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Home , Ainthorpe, Coast to Coast Walk

WAINWRIGHT'S COAST Tour Code: 77920 TO COAST - WHOLE Grade 6/P

Holiday Duration: 18 days ROUTE HOLIDAY DATES 2nd Sept 2017 - 19th Sept 2017 From on the Cumbrian coast to Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea shore.

A hike across the , Dales and North Yorks Moors National Parks from St Bees on the Cumbrian coast to Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea shore.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

A challenging 194 mile walk across the great National Parks and wilderness of northern .

Great panoramic views throughout.

Your bags transported for you leaving you only to carry your day pack.

WAINWRIGHT'S COAST TO COAST - WHOLE ROUTE Looking out over Robin Hood’s Bay, you reflect on the sheer variety of stunning scenery you’ve explored on this iconic hike, and bask in the satisfaction of your achievement.

The 194 mile Coast to Coast walk from St Bees on the Cumbrian coast to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea shore attracts hikers looking for a long distance challenge with the added attraction of three National Parks and some of the country’s most inspiring scenery.

This holiday provides the chance to tackle the western section of the trail from St Bees to Kirkby Stephen in seven days walking, or the eastern section from Kirkby Stephen to Robin Hood’s Bay in eight walking days, or the whole route in walking sections of 9-16 miles a day. We’ll walk a total of 85 miles on the western section and 109 miles on the eastern section. We walk from inn-to-inn staying in B&Bs, guest houses and small hotels with your baggage being transported leaving you to carry only your day pack with what you need for the day.

The whole route starts with a spectacular clifftop walk before heading inland towards Ennerdale and the first of the lakes and the first mountain pass beyond. Before leaving the Lake District National Park you’ll have experienced some of the best high level hikes, lake shore walks and spectacular views England has to offer continuing across the moors, onto the Dales and to the picturesque finishing point at the North Sea Coast at Robin Hood’s Bay.

Most of the walks are at grade 6. However on some days they will feel more like grade 7 due to the longer distances covered.

Intended route (with approximate daily walking distances): Day 1 Overnight St Bees Day 2 St Bees - Ennerdale Bridge (15 miles) Day 3 Ennerdale Bridge - Seatoller (14 miles) Day 4 Seatoller - (10 miles) Day 5 Grasmere - (9 miles) Day 6 Patterdale - Burnbanks (11.5 miles) Day 7 Burnbanks - Orton (12.5 miles) Day 8 Orton - Kirkby Stephen (13 miles) Day 9 At Kirkby Stephen - a free day! Day 10 Kirkby Stephen - Keld (14.5 miles) Day 11 Keld - (11.5 miles) Day 12 Reeth - Richmond (11 miles) Day 13 Richmond - Danby Wiske (14.5 miles) Day 14 Danby Wiske - Huthwaite Green (15 miles) Day 15 Huthwaite Green - Blakey Ridge (15 miles) Day 16 Blakey Ridge - Grosmont (14 miles) Day 17 Grosmont - Robin Hood's Bay (16 miles) Day 18 Depart after breakfast

Wainwright's Coast to Coast walk is also available for independent walkers as a part of our Load Off Your Back self-guided holiday programme.

WHAT'S INCLUDED Accommodation in hotels and B&Bs throughout.

Breakfasts and dinners each day.

Any necessary transport between overnight accommodation and daily walks.

Baggage transport between your accommodations each day.

HOLIDAY GRADE Grade 6/P

This is a Grade 6 moderate holiday which includes full day walks with appreciable amounts of ascent and descent with walks in some remote areas. Paths are mostly good, but there may be some steep and rough ground. Walks will last up to 6 hours and could involve as much as 750m of ascent and descent and are likely to be at the upper level of ascent, descent, walking time and distance. See the Walks & Excursions section for more information. Pioneer holidays are more adventurous itineraries, typically well off the beaten track. Whilst exploring lesser-known destinations, local conditions, facilities and transport may be basic, events may require modifications to itineraries at short notice and there may be more travelling , possibly on poor roads - but the experience and stories to tell will be worth it all.

