Coast to Coast Walk East - 9 Days & 8 Nights
- Hike the east section of the Coast to Coast from Kirkby Stephen to Robin Hood's Bay
- Savor the picture perfect villages in the Yorkshire Dales speckled with cozy pubs
- Enjoy the exhilarating, endless vistas on the wild and rugged North York Moors
- Overnight in cozy B&B accommodations and hike past famous historic landmarks
- Complete this rewarding challenge in the seaside town of Robin Hood’s Bay
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Kirkby Stephen and overnightKirkby Stephen, a lovely market town, is a great place to begin your Coast to Coast East tour. Markets first began operating in this town in 1361 and it is dominated by its 13th-century church made of distinctive red sandstone.
A warm welcome awaits you in this Grade 2 Listed Georgian Townhouse. The house dates from 1750 and has retained much of its original charm and character with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The owners have decorated and furnished each of the four bedrooms in a style to complement the house without compromising on comfort to make you feel at home. All the rooms have a digital TV, tea, and coffee facilities, hairdryers and free WIFI. Each room also has a foot spa and complimentary toiletries from The Bath House, a local company from Sedbergh. Following a long day walking why not sooth those aching feet with a foot spa containing lemongrass bath salts.
Lockholme is a warm and welcoming B&B offering stunning views, delightful rooms and a very warm atmosphere. The owners aim to make your stay extra special, in a relaxing friendly atmosphere. Their rooms have shower en-suites, are beautifully decorated, reflecting the Victorian character and charm, and they are well equipped with a hairdryer, free WIFI throughout, tea and coffee making facilities and luxury complimentary toiletries from The Bath House, Sedburgh. Upon arrival you can look forward to delicious homemade cake with tea or coffee and relax either in your room, the Guest Breakfast Room, with a real coal fire and fabulous views of the fells and The Nine Standards Rigg, or the sunny private rear garden, knowing that any wet boots and clothes will be taken care of!
Built in 1833, Fletcher House is a double fronted Grade II listed building in the centre of Kirkby Stephen. To match the fine-looking exterior of the house, the interior has many original features. All rooms are en-suite with walk in shower, WC, and basin. There is also a hairdryer in each room. They also have an extra "Pamper Bathroom" which any guest may use with large roll top bath, WC and basin. There is a separate guest lounge with tv and book swap library to exchange books. Complementary drinks available from the dining room from the coffee machine or a selection of teas and decaf options.
Leaving Kirkby Stephen, cross the Eden River and continue to Hartley village. A long ascent takes you to Hartley Fell and up to the ancient Nine Standards cairns. The trig point here marks the watershed divide across England. From here there are multiple options down to Keld depending on what time of year it is.
- Green Route - Ascent: +495m (1625ft) / Descent: 345m (1135ft)
- Blue Route - Ascent: +490m (1610ft) / Descent: 345m (1135ft)
- Red Route - Ascent: +495m (1625ft) / Descent: 345m (1135ft)
Butt House pride themselves on warmly welcoming walkers after a long day's trekking. They provide drying and laundry facilities, packed lunches, home cooked food, along with a fully licensed bar. All rooms have TVs, hairdryers, tea & coffee making facilities and fabulous views of the area. On the ground floor there is a drying area for boots and coats, a lounge with open fire, dining room, and bar/reception area, where, in the height of the season, you can enjoy a pint of Black Sheep Ale, available on tap.
A warm welcome awaits you at Keld Lodge. This former shooting lodge is now a comfortable hotel and restaurant. You can enjoy the amazing views from the conservatory dining room, lounge, and many of the bedrooms. They place an emphasis on doing the simple things well.
Frith Lodge is a 300-year-old Swaledale farmhouse which has been lovingly restored and refurbished. They have 3 doubles and 2 twin bedrooms which are all en-suite, have tea and coffee making facilities include fresh milk and homemade biscuits and each bedroom has FreeSat TV, hairdryer, welcome guide and breathtaking views from every window. Their guest lounge has stunning views and is the perfect place to rest and relax after a day walking.
You have two options when walking Keld to Reeth. Unlike the other days where the high route is significantly more challenging, today, both are generally comparable in difficulty so don't be fooled into going the lower route, assuming it's the easier choice!
The higher route between Keld and Reeth is a unique walk which most hikers choose not because it is more beautiful than the low route (though it does provide splendid views), but because it navigates between long-gone lead mines and infrastructure that shaped the Swaledale we see today. Lead mining peaked in this area during the 18th and 19th centuries and the paths that today bustle with walkers would once have been frequented by miners. The lower route between Keld and Reeth has generally been deemed the more attractive option of the two, as it weaves through the lush Swaledale Valley with splendid views for the majority of your walk. It also has options for lunch
- High Route - Ascent: +530m (1740ft) / Descent: -650m (2135ft)
- Low Route - Ascent: +330m (1085ft) / Descent: -465m (1525ft)
Ivy Cottage is a stylish B&B situated in a lovely position overlooking the renowned Green in the centre of Reeth. All of their rooms have comfortable beds, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryers, colour TV, complimentary WiFi and central heating.
