Northbrook House Science Park Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 4GA www.activeenglandtours.com [email protected] +44 (0)1865 513007

Walk Coast to Coast – 14 to 18 Day Self-Guided , North Moors, The Pennines, , The

Duration 14-18 days / 14-18 nights

Start St Bees Railway Station (arriving by train) or (arriving by car)

Finish Newcastle or Tynemouth

Return to Nature and the English Countryside on a 14-18 day, tour tracing the full length of the ’s original and most famous Coast to Coast Route, as devised by . 190 miles of magical walking from the western edges of the Lake District, through to the Yorkshire Dales and finally over the Moors to the finish at Robin Hood’s Bay, leading you from one breath-taking view to the next, immersing you in the England’s iconic history and heritage and championing England in all its glory.

We will help you draw up the itinerary that is right for you. The Coast to Coast is a special walk and the enjoyment of it can be further enhanced by careful planning to fit your own unique requirements, aims, fitness, experience, and any time constraints. Although some people have done it in less than 12 days this is only advisable for the super-fit and if you are prepared to compromise on not being able to fully explore and ponder. After all, the views and photo opportunities are timeless!

14 days is the most common trip duration. If you wish to keep daily mileages shorter or include a rest day or two – with , Kirkby Stephen and Richmond the main places – then you may wish to consider taking between 15-17 days. There are also those you like to comfortably ease along, have a couple of rest days and explore places you pass through, and so take up to 19 days.

Northbrook House Oxford Science Park Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 4GA www.activeenglandtours.com [email protected] +44 (0)1865 513007

Itinerary

Arrival and stay at St. Bees or Kirkby Stephen. If travelling in by air or train then it is better to go direct to St Bees. If driving, then best to use the complementary secure car-parking in Kirkby Stephen, stay the night, and then take our transferred to St Bees at 8am on Day 1 ready to walk to .

Day 1: St. Bees to Ennerdale Bridge. Following the tradition of the C2C, collect a stone from the beach in St. Bees, which you take with you throughout your entire journey and carry over to Robin Hood Bay to drop in the North Sea. The trip starts with a walk along the sea front, then turns towards the village of Sandwith. Waving goodbye to the you’ll head inland passing the villages of Moor Row and . Your first day’s walk is a nice gentle start to your trip, with a few ups and downs before your first hill Dent Fell on the fringe of the Lake District, offering uninterrupted stunning views of the Cumbrian coast, before you arrive into the small village of Ennerdale Bridge and your accommodation for the night.

OPTIONS: 23 km Elevation 705m

Day 2: Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite. You're now inside the Lake District National Park! The day starts by walking along with cracking views of the approaching fells. This is one of the two sections where you have a couple of options – go high up to and over onto the iconic Haystacks and past Innominate Tarn - this was Wainwright’s favourite summit and where his ashes were scattered, or the gentler walk up to Black Youth Hostel and then up Loft Beck. Both options come together before Honister Slate mine, the last working slate mine in England, and descend into the pretty village of Rosthwaite, ringed with mountains, and where you finish your day’s walk.

OPTIONS: 23 km Elevation 530m

Day 3: Rosthwaite to Grasmere. Today’s walk is a little shorter, but with a great ascent sure to challenge your legs up to the day's only peak, Greenup Edge, for some iconic views over the Lake District and down along Eagle Crag. Grasmere, where today’s walk ends, is one of the larger towns you’ll visit on the Coast to Coast. Home to William Wordsworth and with a bustling high street, great dinner options in town a Wordsworth Museum and the chance to look around his Dove Cottage.

Northbrook House Oxford Science Park Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 4GA www.activeenglandtours.com [email protected] +44 (0)1865 513007 With plenty to explore and a vibrant village life, Grasmere is a good place for an extra night’s stay, for those wishing to break up there walking journey.

OPTIONS: 15 km Elevation 600m

Day 4: Grasmere to Patterdale. Today’s walk also gives you two choices of route. Climbing up to Grisedale Hause you’ll get some great views backwards towards Grasmere. From there, you can go even higher and up the famous Helvellyn peak, the third-highest point in England, and the steady hike up onto St Sunday Crag. Or head on straight, into the landscape that opens in front of you as far as , England’s second largest lake, before descending down Grisedale Pike from both routes and into the cute village of Patterdale where you stay overnight.

OPTIONS: 14 km Elevation 500m (lower route)

Day 5: Patterdale to Bampton. Today begins with another climb to some very impressive views all round, including across to Fairfield, Helvellyn, Hartsop and Kirkstone Pass. You’ll walk alongside the famous Angle Tarn lake, believed by many to be the most beautiful of the over 100 lakes in the District, with the possibility of seeing red deer and even a peregrine falcon here. Journeying on you’ll cross an old Roman Path and reach - the highest point on the Coast to Coast! The views from here down to Haweswater and Riggindale are incredible. Riggingdale is famous as being home to England’s only golden eagle - look out for him dancing through the skies. From here the route descends down to – formed in the 1930’s to provide water to the cities of the North West – and forms an undulating walk into the sweet village of Bampton.