This is a Continuous Walk covering a long distance trail in manageable daily sections. HOLIDAY ITINERARY

Day Content Meals Location 1 Assemble at St Bees from 3pm and introduction to your D St Bees tour leader. Dinner and overnight. 2 St. Bees to Ennerdale Bridge. From the sea front at St. B,D St Bees Bees, having wet our boots and collected a pebble, we follow the coastal, cliff top path before heading inland across farm land and through villages before crossing our first Lakeland hill, the outlying Hill. We will continue to the village of Ennerdale Bridge. Distance 24Km/15 miles. Ascent 680m/2210ft. Max. Altitude 352m. Walking time 7-8hrs. 3 Ennerdale Bridge to Seatoller. The majority of today we B,D Ennerdale Bridge will spend walking the length of Ennerdale, known as the remotest valley in the Lake District. Initially we will follow a small path along the southern shore of the Water and then onward through Ennerdale Forest to Black Sail Youth Hostel. As we walk we are under the shadows of some of the highest mountains in England, and Pillar and we pass close to Hay Stacks. On climbing out of Ennerdale, we will make our way to Honister Hause and descend the old road to Seatoller in . Distance 23.5Km/14 miles. Ascent 720m/2340ft. Max altitude 579m. Walking time 7hrs. 4 Seatoller to Grasmere. Following a pleasant stream or B,D Seatoller two we will gradually ascend to Greenup Edge on the slopes of High Raise where we have a choice of two routes. Dependent on the weather, we can tackle the ridge walk to , or else take the more direct, lower route and descend alongside Easedale Gill as we make our way to the delightful Lakeland town of Grasmere. Distance 16Km/10 miles. Ascent 550m/1790ft. Max Altitude 616m. Walking time 5-6hrs. 5 Grasmere to Patterdale. We will walk on lanes and a B,D Grasmere bridleway to Great Tongue, and on the toss of a coin fork to the right or the left, the paths meet later and take us to Grisedale Tarn, which nestles under the shadow of . Crossing the outflow from the Tarn we can either follow the beck as it tumbles downwards or climb up to walk the ridge before descending into Patterdale. Distance 14.5Km/9miles. Ascent 680m/2210ft. Max. altitude 595m. Walking time 5-6hrs. 6 Patterdale to Burnbanks. On leaving Patterdale we will B,D Patterdale begin our ascent for the day, passing Angle Tarn, the slopes of and The Knott crossing the course of the Roman road and to the highest point on the walks; Rampsgill Head and (780m/2,559ft). We walk down the East ridge before a steep descent to reach Haweswater. A path, which improves as it goes, takes us the whole length of the lake, and we will then walk into the hamlet of Burnbanks, originally built to house those working on the dam. Distance 18.5Km/11.5miles. Ascent 870m/2827ft. Max. Altitude 792m. Walking time 6hrs. 7 Burnbanks to Orton. After the rigours of the Lakeland B,D Burnbanks today’s walk will seem more leisurely, as we follow paths and lanes to the ruins of Shap Abbey, through the now quiet town of Shap and then continue over and around gentler, limestone hills to the village of Orton. Distance20Km/12.5 miles. Ascent 327m/1063ft. Max. Altitude 354m. Walking time 6hrs. 8 Orton to Kirkby Stephen. With limestone scars above us B,D Orton to the north we complete our journey on lanes and paths over gritstone, and limestone moors, some heather clad, as we make our way past the Iron Age enclosed field systems of Severals Settlements, across Smardale , looking out for a wonderful Victorian rail viaduct,to the market town of Kirkby Stephen. Distance 21Km/13 miles. Ascent 315m/1024ft. Max. Altitude 344m. Walking time 6hrs. 9 We enjoy a well earned rest day and free at leisure to B,D Kirkby Stephen explore Kirkby Stephen. 10 Kirkby Stephen to Keld. Today’s section starts in the B,D Kirkby Stephen county of and continues into Yorkshire. We begin by crossing the Eden river at Franks Bridge and climbing up to the . This is a major watershed as, from now on, all rivers will be draining eastwards into the North Sea. This area is extremely boggy - if you have gaiters this would be an ideal occasion to wear them. There are three routes to follow, depending on the conditions, but all lead into , which we will follow for the next two days. Distance Depending on route: Red 19km/12 miles. Green 23km/14.5 miles. Ascent 459m / Descent 314m, Max. Altitude 575m. Walking time 6-7hrs. 11 Keld to Reeth. The wildlife is in abundance along today’s B,D Keld section, so we may encounter rabbits, pheasants, grouse and deer. We begin by crossing the and ascending to Crackpot Hall where we can either descend to follow the to Reeth, or climb up to