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:

1. Walk along the Ullswater Way beside the lake all the way through to Pooley Bridge. Along the southern edge under the crags of Place Fell with superb views across the lake to Helvellyn and Aira Force. Pass through the lovely village of Howtown and then open moorland to reach the Cockpit – an impressive large stone circle, before descending on a wide track to join a road leading into Pooley Bridge. 18km
2. Take the ferry to Howtown and then walk part of the Ullswater Way. 8km
3. Take the historic steam ferry across the lake to Pooley Bridge. This is a lovely village straddling the river Eamont.

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