Start: Kirby Stephen Finish: Robin Hood's Bay
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.
There is a variety of accommodation along the route ranging from bed and breakfasts, lodges, pubs and small hotels. They are run by walker friendly hosts offering en-suite or private facility rooms with a tasty breakfast to get you ready for the walk ahead. Further facilities such as washing and drying facilities, packed lunches and packed lunches are available in some accommodations, you will be advised on your listing of what is available.
If a certain accommodation is unable to confirm due to lack of availability, we will request a similar one and inform you about the alternative booked.
A large Georgian property that has been lovingly refurnished
The Manse is an elegant period property with spacious airy rooms and lovely hosts
Depending on availability, you will be staying in a beautiful family-run B&B in the town. All have their own delightful character.
The Golden Lion is an 18th century stone inn, overlooking the market cross of Osmotherley, gateway to the Moors. A village as unspoilt as any in the North York Moors National Park. Inside you will find a cosy, welcoming atmosphere enhanced by candlelit tables and flowers on the window sills.
Located in the villages around Clay Bank Top
The Lion Inn is a family-owned 16th century free-house located at the highest point of the North York Moors National Park. At an elevation of 440m it is the third highest pub in England offering breathtaking views over the valleys of Rosedale and Farndale. The bar is well known for its good selection of quality real ales and an extensive menú.
The Geall Gallery B&B is situated in the centre of the Grosmont providing high quality accommodation. Breakfast is served in the large spacious lounge/kitchen area which has a communal seating area, leading to a balcony which overlooks the Murk Esk. Using fresh and locally sourced produce, your breakfast is prepared in front of you
Located in Robin Hoods Bay town, Lee-side,a large Victorian sea captain's house. Breakfast, made fresh with local ingredients, is served in the elegant breakfast room.
The White Horse and Griffin is a stylish gastro-pub with beautifully furnished rooms.
You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between the end of March and mid October. However, we recommend that you start your walk between Saturday and Tuesday as many of the Lake District accommodations stipulate a minimum 2 night stay at the weekend.
The nearest airport is Manchester (MAN), although you can also arrive by public transport from Glasgow (GLA) or Edinburgh (EDI) airports
Arrive in Kirby Stephen
You can get to Kirkby Stephen via train or car. You can use the main line from any of the airports. Most customers travel to Manchester airport then take the train to Kirkby Stephen by changing at Carlisle.
NOTE: It is wise to book your bus tickets in advance, especially for arrivals and when travelling in summer or on Friday afternoons. You can buy your bus tickets through https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Departure from Robin Hood's Bay OR Whitby
When you reach Robin Hoods Bay, you can take a taxi or a bus to nearby Scarborough to access the trainline.
There is a train station in Whitby with connection to the main cities and airports
NOTE: It is wise to book your bus tickets in advance, especially for arrivals and when travelling in summer or on Friday afternoons. You can buy your bus tickets through https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
By car to Kirby Stephen
The alternative is to travel via car to Kirkby Stephen and use the car parking available.
From Robin Hood's Bay
If you have parked in Kirkby Stephen, there is a transfer provided every afternoon to return you to your car.
GPS tracks are available on request.
Included
Not Included
Extras