traverse the moors and examine the mining history that has scarred the landscape. The high level route is the preferred option and we will climb above the narrow gorge of Swinner Gill, and as we continue further uphill we see the remains of Swinner Gill smelting mill with waterfalls alongside and look at the ‘hushes’ on the far valley. We continue across attractive countryside and pass Moss Dam and tackle a steep path up onto Melbecks Moors. From Cringley Bottom we are rewarded with fine views as the track rolls down to Reeth. Distance 18.5km/11.5 miles. Ascent 202m, Descent 313m, Max altitude 377m. Walking time 6hrs. 12 Reeth to Richmond. Our day starts with a pleasant walk B,D Reeth alongside the River Swale to Marrick Abbey, founded in the 12th Century. We then climb up above the river, to arrive in the village of Marske, where we will learn about the Hutton family. We will then walk beneath a limestone scar and pass through wooded areas including Whitecliffe Wood. After emerging from here we are treated with fine views of Richmond our destination for the night. Distance 17Km/11 miles. Ascent 287m, Descent 361m Max Altitude 314m. Walking time 6hrs. 13 Richmond to Danby Wiske. On leaving Richmond we start B,D Richmond to cross the Vale of Mowbray, a fertile agricultural plain which is only just above sea level. We will follow the River Swale for much of the morning, past the old Roman settlement at Catterick Bridge, but when the river swings away south, we will head off due east towards the which we will see in the distance. This is a pleasant day of field walking as we head to Danby Wiske, the lowest point on the walk apart from the start and finish! Distance 23Km/14.5 miles. Ascent 65m, Descent 162m Max. Altitude 137m. Walking time 7hrs. 14 Danby Wiske to Huthwaite Green. The day starts with us B,D Danby Wiske following an assortment of paths across fields as we get ever nearer to the Cleveland Hills. We finally reach the A19, which we have to sprint across as there is no bridge, and so on to Ingleby Cross at the foot of the Hills. We then enter the National Park as we climb steadily up through Arncliffe Wood to join the on the top of Beacon Hill. We will then enjoy wonderful views as we cross open moorland before descending gently though woods, on a short section of the path to arrive at Huthwaite Green. Distance 23.75Km/14.75 miles. Ascent 600m, Descent 450m Max. Altitude 299m. Walking time 7-8hrs. 15 Huthwaite Green to Blakey Ridge. Our morning walk B,D Huthwaite Green follows the Cleveland Way along the northern edge of the Cleveland Hills. Whilst it is a bit of a switchback walk as we traverse Carlton Moor, and the Wain Stones, the views north are spectacular and offer a first glimpse of the North Sea. Having crossed a B road at Claybank Top, our afternoon will see us climb steadily up onto . Once there, the going becomes much easier as we will follow a dismantled railway all the way to Blakley Ridge. Distance 24.5Km/15.2 miles. Ascent 1114m / Descent 825m Max. Altitude 447m. Walking time 8hrs. 16 Blakey Ridge to Grosmont. We begin by following the B,D Blakey Ridge road towards Young Ralph Cross and Fat Betty, one of the many boundary stones in this area. We continue eastwards and walk along the Southern side of the wonderfully named Great Fryup Dale until the end of Glaisdale Moor where we should catch another glimpse of the North Sea. We continue along a rough stony track following the spur of Glaisdale Rigg before descending to Glaisdale. A short walk through the delightful East Arncliffe Wood brings us to Egton Bridge, where there are some stepping stones over the River Esk. We then follow a private drive and old Toll road by the river into Grosmont. Here we can enjoy the steam trains at the station as we eat our cream tea. Distance 22Km/13.7miles. Ascent 57m, Descent 310m Max. Altitude 420m. Walking time 7hrs. 17 Grosmont to Robin Hood’s Bay. Our final day’s walk B,D Grosmont contains a bit of everything. We begin with a steady climb up onto some heather moorland before dropping down into the wooded May Beck valley to visit the Falling Foss waterfall. A last area of boggy moorland brings us to fields and then, finally, to the coast where we rejoin the Cleveland Way and follow it along the cliffs to Robin Hood’s Bay. Distance 25.5km/15.9 miles Ascent 508m, Descent 627m Max. Altitude 283m. Walking time 7-8hrs. 18 Day Eighteen: After breakfast we say our farewells and B Robin Hood's Bay depart Robin Hoods Bay. Key to Meals: B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner. In flight meals, if appropriate, will be advised in your final travel documents Walks & Excursions

