Walk the Coast to Coast Path
Wainwright's classic 190-mile walk across northern England — sea to sea from St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay, through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.
England's greatest walk
Devised by Alfred Wainwright in 1973 and an official National Trail since 2026, the Coast to Coast Path links the Irish Sea to the North Sea across the full breadth of northern England. You start by the red cliffs of St Bees, dip your boots in the sea, and finish 190 miles later at the slipway in Robin Hood's Bay — crossing three of England's finest National Parks on the way.
This is an independent guide and app to help you plan and walk it: every stage broken down, the heritage along the route, and offline maps in your pocket. Walk it self-guided, or arrange baggage transfer and carry only a day pack.
The route, in four parts
From the Lakeland fells to the Yorkshire coast — see the full 16-stage guide.
Everything you need on the trail
The free Coast to Coast app turns your phone into a guide that works with no signal.
Offline GPS maps
Download each stage and navigate with full GPS even where there's no signal — across every fell and moor.
Heritage audio guides
Listen to the story of the route — St Bees Priory, Shap Abbey, Nine Standards, Richmond Castle and more — as you reach each site.
Progress tracking
Tick off stages, log your hikes, and watch your sea-to-sea progress build from St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay.
Daily safety check-in
Share your plan with an emergency contact and check in each day — peace of mind on the remote high stages.
Find a walking partner
The buddy finder helps you meet other walkers heading the same way on your dates.
Plan & pack
Build a day-by-day itinerary, get a kit checklist, and see what's at each overnight stop.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Coast to Coast take to walk?
Most walkers complete the 190-mile (306 km) route in 14 to 16 days, plus a rest day or two. It's usually split into 16 day-stages of 8 to 16 miles.
Which direction should I walk it?
Wainwright walked west to east — St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay — so the prevailing wind and sun are behind you. It remains the traditional and most popular direction.
When is the best time to go?
May to September gives the longest days and most settled weather. April and October are quieter, but wetter and colder on the high fells.
Is it really a National Trail now?
Yes. After more than 50 years as Britain's most famous unofficial long-distance walk, the Coast to Coast Path was officially designated a National Trail in 2026.
Do I need a guide?
No — the route is well-defined and the app gives you offline maps and GPS for every stage. Many walkers book a baggage-transfer service so they only carry a day pack.
Ready to walk sea to sea?
Start with the stage-by-stage guide, then take the app with you on the trail.