The owners extend a warm welcome, and are wholly dedicated to providing a high level of service with a distinctly personal edge. Their 5 bedrooms are all extensively equipped and benefit from breath-taking, south-facing views of the expansive Swaledale countryside.
The Buck at Reeth was originally a Coaching Inn dating back to around 1760. There are many original features; the main bar features aged beamed ceilings adorned with an interesting array of horse brass and interesting door knockers.
Leave the Pennines behind today as you walk along lovely woodland tracks on this relatively short and rural stage. This gives you plenty of time to explore the charming villages you pass en route and the remains of an old priory before ending your walk in Richmond. Richmond is a fantastic old market town with plenty of bustling pubs and cafes. A place to stock up on supplies for the next few days!
Ascent: +355m (1165ft) / Descent: -420m (1375ft)
The owners offer you a warm and friendly welcome at Willance House. On arrival, relax in the comfortable guest lounge with its original oak beams, Georgian fireplace and exposed floorboards while enjoy a complimentary pot of tea or coffee after your long journey. They have three individually decorated rooms with king sized beds (that turn into twins) to ensure your complete comfort and all their rooms are continuously refurbished to the highest standards. A laundry service is available until 4pm on the day of your arrival for a small fee.
The Frenchgate Guest House is a Victorian townhouse situated within short walking distance of Richmond's historic market place. Each room has been specially decorated to create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for ensuring a restful and relaxing night’s sleep. Refreshments are available in each ensuite room. A hint of modern life is introduced with TVs in each room and complimentary wifi for all your devices.
The Castle House is situated in the shadow of the famous castle, overlooking the historic town square. The house has been lovingly renovated while maintaining the original features. In all rooms there is a choice of biscuits, teas & coffee, the en-suites have luxury soap, shower gel and shampoo. Fresh towels and dressing gowns are also provided and delicious chocolates are left on the outside of the room door handle every evening. All rooms have hairdryers, flat screen TV's with freeview, and free wifi.
One of the flattest days yet, traversing the Vale of Mowbray. Make a quick stop for lunch in Danby Wiske with it's 11th century Norman Church before continuing across the Vale of Mowbray with distant views of the Cleveland Hills. Quiet farm tracks and lanes lead you to Ingleby Cross, the last place where you may find any services for a couple of days.
Ascent: +60m (200ft) / Descent: -125m (410ft)
A warm welcome awaits you at Ingleby House with with a traditional cream tea. All rooms are en-suite and have tea & coffee making facilities. They offer a full cooked English breakfast or a choice from their extensive menu. They also have a laundry service for those days where the weather hasn’t been too kind!
Elstavale offers clean and comfortable accommodation for walkers. All their guests are greeted with a homemade real cream tea upon arrival. Breakfast is served in the conservatory overlooking the garden, where you are welcome to relax and enjoy the views. Josephine is passionate about food because of her career as a chef for several years and, where possible, she focuses on local or home-grown produce.
The Blue Bell Inn is actually mentioned in your guidebook and Wainwright himself stayed here whilst he was undertaking his Coast to Coast Walk. They offer comfortable accommodation in a quite annex of the pub and the rooms have all the amenities you require, they provide excellent hospitality and good quality bar meals.
This stage takes you into the North York Moors National Park and through expansive swathes of heather, moorlands and exquisite, peaceful valleys. See the Wain Stones which are clearly visible on top of one of the moors and look like the decorations on top of a birthday cake! From here continue east to Clay Bank Top from where you will be picked up and transferred to Great Broughton or you may take a slight de-tour to a hotel in nearby Chop Gate.
Ascent: +825m (2710ft) / Descent: -645m (2115ft)
The owners extend a warm, friendly welcome at the Buck Inn. Set amidst the rugged splendour of Bilsdale, the Buck Inn offers all the traditions of an English country tavern. The inn provides comfortable accommodation, all guest rooms are situated on the ground floor with private access to the large car park to the rear of the building.
Combining the service and facilities of a Silver Award Winning three-star hotel with the atmosphere of a Yorkshire country inn. The Wainstones provide a friendly and comfortable stay for walkers.