Alfred Wainwright, the legendary walker, guide book writer and illustrator, devised a long distance footpath from north England’s Cumbrian coast to the North Sea. Despite not being an official National Trail, the Coast to Coast has become the most popular long distance footpath in England. This holiday provides the chance to tackle the Western section of the trail from St Bees to Kirkby Stephen in seven days’ walking (holiday code 77908), and the Eastern section from Kirkby Stephen to Robin Hood’s Bay in eight days’ walking (holiday code 77919), or the whole route with a rest day at Kirkby Stephen (holiday code 77920). We will be walking, on average, just over 13 miles a day throughout the holiday with the longest day being around 16 miles. The total distance we will walk if you choose to carry out the whole route is just over 194 miles, the Western section will be approximately 85 miles and the Eastern section will be approximately 109 miles in total.

Our luggage (one bag per person only) will be transferred for us to our accommodation each day so we are only required to carry a day sack on the walks. The programme of walks will be broken up into sections which we will plan to complete each day. The sections described in the itinerary section will give an indication of the nature of the walking terrain and the format of the holiday. However the routes may be subject to change and often at short notice. We may also end a walk at our accommodation as opposed to the town or village suggested.

Unlike most National Trails the Coast to Coast walk is not a definitive route, there are many places where alternatives exist, in fact Wainwright encouraged walkers to seek and try different ways. For this reason the figures for ascent and distance stated in the itinerary vary from one guide book to another and may not agree with those we have stated. Your leader will choose the best route to suit the conditions.

Each evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know.

Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.

Tour Leaders

Your tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't lose sight that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible.

On most holidays of 7 nights and over, the tour leader will have one day's break a week, enabling you to have a 'free' day too!

Accommodation & Meals Hotel Seacote, St Bees The Beach,St Bees,Cumbria,CA27 0ES, Phone: 01946 822 300 Web: www.seacote.com/Hotel/, E-Mail: [email protected]

Kings Arms, Keswick Main Street,Keswick,Cumbria,CA12 5BL,United Kingdom Phone: 017687 72083 Web: www.lakedistricthotels.net/kingsarms, E-Mail: [email protected]

Red Lion Hotel, Grasmere Red Lion Square,Grasmere,Cumbria,LA22 9SS,United Kingdom Phone: 015394 35456 Web: www.grasmereredlionhotel.co.uk, E-Mail: [email protected]

Shap Wells Hotel, Shap Shap,Penrith,Cumbria,CA10 3QU,United Kingdom Phone: 01931 716628 Web: www.shapwellshotel.com, E-Mail: [email protected] The Jolly Farmers, Kirkby Stephen 63 High Street,Kirkby Stephen,Cumbria,CA17 4SH,United Kingdom Phone: 01768 371063 Web: www.thejollyfarmers.co.uk, E-Mail: [email protected]

Buck Hotel, Reeth Reeth,Richmond,,DL11 6SW,United Kingdom Phone: 01748 884210 Web: www.buckhotel.co.uk, E-Mail: [email protected]

Kings Head Hotel, Richmond Market Place,Richmond,North Yorkshire,DL10 4HS,United Kingdom Phone: 01748 850220 Web: www.kingsheadrichmond.com, E-Mail: [email protected]

Golden Lion Hotel, Northallerton 114 High Street ,Northallerton,North Yorkshire,DL7 8PP,United Kingdom Phone: 01609 777411 Web: www.golden-lion-hotel.co.uk, E-Mail: [email protected]

The Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge Blakey Ridge,Kirkbymoorside,North Yorkshire,YO62 7LQ,United Kingdom Phone: 01751 417320 Web: ww.lionblakey.co.uk, E-Mail: [email protected]

The Fox & Hounds Inn, Ainthorpe 45 Brook Lane,Ainthorpe,North Yorkshire,YO21 2LD,United Kingdom Phone: 01287 660218 Web: www.foxandhounds-ainthorpe.com/, E-Mail: [email protected]

Victoria Hotel, Robin Hoods Bay Station Road,Robin Hood's Bay,,YO22 4RL,United Kingdom Phone: 01947 880205 Web: www.victoriarhb.com, E-Mail: [email protected]

We stay in various hotels during the holiday and some for more than one night. We hope to be accommodated right at the end of each day’s trail. However in some circumstances we may stay in neighbouring towns or villages. In this instance transport will be arranged from the trail head to the accommodation and return the following day. On some days we may spend more than one night at the same accommodation, and again we will arrange transport to and from the trail heads.

