Arrival in Kirkby Stephen by train (routes available from all major airports- not included) or car. Kirkby Stephen, located in the Eden Valley is just before the halfway point of the Coast to Coast and where your adventure begins!

You have the choice between a route over the mountain or a lower route along the valley. The former crosses a remote landscape of grouse moors, dotted with ruins from the lead-mining era; the latter takes you via heather clad Swaledale, with its traditional stone barns and drystone walls. Whatever you choose, you arrive in Reeth, another quintessential Dales village with cosy pubs.

Challenge: 19km, approx 5,5hrs, 459 m ascent/ 573 m descent

Villages along the way: Muker, Gunnerside, Healaugh, Reeth

Today's more leisurely stage takes you across verdant meadows and through pretty villages. Take time to explore Marrick Priory, a 12th century Benedictine nuns’ monastery, abandoned during the 16th-century religious wars. Overnight in the pretty market town of Richmond, with its quaint cobbled streets and imposing Norman Castle.

Challenge: 19km, approx 5hrs, 290 m ascent/ 344 m descent

Villages along the way: Marrick, Richmond

The day starts with a transfer across to Danby Wiske to shorten the distance walked today to a comfortable 18km. It is a gentle flat walk today, taking you across the Vale of Mowbray, through fertile farmland and along quiet country lanes towards the North York Moors National Park – and its hills! Depending on accommodation availability, you overnight in either Ingleby Cross or Osmotherley.

Challenge: 18km, approx 5hrs, 232 m ascent/ 102 m descent

Villages along the way:  Danby Wiske, Ingleby Arncliffe, Ingleby Cross/ Osmortherley

Walk through woodland then head uphill for superb views back to Richmond and ahead towards the North Sea. You are finally in the North York Moors National Park with its wide expanses of heather covered moorland, contrasting with the distinctive rocky crags of the Wain Stones. It feels like you are on a high mountain, but the North York Moors is only 4-500m above sea level.

Challenge: 18km, approx 5-6hrs, 633 m ascent/ 528 m descent

Villages along the way: Ingleby Cross / Smortherley, Clay Bank Top

After an initial climb up from Clay Bank Top, today's stretch brings you across the plateau, along the route of an abandoned mine railway to The Lion Inn pub. Originally a 16th-century hunting lodge, it’s the third highest pub in England and the only building for miles around.

Challenge: 14km, approx 3,5hrs, 238 m ascent/ 114 m descent

Villages along the way: None

Today’s route is mainly flat and downhill beside Great Fryup Dale and into Glaisdale. There’s one sting in the tail to get up and down into Egton Bridge before you end the day in peaceful Grosmont (pronounced ‘Growmont’), one of the stops on the famous North York Moors steam railway. Does Harry Potter ring a bell? 

Challenge: 22km, approx 6 hrs, 127 m ascent/ 488 m descent

Villages along the way: Glaisdale, Egton Bridge, Grosmont

Start the day with a steep road climb up onto the moor before descending into beautiful Littlebeck – but not before catching a glimpse of the sea and the breathtaking Whitby Abbey! Through Falling Foss woods with its hidden follies, walk over the last section of the Moors. The final stretch takes you from High Hawsker along the top of the Jurassic cliffs – with stunning coastal scenery and the sight of a dolphin if you’re lucky. There are gorgeous vistas of Robin Hood’s Bay as you descend to this beautiful old fishing village. On arrival, don’t forget to throw your St Bees’ stone into the North Sea. Congratulations - You've crossed England!

Alternative Option to Whitby

From High Hawsker, instead of heading south along the coastal path you can head north and come into the historic and bustling fishing port and easide resort of Whitby. Famous for it’s Abbey and Castle, along with its Dracula connections. 

Challenge: 24/25km, approx 7hrs, 521 m ascent/ 548 m descent

Villages along the way: Grosmont, Littlebeck, Hawsker, Robin Hood's Bay/ Whitby

After breakfast, your trip comes to an end.