From Great Broughton you ascend up the final summit to the top of Urra Moor and pass Farndale, a paradise for its profusion of daffodils in the spring. Reach Blakey Ridge and the Lion Inn (the fourth highest inn in Britain!), one of the most charming country pubs on the Coast to Coast! From Blakey Ridge, stroll down the Esk Valley, passing through iconic English countryside. Glaisdale is set above the Esk Valley and its terraced houses were originally built for workers from the nearby ironstone mines. Shortly after you will reach Egton Bridge, one of the prettiest villages on the whole of the Coast to Coast, with its grand houses and St Hedda’s Church, named after a 7th-century saint who is buried in Winchester Cathedral.
Ascent: +330m (1085ft) / Descent: -555m (1815ft)
This country inn dates to the 18th century and is set in beautiful grounds on the River Esk. They have six rooms offering double or twin accommodation. All are rooms are en-suite have Digital TV and free WIFI is available throughout the Hotel. Some rooms also have a bath so you can relax after a long walk. Their philosophy in their restaurant is simple, fresh, and tasty food sourced from the local suppliers in North Yorkshire like Ford’s butchers in Glaisdale or Beacon Farm Ice Cream in Whitby.
Brianne and Luke Cockill are delighted to welcome you to Broom House at Egton Bridge, a beautiful country bed and breakfast retreat.
This converted property is a great accommodation for walkers where the owners will be waiting to welcome you with a friendly smile. The large rooms have recently been decorated and offer all the mod cons, including flat screen TV’s.
Leaving Egton Bridge, the picture-postcard settlement of Grosmont comes next and you will need to regroup your strength for the final, but rewarding section into Robin Hood’s Bay, which has a few ups and downs along the way! Upon arrival, stride out along he blustery cliff tops alongside the North Sea and make your way down to the beach and the perfect place to finish your walk, Robin Hood’s Bay.
Ascent: +540m (1770ft) / Descent: -580m (1895ft)
The Villa was built in 1892 as a lodging house, the first of its kind, at the top of Bay Bank. This Victorian property has been lovingly restored retaining all its original features; servant bells, original cast iron fireplaces in all bedrooms and a cast iron range in the kitchen.
A large detached Victorian House in Robin Hood's Bay, built-in 1897 by Captain Jacob Storm.
This B&B offers high quality accommodation along with a warm and friendly welcome from the owner. The two guest rooms have lovely sea views and have all amenities you require for a comfortable night’s stay. A selection of breakfasts are served in their modern, spacious dining room and our full English breakfast will make sure that your day gets off to the perfect start.
Enjoy one last hearty Coast to Coast Breakfast before checking and making your way to the closest train station or airport for onward travel.
This trip has a carbon score of 7kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 7kg is equivalent to 1 single running shoe (not even a pair!). Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This Coast to Coast itinerary is only the East Section from Kirby Stephen to Robin Hoods Bay. The trail meanders through vast open spaces as it winds through the Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire Moors National Parks. The 8 hiking days are lengthy in their miles, but worth every step. If you have already completed the west section through the Lake District this itinerary completes the full Coast to Coast National Trail from the Irish Sea to the North Sea.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This holiday is graded moderate.
The route is a mixture of paths, tracks and minor roads. Some of the paths can become very muddy and boggy where progress can often be slow.
We specifically choose the hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to hikers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We strive to confirm local and family owned properties as they always offer the best service and local knowledge.
Accommodation Location
We will always try to accommodate you at the locations detailed in the tour itinerary. Occasionally, because of limited availability, we have to overnight you in alternative accommodations which are not listed in the descriptions. The alternative will always be of the same or better standard than those listed.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you. A single room charge is payable.
We welcome solo hikers on the Coast to Coast. You must take extra care in the outdoors when hiking solo.
The route is waymarked sporadically on the Coast to Coast but navigation is straightforward using the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which has maps, GPS tracks and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation on this tour will be made simple. You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account.
Recommended Reading
Although not essential, if you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:
- Guidebook - Coast to Coast Path, Henry Stedman (British Walking Guide): Trailblazers
- Map - Harvey Map Coast to Coast, St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay
- Hand picked B&B's, guesthouses and small hotel accommodation.
- Door to door baggage transfer.
- Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK office
- Extra nights
The Coast to Coast Walk is available from April to September.
PLEASE NOTE: In early June the Appleby Horse Fair takes place and it is extremely difficult to book any accommodations Kirby Stephen during this period. Similarly, accommodation is in high demand during the second weekend in June in Robin Hood's Bay due to music festival.
Getting to Kirkby Stephen
The closest airports to Kirkby Stephen are Manchester and Newcastle. From Manchester Airport you can take a train to Kirkby Stephen via Carlisle. From Newcastle, it is a bit more complicated and time-consuming as you have to go via bus and train with a few changes. However it can be done and you would need to check the Traveline website for schedules. The Trainline is also a good resource.