Meals are on a half board basis with breakfasts and dinners taken at the hotels. Lunches are not included on this holiday but can be purchased either from local shops or possibly from the hotels.

Electricity Electricity is supplied at 220-240v at 50Hz.

Travel Details To reach St Bees By car: From the south: continue on the M6 to Penrith, and then take the A66 to Cockermouth, then the A595 to Whitehaven. Follow local signs from here to St Bees. Or M6 to junction 36 (South Lakes turn off), then the A590, followed by the A595 towards Whitehaven, and then turn off at Egremont for St Bees.

From the East: Take the A66 to Penrith, then the A66 to Cockermouth and the A595 to Whitehaven. Follow local signs from there.

From the north and north east: head for Carlisle (A69 from Newcastle way, the A74(M) from Glasgow direction, or the A7 from the Scottish borders). Then take the A595 to Whitehaven. Follow local signs from there.

By rail: There is a train station at St Bees which is served by trains travelling both north and south. From the north there is a mainline train from Carlisle, then a Coast Line train to St Bees. Some Carlisle trains terminate at Whitehaven (approx 4 miles to the north). You would then need to get a taxi or bus to St Bees.

From the south trains travel via Barrow-in-Furness, with some through trains starting from Lancaster. Otherwise change at Lancaster or Preston for Barrow. There are direct trains from Manchester Airport and London to Carlisle and Barrow.

Taxi contacts: A2B Taxi Whitehaven 01946 599407

By coach: There is no direct bus or coach services to St Bees. National Express operates a service departing from many destinations in the UK as far as Whitehaven.

Parking facilities: If you wish to drive to St Bees we wish to make you aware that your vehicle will be left at your own risk and we cannot be held responsible for it. We therefore advise you to arrive at your destination using public transport. If you however decide to leave a vehicle in St Bees you may do so free of charge at the Seacote Hotel. If this is your intention and you need to get back to St Bees at the end of your holiday to collect your vehicle, there is a bus service from Robin Hood’s Bay to Richmond which operates each afternoon by Sherpa Van. The following morning you can continue your journey with Sherpa Van from Richmond to St Bees. Each journey will cost around £22. For more details please contact: www.sherpavan.com/company/svpbus.htm

Returning from Robin Hood’s Bay:

By car: To the South: the M1/M18 or A1 to A64 via Malton and Pickering. To the North: the A1/A19 to A171 or A170. To the West: the M62 to Hull then the A63 / A165 (coastal route) Or M62 towards Hull then A614 Howden, A163, B1249, A64 (country route).

By rail: There is no train station at Robin Hood’s Bay; the nearest station is Scarborough reachable by bus or taxi from Robin Hood’s Bay.

By coach or bus: Arriva operates a bus service to Scarborough and Middlesbrough which passes through Robin Hood’s Bay.

You can obtain more information on the transport options above as follows:

UK rail information - www.nationalrail.co.uk UK coach information - www.nationalexpress.co.uk Travel information - www.rome2rio.com

Meeting your tour leader and fellow walkers:

Please aim to arrive at the hotel in St Bees at or before 6.30pm. Your leader will be there to introduce themselves and inform you of the evening’s dinner arrangements. Your leader will brief you with an outline of the planned programme for your holiday and you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow walking companions.

Personal Details Check When confirming your booking, we provide you with a Personal Details Check form. This is to ensure that we have an accurate record of the information you have provided us such as your passport details, date of birth and any other important detail necessary for us to properly manage your holiday arrangements. When you receive this, please check the details, complete any missing or pertinent information and return it to us as soon as possible.

Passports and Visas Non UK or EU citizens may be subject to passport, identity card or visa requirements to enter the United Kingdom.

General Passport & Visa Advice It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country.

Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.

Health No compulsory immunisations are required for holidays in the UK although you should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended for life in Britain. Tetanus immunisation is recommended.

Further Travel Health Advice Health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP, or for further advice please visit:

• the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) travel health website at www.travelhealthpro.org.uk • the NHS 'Fit for travel' website at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk • the Foreign Office Office Travel Advice Website at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. • or a local travel health clinic.

Water-to-Go

An alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles.

We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH16 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays.

Currency You will need the following currencies:

British pound, also known as the pound sterling.

