Guidance

Coast to Coast Path: National Trail

Published 24 June 2026

Applies to England

The Coast to Coast Path is a 190-mile (306km) National Trail through landscapes in northern England. It’s based on the walk made famous by author and fell walker Alfred Wainwright. The trail includes areas of coast, mountain and moorland.

The trail goes through 3 National Parks (the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors) and the edge of the North Pennines National Landscape.

Cyclists and horse riders can follow a trial riders route of the Coast to Coast Path between Orton and Richmond.

About the trail

The trail goes between:

• St Bees, Cumbria
• Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire

You can choose to walk the entire trail, a specific section or two, or find local circular walks that follow some of the trail.

When to visit

The trail is open all year.

Some of the high-level sections may be difficult in winter or bad weather. You can choose low-level options to avoid some of these sections.

Signposts on the trail

All National Trails are marked with an acorn symbol or the trail name. You’ll see these along the trail, for example on gates and signposts.

You’ll also see ‘AW’ on some of the wooden footpath signs, in recognition of Alfred Wainwright.

In the Lake District National Park, waymarking usually stops above the fell wall so it does not impact on the landscape.

Walking the whole trail

• Length: 190 miles (306km)
• Time to complete: around 13 days with a rest day

You can walk the trail in either direction. Signposts show the route in both directions so you can choose.

Most people walk from west to east, so you’ll have the prevailing wind behind you.

Accessibility on the trail

Overall, this is a demanding trail. Several sections of this trail are hilly, steep and remote. The western section is the most demanding. There are some low level options and easier sections across flat agricultural land.

In Ennerdale Valley, there are over 11.5 miles (19km) of Coast to Coast Path and loop routes that are open to horse-riders, cyclists and people with all-terrain wheelchairs.

Accessibility on the trail has been improved, for example:  

• overall 38 stiles have been replaced with gates  
• over 9km of trail has been resurfaced or flag stones have been installed - to improve accessibility and protect the peat on the higher ground 
• the visibility and clarity of the signage has been improved – a project working with Leonard Cheshire  

You can find more information about:  

• accessible routes (known as ‘miles without stiles’ in the Lake District National Park  
• access for all in the Yorkshire Dales National Park – including miles without stiles and Tramper hire (all-terrain scooters)  
• access for all in the North York Moors National Park – including miles without stiles, accessible experiences and viewpoints, Tramper hire (all-terrain scooters) and accessible beaches

What you can experience on the trail

There are many things you can experience on the Coast to Coast Path, including:

• wildlife – such as red squirrels in Ennerdale, curlew, lapwing and skylark in the pastures of the Yorkshire dales and seals near Ravenscar and Robin Hood’s Bay
• historic and heritage sites – such as iron age hillforts, Richmond’s medieval castle and Nine Standards Rigg
• nature reserves – such as St Bees Head and Little Beck
• local culture, food and entertainment

On the trail you can also visit cities, towns and small villages, including:

• Grasmere
• Kirkby Stephen
• Richmond
• Glaisdale

Sections of the trail

St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge

The trail begins on the cliffs of St Bees Head before turning inland through farmland and quiet villages. It follows the King Charles III England Coast Path for about 4 miles, until Birkhams Quarry.

Gentle ascents lead toward the Lake District fells. This section of the trail finishes in the village of Ennerdale Bridge beside the River Ehen.

Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite

This section follows the length of Ennerdale Water, framed by steep, rugged slopes on both sides. A remote forest track and valley path lead toward the Black Sail Pass. The descent into Borrowdale brings a softer landscape of stone walls, green meadows, and the village of Rosthwaite.

There’s an optional route on this section that’s more accessible. It follows the northern Ennerdale Water on the bridleway and then joins a forestry track at Bowness car park, until it rejoins the main route at the head of the lake.

Rosthwaite to Patterdale

This section has a steep climb over Greenup Edge, with views of the surrounding fells. The trail crosses high ground before descending into the Grasmere valley. A final climb over Grisedale Tarn leads to a long, scenic descent into Patterdale.

Patterdale to Shap

This is one of the most challenging sections of the trail, beginning with a tough ascent to Angle Tarn and then up toward Kidsty Pike. The trail has a long descent to Haweswater and a quiet moorland stretch which goes into Shap.

Shap to Kirkby Stephen

Leaving the Lake District behind, the landscape shifts to open limestone country and wide, breezy moors. There are ancient stone circles and dry‑stone walls on this section of the trail, which ends in the market town of Kirkby Stephen.

Kirkby Stephen to Keld

The trail has a steady climb up to Nine Standards Rigg, which has expansive views and feels wilder. This section of the trail ends in Keld, a quiet hamlet at the head of Swaledale.

Keld to Reeth

On this section you can choose between 2 routes:

• a high moorland route past old lead‑mining remains
• a low level gentler riverside path through Swaledale

Both options have views of the valley’s stone barns, flower meadows, and winding river. This section of the trail ends in Reeth village.

Reeth to Richmond

This section is a pleasant, lower‑level walk that follows the River Swale through woodland, fields and small villages. The terrain is gentle, making it one of the easier sections. It ends in Richmond, with its castle and busy market square.

Richmond to Ingleby Cross

This long, flatter stage crosses wide agricultural plains and quiet lanes. The scenery is a peaceful contrast to the hillier sections. Ingleby Cross sits at the foot of the Cleveland Hills, marking the next big change in terrain.

The official route does not cross the A19 near Ingleby Arncliffe but follows a diversion north, to use the bridge near East Rounton then south back to Ingleby Arncliffe.

Ingleby Cross to Clay Bank Top

This is a demanding section of the trail. A steep climb onto the Cleveland Hills leads to a ridge walk along the North York Moors. The trail goes up and down several distinct peaks. This section of the trail ends at Clay Bank Top.

Clay Bank Top to Glaisdale

The trail continues across heather‑clad moorland, with long, open stretches. It follows old railway tracks and moorland paths steadily eastward, and then descends into Glaisdale.

Parts of this section follow a bridleway on the Cleveland Way National Trail, along Carr Ridge before crossing Urra Moor and to Bloworth Crossing.

Glaisdale to Robin Hood’s Bay

The final section of the trail is a gentle riverside walk to the village of Grosmont, before a steep climb onto the final stretch of moorland. The trail eventually drops toward the coast, where the North Sea comes into view.

The trail ends by descending into Robin Hood’s Bay, through the village and to the foreshore which marks the end of the trail.

Maps for the trail

You can find:  

• a map on the National Trails website - you can also download GPX data
• other maps and guidebooks online and in print
• circular and linear walks online and from your local council

Diversions or closures on the trail

If there are any diversions or closures of sections of the trail, these will be clearly signposted. You should always follow the signposts on the trail.

Prepare for your visit

Read guidance on how to prepare for your visit for information on: 

• checking the route – including for diversions or closures 
• planning your trip 
• what to prepare before you set off 
• what to do on the trail

Contact

Use the relevant National Trails online form to:

• report a problem
• ask a question about accessibility on the trail
• find out about volunteering opportunities

Contact the local council to report a problem on a public right of way, for example obstructions, poor maintenance or a misleading sign.