It is also possible to travel by train from London via Carlisle, or via Leeds.
Parking in Kirkby Stephen is limited. There are some spaces in the Pennine View Campsite. The campsite is secure and you can leave it there for the duration of your walk.
The closest airports to Robin Hood's Bay are either Newcastle or Manchester, which are just over 4 hours from Robin Hood’s Bay bus and train. Please check the Traveline website for timetables. You can catch a bus to Scarborough and from here a train to Newcastle, Manchester or London to make your onward journeys
If you left your car in St Bees you would need to take a bus from Robin Hood's Bay to Scarborough and from here take a train via Manchester and Carlisle to St Bees (approx. 6 hrs). Again, please check the Traveline website for schedules.
You can read more detailed information on travelling to and from the Coast to Coast walk on our blog here.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person of up to 40 lbs. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
If you are traveling from far afield and do have more than one bag it is possible to arrange for the extra luggage to be stored whilst you are on the tour for a fee of £25 per bag. These additional bags would be picked up from your accommodation at the start point (St Bees or Kirkby Stephen) and dropped off wherever you finish depending on the itinerary you choose to do. Please contact us if you wish to book this.
The Coast to Coast is England's most popular national trail and booking accommodations along the way can be tricky all year round during the walking season (April to October). This means that in some cases you may have to get return transfers to neighbouring towns and villages in order to make the trip work. To avoid transfers we recommend booking well in advance of your proposed start date.
Online Documents
At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.
On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard hiking gear such as good hiking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes, sun hat, suncreen and a day pack.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
Kirby Stephen is half-way along the route. So if you are doing the 'West' half you end here, and if you are doing the 'East' half you start here.
Parking in Kirkby Stephen is limited. However, there are some spaces in the Pennine View Campsite. The campsite is secure, and you can leave your car there for the duration of your walk. It costs approximately £4 per car per day. If you did park your car in Kirkby Stephen, we can arrange for a transfer from Robin Hood’s Bay to Richmond, and then onto Kirkby Stephen. However, it is not possible to do it all in one day, so you will have to spend the night in Richmond (which we can also arrange) before being transferred from Richmond to Kirkby Stephen the next day. Alternatively, you can use public transport.
You will need good hiking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc.
The Coast to Coast is England's most popular National Trail and booking accommodation along the way can be tricky all year round during the hiking season (April to October). This means that in some cases you may have to get return transfers to neighbouring towns and villages in order to make the trip work. To avoid transfers we recommend booking well in advance of your proposed start date.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the Coast to Coast is extremely popular, especially over April/May and September. You will find up to date availability on our website, and we will always try and accommodate your plans.
We offer a range of itineraries so you can choose your preferred daily distance so hopefully, you will find an itinerary that suits your preferred level of activity. If you currently don’t enjoy an active lifestyle, we suggest regular hiking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardiovascular exercise for at least six months before your hike. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
If you are thinking of driving, please be aware that there are very limited parking facilities. The only free public parking is available at the railway station (only 18 spaces available) but is not intended for C2C walkers. Many B&B’s have parking available for a small fee per night. For up to date information about the parking available at St Bees, please see the St Bees Community Website. If you left your car in St Bees, you would need to take a bus from Robin Hoods Bay to Scarborough and from here take a train via Manchester and Carlisle to St Bees (approx. 6 hrs). Again, please check the schedules.
Alternatively, our luggage handlers can provide parking and a shuttle bus via their base at Kirkby Stephen or Richmond. This needs to be booked separately with them. Talk to your adventure specialist after your booking is confirmed to arrange it with them.
Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better. Although any time between late March and October offers a wonderful experience.
Please be aware that in Appleby during the first or second week in June the Appleby Horse Fair takes place and it is extremely difficult to book any accommodations around Shap, Orton & Kirby Stephen during this period Similarly, we have difficulty booking accommodation on the second weekend June in Robin Hood's Bay due to the Folk Weekend.
You can use public transport, bus or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. Details are provided in your pack after booking.
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Coast to Coast
Watch Julie and Andy as they hike across the whole of Northern England from the Irish Sea to the North Sea on one of England's most iconic walks - The Coast to Coast.
They hike through three National Parks, pass some of the loveliest English villages and experience countryside crammed with natural beauty and history.
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HikingHow Many Days to Walk the Coast to Coast?Read More2 Min Read16 January 2018
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Hiking10 Reasons to Hike England's C2CRead More9 Min Read29 May 2017
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Meeting the people behind the scenery - Minna & Classic RoutesRead More2 Min Read01 February 2023
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