Start: St Bees Finish: Pooley Bridge
Arrival in St. Bees by train – routes available from all major airports (not included). St Bees includes St Bees Head, the most westerly point of Cumbria, on the coastal strip between the Lakeland fells and the Irish Sea. It has a history going back over 1,000 years and has been a popular holiday destination for over 150 years. If you arrive early, option of doing a 10km circular walk on the first part of of the C2C path along the cliffs to Sandwath and return by footpath (thus reducing part of tomorrow's walk)
Before setting off this morning, follow the tradition of all coast to coast walkers, and collect a stone from the beach in St. Bees, which you will carry to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea. Set off along the coast before turning inland towards the village of Sandwith. Once you’ve passed through the sleepy villages of Moor Row and Cleator, you reach the first climb of the trip – Dent Fell - before arriving at the small village of Ennerdale Bridge. Option of a more direct route to Moor Row reducing the distance by 8km.
Challenge: 23/24 km, 6-6.5h, 578/645m ascent, 593/547 m descent
Villages along the way: St Bees, Sandwith, Moor Row, Cleator, Ennerdale
You are now in the Lake District National Park and the day starts with a walk along Ennerdale Water with superb views of the approaching fells. From here, you have a choice: either go high up to Red Pike and over High Stile onto the iconic Haystacks and past Inominate Tarn (where Wainwright’s ashes were scattered) or follow a gentler route up to Black Sail Youth Hostel and then up Loft Beck. Both routes take you to Honister Slate mine – the last working slate mine in England - before a descent into the village of Rosthwaite followed by Stonethwaite (both located in the Borrowdale Valley)
Challenge: 24/23 km, 8 h, 1028 / 549m ascent, 1044/ 570 m descent
Don't panic! If you think the route is too long, ask your luggage driver whether you can travel with your stuff (with time in advance, of course)
Villages along the way: Ennerdale Bridge, Seatoller, Rosthwaite
A shorter stage today, but the ascent to the day's only peak, Greenup Edge, is steep and demanding. The view from here is another iconic picture of the unique and beautiful landscape of the Lake District. Overnight in pretty Grasmere where there is lot to explore including the Wordsworth Museum and the poet’s former residence, Dove Cottage.
Challenge: 15 km, 5.5-6 h, 547m ascent, 563 m descent
Villages along the way: Rosthwaite, Grasmere
All walkers climb up to Grisedale Hause with gorgeous views back towards Grasmere. From here, you have the option to go even higher and up the famous Helvellyn peak or St Sunday Crag – with far reaching views as far as Ullswater – before coming down Grisedale into Patterdale. Alternatively, take the direct route down Grisedale to the village.
Challenge: 14/17 km, 5-6.5 h, 541m ascent, 458 m descent
Villages along the way: Grasmere, Patterdale
Today you don't follow the Coast to Coast path anymore. We have chosen an idyllic place to end your trip, within easy reach to public transportation. For your last walking day, you have plenty of options:
Challenge: 18/10/1 km, 5.5-6 / 4 h, 440/40m ascent, 445/60 m descent
Villages along the way: Patterdale, Howtown, Pooley Bridge
Day of departure. A taxi will take you to Penrith Station for onward travel to the airport / city of your choice
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.
Stay in the quaint Stonehouse Farm B&B, which dates back to the 17th century. Very friendly welcome and tasty breakfasts guaranteed
A lovely community pub in the centre of Ennerdale Bridge
A characterful lake district B&B
https://www.yewcraggsborrowdale.co.uk/
As alterntative: in the Langstrath, a cosy pub full of character
Heidi’s is a colourful boutique Guest House. Also has a popular café full of local produce and home-made cakes
Oldwater View is synonymous with the Coast to Coast. Lovely rooms, friendly helpful hosts.
Wonderful inn with a spacious, traditional bar features open fires, free wifi and a relaxing ambiance which welcomes both dogs and children.
https://www.pooleybridgeinn.co.uk/
A homely welcome and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere is guaranteed. Their restaurant is perfect for any occasion.
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 St. Bees
You can get to St.Bees via train, you can use the main line from any of the airports. Most customers travel to Manchester airport then take the train to St.Bees by changing at South Lakes or 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 Pooley Bridge
From Pooley Bridge this trip include a taxi transfer to Penrih Station on the west coast mainline. From here you can easily access Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham and London.
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/
GPS tracks are available on request.
Included
Not Included
Extras