Personal Expenditure You will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, possible non-included entrance fees, any optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally as well as any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry when budgeting for your holiday.

Language English

Insurance Although not compulsory for British and EU citizens resident in the UK, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover you in the event of eventualities such as unexpected cancellation, accident or illness before your holiday or the loss of personal possessions.

Non British and EU citizens resident in the UK, must be adequately insured to join our holidays. You will be unable to participate in our local walking and other activity programmes without being able to demonstrate that you have valid travel insurance.

EHIC Cards Please take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you; it will help you in the event of you needing medical assistance during your holiday. Please note the the EHIC has an expiry date, so please check that your card is valid for the duration of your holiday. Please note however the an EHIC should not be considered a substitute for medical or travel insurance. For more information please visit www.ehic.org.uk.

Footwear Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded rubber sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.

We recommend that you either wear your walking boots or shoes or pack them and some waterproofs in your hand luggage as in the unlikely event that your hold luggage is delayed, you will still be able to participate in the holiday programme. Kit List Outdoor activities are always more enjoyable if you are prepared. The following list is a basic guideline that will enhance your experience. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

A basic kit list is likely to include:

- Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers - Walking trousers - Several polo shirts, T-shirts or specialist walking shirts - Fleece jacket - Comfortable walking socks - Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate) - Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and high SPF sun block - Swimwear (if appropriate) - Day sack (30 litre capacity) to comfortably carry the kit you'll take out on the walk - Strong polythene bags to keep the contents of your daypack dry - Water bottle(s) - at least 1 litre capacity - Basic first aid kit (plasters, blister treatment, antiseptic etc) - Insect repellent - Waterproof bag or container and knife for your lunch - Walking/trekking poles (optional)

Documents and Information to take with you:

- Your passport (make sure it's valid and it's yours) - Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary - Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required) - Holiday money - Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost) - Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked) - Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked) - Your holiday Booking Confirmation document - Your travel insurance details - Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence) - Photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport - A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant - Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

Travelling Light You should be able to lift and carry and handle your own luggage. At some hotels, the coach may have to stop some distance short of the hotel entrance. Also, within some of the hotels themselves, there may be some long walks between the rooms and entrance area which could include some steps.

National Trust & English Heritage: If you’re a member of either of these organisations don’t forget to bring your membership cards as you may wish to visit sites along the way.

Small Groups Coming from all walks of life your fellow travelling companions will share your desire to discover great things and have a wonderful holiday. Enjoy their infectiuous enthusiasm, cameraderie and great dinner conversation.

These small-group guided holidays usually have a group size of 10 - 18 people.

Our maximum group size for guided walks between grade 5 and grade 8 is 18 persons.

Personal Safety Please be aware of what's going on around you, take sensible precautions with your credit cards and passport and avoid displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used.

Cultural Awareness Responsible Travel We're committed to ethical tourism in all our destinations. Our holidays are designed for you to discover the essence of the country you are visiting. Travelling in small groups not only gives you an up close and personal experience of your destination, but minimises your impact on the immediate environment. We feel that the most important starting point to protect the environment is to be out in it. For more details visit our website.

Heart & Sole We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to peoples' lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.

Communication Mobile Phones Please do provide us with a mobile phone contact number. We will only use this to contact you with important information relating to your holiday arrangements.

Please do keep your mobile phones switched on and readily available when travelling to the airport or if delayed in transit so that we can contact you with any last minute information relating to your travel arrangements.

Please also note that data charges when ‘roaming’ may be punitive, particularly if streaming video. You might like to switch off your data services when travelling.

As a matter of courtesy, please switch off your mobile phone during walks, or endeavour to minimise its use. Please also try to minimise the use of mobile devices during group meals.

Added Benefits The Walking Partnership The Walking Partnership, launched in 2011, provides direct financial support to local walking groups and clubs. Every time you or one of your fellow walking group members travel with us we'll make a contributuion to support your club. More details at www.thewalkingpartnership.org.uk.

Optional Excursions A range of local excursions and activities may be available to book in your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions.

Local Transport Costs For 2017, all local transport costs to complete the advertised itinerary and programme are included.

Rewards Scheme To reward the loyalty of those travelling repeatedly with us. we have our 'Rambling Rewards' Loyalty Scheme. Every time you book with us you'll get 2 points for every £1 you spend on your holiday price. Once you've travelled on the holiday, you can redeem these points (alongside any other points you have accumulated) on any future booking. For every 100 points collected, you will get a £1 discount on a future booking.