OPTIONS: 19 km Elevation 990m

Day 6: Bampton to Orton. With less climbing than the previous two days, today you can stretch your legs through the fields to your first stop at Abbey, the ruins of a monastery founded in the late 12th century in the secluded and beautiful valley of the river Lowther. Abandoned by the monks under Henry 8th in 1540, it has since held the memory of a bygone era. After passing through the small town of Shap the route crosses into the Westmorland Fells, part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. These hills follow a limestone ridge that encompasses some of the most beautiful landscape in , marking the end of the dramatic granite rocks which transforms into a stunningly open limestone landscape. Your day ends in the village of Orton, where you stay for the evening.

Northbrook House Oxford Science Park Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 4GA www.activeenglandtours.com [email protected] +44 (0)1865 513007 OPTIONS: 21 km Elevation 150m

Day 7: Orton to Kirkby Stephen. Today's walking leads you through an open landscape with only a few villages, remote houses and farms. Wide open views towards the distant Pennines (tomorrow’s challenge) and the distinctive Howgills. Smardale Bridge stands out as a stunning piece of Victorian architecture, building on a long-gone railway and crossing the dramatic Scandal Beck valley. From here it’s on and into Kirkby Stephen in the heart of the lovely Eden Valley, a lively small town with welcoming pubs, cafes, and restaurants so you can rest your feet and enjoy the atmosphere.

It is its welcoming place with a variety of dining and entertainment options, as well as short circular walks which makes Kirby Stephen a great place for an extra night’s stay, for those wishing to break up there walking journey with a rest day.

OPTIONS: 20 km Elevation 385m

Day 8: Kirkby Stephen to Keld. Today, the landscape returns to its hilly norm, climbing up to the Nine Standards - a very distinctive feature on the fell, over the crossing from Cumbria into Yorkshire and also the watershed between the Irish Sea and the North Sea. You leave Kirkby Stephen via the picture postcard village of Hartley with three route options over the fell to Keld depending on the season. Green (December – April), red (May – July) and blue (August – November). They all pass Ravenseat Farm, where the famous author and Dales personality – Amanda Owens, aka the Shepherdess – lives and runs a unique cafe. Finishing the day in the peaceful former lead-mining village of Keld makes for a great day out walking through varied terrain and landscape.

OPTIONS: 19 km Elevation 515m

Day 9: Keld to . Today you have the choice between a route over the mountain or a route along the valley. The former goes across an almost moonscape-like grouse moor, passing ruins from the lead-mining era, and the latter winds through the iconic Swaledale valley of quaint stone barns and dry stone walls. Whichever you choose, you’ll be in for a treat and will arrive at Reeth, another picture postcard village in the Dales with welcoming pubs and a friendly atmosphere to relax in in the evening.

OPTIONS: 19 km Elevation 545m

Day 10: Reeth to Richmond. Walking out across meadows and villages there are a number of sights to look out for along the way including Marrick Priory, a beautiful Bennedictine nunnery formed in

Northbrook House Oxford Science Park Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 4GA www.activeenglandtours.com [email protected] +44 (0)1865 513007 the 12th century and abandoned during the 16th-century religious wars and dissolution of the Monasteries, later being used as a priory. Your day ends in the largest town on the Coast to Coast - Richmond. Complete with a Norman Castle which stands in a commanding position above the River Swale, there is plenty to see and do with great choices of places to eat and drink.

Richmond is another place where we recommend a rest day to explore the bustling town life, restaurants, castle and more. If you are looking to break up your walking journey, this is a great place to rest your legs for a day.

OPTIONS: 19 km Elevation 335m

Day 11: Richmond to Ingleby Cross. Today's walking is flat and easy-going, though longer than previous days, as you cross the Vale of Mowbray, famous for its pork pies – so make sure to pick some up along the way! In Bolton-on-Swale you can visit St. Mary's Church dating back to 14th century. For any bird watchers, this area is a great breeding ground for wintering wildfowl with a few large lakes being home to Oystercatchers, warblers, wagtails and sand martins as well as, in autumn, Green crested grebes.

OPTIONS: 37 km Elevation 170m

Day 12: Ingleby Cross to Clay Bank Top. Today takes you into the third and last national park on your hike – The . Initially passing through woodland, you’ll climb up to some superb views both back to Richmond and ahead towards the North Sea. The route is very undulating as it crosses the distinctive heather-clad landscape and past distinctive crags like the Wain Stones.

