducing the Trail
Learn more about the Coast to Coast Path National Trail below. Select the blue tabs below for more details.
- About the Trail
- What is special about the Trail?
- Becoming a National Trail
About the Trail
- Start: St Bees on the western edge of the Lake District National Park
- End: Robin Hood’s Bay, in the North York Moors National Park
- Walk Length: 192 mile (309 km)
A coast to coast route was originally described by Alfred Wainwright in 1973. Much of that route was not on public rights of way, and the route was never formally recognised as a National Trail. In 2022 Natural England sent a proposal to the secretary of state recommending the trail was given National Trail status.
As part of this work in some places the line of the trail is being amended to provide a better experience for walkers, and to protect highly sensitive habitats. The final length of the trail is yet to be fixed as small changes are still taking place.
Despite this you can walk the Coast to Coast – and it is estimated that approximately 6,000 people complete it every year. It’s a challenging route with plenty of ascent and descent. You need to be fit and able to navigate well. An up-to-date map or GPS mapping is essential.
What is special about the Trail?
The Coast to Coast is an iconic long distance walk. There is something very satisfying about walking across the country, and it takes you through some of the very best scenery the UK has to offer. Taking you over peaks, fells and moorland, past waterfalls, along rivers and around lakes it is a stunning walk.
It is very unusual for a long distance footpath to be changed to become a National Trail. This is happening the Coast to Coast in recognition of what a wonderful trail it is.
Becoming a National Trail
There is a lot of working happening behind the scenes to ensure that the new Coast to Coast Path National Trail brings about benefits to as many people as possible. This work incudes engaging with communities and businesses and improving access for everyone.
What difference will being a National Trail make to the Coast to Coast?
Becoming a National Trail will make a big difference to the Coast to Coast. For the first time a Trail Partnership will take responsibility for the Trail and work together to maintain and improve the trail.
The Trail will benefit from an annual grant from Natural England, allowing for improved signage, better communication with the businesses and locals living and working along the trail as with well the people who enjoy exploring the route.
You can see Natural England’s proposal for creating the Coast to Coast Path National Trail here.
Engaging with Coast to Coast communities and businesses
Work has already started to identify ways that the Coast to Coast Path National Trail can work more closely with local communities and businesses. A study has been carried out by the Lake District Foundation. You can read the executive summary here or the full report below.
Full report – National Trails Sustainable Engagement Report 2024.
Natural England commission a range of reports from external contractors to provide evidence and advice to assist us in delivering our duties. The views in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Natural England.
Improving access for all
The Coast to Coast is a challenging route through remote and beautiful landscapes. Natural England, the local authorities and National Park Authorities along the route are determined to make as much as possible of the route accessible to as many people as possible. The terrain is a limiting factor in many locations, but there is much that can be done to provide access to some of the most beautiful locations along the trail.
An Accessibility Audit of the Coast to Coast Path National Trail has been carried out by Leonard Cheshire. The report makes many recommendations including details of Cycle UK and the British Horse Society’s proposed complimentary Riders Route.
Natural England commission a range of reports from external contractors to provide evidence and advice to assist us in delivering our duties. The views in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Natural England.
Updates on Progress
Natural England producing updates on progress for stakeholders. You can see these here:
History, heritage and hidden gems
Discover something new to explore every step of the way, from natural icons and historic attractions to coastal towns and villages…
New stone flagged path Greenup Edge, Borrowdale
New bridge at Stonethwaite in Cumbria
Laying flag path
Coast to Coast sign posts. Photo - NYMNPA
Carved poem on felled ash tree. Photo NYMNPA
Volunteers path building - photo NYMNPA