So if you spend £1000 on a holiday with us, you would earn 2000 points on that booking - equivalent to £20 discount on a future holiday.

Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust Unlike many tour operators, the profits from our holidays not required for the running of the business are channeled into the Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust and other charitable projects. The RHCT supports 'The Ramblers' and smaller outdoor experience UK charities. By travelling with us you not only get a fantastic holiday but you help to give back to the destinations we visit too.

Great Value Holidays All of our holidays are great value. We believe in offering a fair holiday for a fair price from the word go and as we aim to work with smaller hotels and local businesses, every holiday you take supports the local communities in the destinations we visit and good causes at home and abroad.

Best Price Guarantee Whenever you book, you can be assured that your holiday will not be advertised in the future at a lower price without the reduction being passed on to those with existing bookings. So whenever you book, you can be sure that you won't lose out.

Maps, Guidebooks & Advice Maps and guidebooks relating to your holiday may be obtained before departure from: The Map Shop (www.themapshop.co.uk) Our intended walks are covered by the following maps: Harvey’s Coast to Coast western and eastern sections separately 1:40,000 AZ Adventure Coast to Coast Walk – 1:25,000 maps of the whole route in a very neat little book Memory Maps electronic version Coast to Coast 1:25,000 OS Explorer 1:25,000 maps: 303, OL4, OL7, OL5, OL19, OL30, 304, 302, OL26 and OL27 Coast to Coast Path: St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay by Henry Stedman (1 Apr 2012) Publisher – Trailblazer Guide Coast to Coast Walk (A Coast to Coast Walk) by Martin Wainwright (1 Jun 2012)

Weather Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination: Weather2 www.myweather2.com BBC Weather www.bbc.co.uk/weather

General Holiday Safety Know Before You Go and Keep Safe on Holiday We hope that you will not only have a fantastic holiday with us but also one which is as safe as possible. In the UK, we are fortunate that health and safety requirements are, in general, quite strictly enforced, however please take a few minutes to read these notes.

Transport Safety The captain of an aircraft has the legal authority to refuse boarding to any passenger they consider to be unfit to travel, whose behaviour or condition is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or whom they consider a threat to security. They can also refuse boarding to anyone whose presentation or dress may cause offence to other passengers. Any passenger, who is removed or refused permission to board an aircraft or ship, must make their own onward travel arrangements at their own expense. If this happens we will treat your holiday as cancelled and you will be liable for the full cancellation charges.

Deep Vein Thrombosis: deep vein thrombosis can be caused by long periods of immobility for example during flights. If travelling by air to or from your holiday destination, you can reduce the risk of ‘DVT’ by exercising during the flight and limiting your consumption of dehydrating drinks, such as alcohol and coffee. You can also purchase flight socks which aid circulation. These can be bought at most chemists. More general information can be found at www.nhs.co.uk and by typing ‘DVT’ into the search bar or by consulting your doctor.

Road Safety: You may find that you are travelling on poor roads and/or in coaches or buses that do not have seatbelts. If your vehicle has seatbelts, we recommend that you use them. If the vehicle does not have seatbelts, where possible try to avoid sitting in the front seats, in the middle seat of the back row or on any seats immediately behind a central exit if there is no barrier in front of the seat. Make sure that your luggage is stowed safely and is not blocking the aisles.

Accommodation Safety We endeavour to ensure that our hotels meet reasonable health and safety standards and provide accommodation that is as safe as reasonably possible. We work with our hoteliers and other suppliers to raise standards and resolve any issues of concern.

Your leader will indicate the fire exits at your accommodation. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you may need to use them in the unlikely event of an emergency. It is always worthwhile making sure that you know how to find your way out of your hotel shortly after arriving at your room; it’s better to identify your escape route at leisure than in a possible emergency.

Lift Safety: do not use lifts in the event of a fire. Do not smoke in lifts. Some hotels use lifts without internal closing doors – this gives the effect of the wall moving. If this is the case in your accommodation, please keep away from this part of the lift whilst it is in motion.

Balcony Safety: please do not sit or stand on balcony walls or railings and exercise special care when using balconies if you have been drinking alcohol.

Electrical Safety: Some hotel rooms are fitted with low voltage circuits and this means that you cannot use electrical items that draw heavy current such as travel kettles, hairdryers etc. Turn off and unplug all electrical items at night and when you leave the room. Please be careful not to leave wet towels or clothes drying on electrical heaters – this can cause a fire.