OPTIONS: 19 km Elevation 775m

Day 13: Clay Bank Top to Egton Bridge or Grosmont. Though it feels like being on the high mountain, the North York Moors is only 400-500 meters above sea level. You’ll walk across the plateau in the morning, with a great lunch spot midway at The Lion Inn pub – distinct as the only building for miles around and the third highest pub in England! Originally a 16th-century hunting lodge, you’ll notice its weathered and very thick stone walls as you enjoy its roaring fire, great selection of ales and food. From here the route is mainly flat and downhill besides Great Fryup Dale and heading into Glaisdale before a short up and down into Egton Bridge or nearby Grosmont (with its steam railway).

OPTIONS: 32-35 km

Northbrook House Oxford Science Park Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 4GA www.activeenglandtours.com [email protected] +44 (0)1865 513007 Elevation 330-350m

Day 14: Egton Bridge or Grosmont to Robin Hood Bay. After an initial steep climb up from Grosmont up onto the moor, you’ll descend into beautiful Littlebeck – but not before catching glimpse of the sea and the stunning Abbey. Wandering through Falling Foss woods which are almost medieval in nature, look out for a number of follies before walking over the last sections of the Moors with the call of the ocean beckoning. Your final walk takes you through from High Hawsker and along the top of the Jurassic cliffs for some stunning coastal scenery - you may even catch sight of a dolphin! Your walk finishes with a descent through Robin Hood’s Bay and its beautiful old fishing village to the coast. Through your stone into the North Sea to complete your epic crossing of England!

OPTIONS: 25-28 km Elevation 480-500m

The Details Duration 14-18 Days / 14-18 nights Start St Bees Railway Station (arriving by train) or Kirkby Stephen (arriving by car) Finish Whitby Railway Station (leaving by train) or Kirkby Stephen (to pick up car)

Level of Activity

This tour is rated 4/5 for difficulty meaning it’s appropriate for guests going for a good hike and can handle a good few inclines and happy to be walking for the majority of the day. The terrain you cover is varied. You’ll enjoy some rolling hills and mountains, with wonderful downhills and a number of steeper climbs which will be more demanding. Rewarding views are guaranteed! Daily distances are 15-40 km.

WHAT’S INCLUDED WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• All accommodation on a twin / double • Daytime Food & Drink and Dinners occupancy basis (accommodation for • Privately Arranged Transportation extra nights is additional to the standard (e.g. Evening Taxis) 14 day tour price) • Any Private Expenses • All breakfasts • Travel insurance, highly • Walking Poles recommended for an active holiday • Maps, GPS and navigation assistance • Emergency support • Luggage Transfers

Northbrook House Oxford Science Park Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 4GA www.activeenglandtours.com [email protected] +44 (0)1865 513007

• Lunch and dinner recommendations • Transfers to and from the start of the tour from stated pick up and drop off points (see below)

Travel Advice to the Start and End of the Tour

St Bees - start of the walk, arrival by train or air.

- If you are travelling from overseas you might find travelling by rail directly out to St Bees and back from Robin Hood’s Bay your easiest option. In this case your first night will be at St Bees rather than Kirkby Stephen. Manchester is the nearest international airport and there are rail stations at and St Bees on the west coast. Approximate rail journey time from Manchester to St Bees is between 4 – 4.5hrs depending on connections. It is always best to buy your rail ticket in advance – see www.nationalrail.co.uk or traveline.info

Kirkby Stephen - car drop off and retrieval

- If you are travelling by car, your easiest option is to drive up to Kirkby Stephen, centrally situated just off J38 of the M6. Here you can spend your first night before parking your car in our secure pound in the morning and taking the Packhorse Minibus out to St Bees to start your Coast to Coast journey. If you live close to Kirkby Stephen and can get to us by 8.00am – you could drive directly to us, leave your car and catch the minibus departing by 8.15am prompt. You can also travel to Kirkby Stephen by train – it is on the famous Settle- railway line.

Robin Hood’s Bay - finish of the walk

- If you want to come straight back to Kirkby Stephen when you finish your trip, bear in mind that the Packhorse bus departs at 4pm latest from Robin Hood’s Bay. You will need to decide whether you want another night at Kirkby Stephen before setting off home, or whether you want to jump straight into the car and head off at 6.15pm when the minibus gets back. If you are travelling from overseas, Manchester is the nearest major international airport. Travel there by bus or taxi to Scarborough station (we can arrange the taxi on your behalf) and then by train. Total journey time is approximately 3.5 – 4hrs. If your onward travel is heading north then you may find train from Whitby station to be the best option. This is approx. 20min by bus or taxi from Robin Hood’s Bay. See www.nationalrail.co.uk or traveline.info

For more information please call +44 1865 513007 or contact [email protected]

Northbrook House Oxford Science Park Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 4GA www.activeenglandtours.com [email protected] +44 (0)1865 513007