Food and Drink Safety: Some people can suffer from short – term stomach upsets caused by a different diet, a change in the temperature or too much alcohol! If you want to be extra careful, we advise that you drink bottled water rather than tap water, and avoid ice in drinks. Gastric illnesses spread quickly in hotels. Please think more about hygiene and wash your hands regularly to prevent spreading. Take alcohol hand gel as a precaution.

Swimming Pool Safety: many people enjoy using swimming pools whilst on holiday and if you follow a few simple rules, you can help reduce the risk of an accident: • Don’t use the swimming pool if you have been drinking alcohol, taken drugs, if you have just eaten or if you are feeling unwell. • Some medication can make you drowsy or disorientated and, if this applies to you, don’t swim. • Follow ‘Pool Rules’ and observe ‘No Diving’ warnings where applicable. Never dive into water less than 1.5m deep. If you are unsure, check. Be aware that pool depths can vary from one end to another. • Not all areas surrounding pools are non slip, always tread carefully and don’t run. • Shower before entering the water and don’t use the pool if you have any cuts or open wounds. • Stay away from pool filters and drains. Hair, fingers, feet etc can be sucked in and cause injury. Keep long hair tied back or wear a swimming cap. • Many swimming pools do not have a lifeguard on duty. Please be vigilant especially if swimming alone.

General Safety: be Safe in the Sun: Help prevent sunburn by using a good sun cream and lip salve, wear a hat to protect your head and the back of your neck, keep hydrated by drinking regularly and remember that alcohol is very dehydrating.

Insects: travellers (especially those taking part on some walking holidays) should be familiar with the ways in which they can help themselves prevent being bitten by a tick. Diseases such as tick – borne encephalitis and Lyme Disease can occur if the tick is infected when it bites. Covering up and use of insect repellent especially when walking in grassy areas can help. Further information can be found at www.fitfortravel.com.

First Aid Kit: it is advisable to take a small first-aid kit with you including a remedy for stomach upsets.

Beach Safety: beaches and the opportunity to swim in the sea are a real attraction for many holidaymakers. Don’t take risks – keep safe! • Watch where the locals swim! • Don’t swim alone – let others know where you will be and when you expect to be back. • Don’t drink alcohol and swim. Be careful if you have taken medication. Observe warning flags and notices. • Check tide times and whether the area is subject to strong currents or rip tides. Don’t get cut off by an incoming tide. • Beach footwear may provide some level of protection against sea urchins.

Clothing & Footwear A walking or sightseeing holiday can be ruined by not taking appropriate clothing or footwear. Check out the likely temperatures and altitudes for the places you will be visiting and remember that even if it is very hot when you start your walk, the temperature can drop dramatically at higher altitudes.

Wearing the correct footwear is a vital part of an enjoyable walking or sightseeing holiday. It can be your best insurance for a full and enjoyable holiday. The footwear section will help you decide on the right footwear for your holiday. Please also read the descriptions for the holiday level or grade and footwear advice in our brochure and on our website.

Please ensure that you bring proper outdoor clothing and footwear appropriate to the nature of the holiday. A leader may refuse to take you on a walk if they feel that your clothing, footwear, ability or experience is unsuitable.

Feedback We welcome all comments about our holidays and value ideas for the future. If you have provided us with an email address we will invite you to complete an online questionnaire or to add feedback to our page on independent review site 'Feefo'.

Important Information Please note that this Holiday Information sheet may be periodically updated and reissued.

In most cases the revisions will be minor and the overall nature of the holiday will remain unchanged. Should we make a major change to your holiday arrangements between you booking your holiday and your date of travel we will notify you to specifically draw your attention to any significant change.

You may wish to review the latest version of this Holiday Information Sheet online prior to travel.

Contact Us Ramblers Walking Holidays Tel: UK +44 (0)1707 331133 Email: [email protected] www.ramblersholidays.co.uk

Our office is open and our Sales & Reservations team available to speak to you from:

09:00 to 18:00 (9am to 6pm) Monday to Friday 09:15 to 12:00 (9.15am to Midday) on Saturdays 09.15 to 15.00 (9.15am 3pm) on Saturdays in January & February only

Please quote your Booking Reference number and Tour Code whenever contacting us.

We wish you an enjoyable holiday!