| The Coast to Coast was our first backpacking expedition and was an exciting new experience. Having since completed several other long distance walks, this still remains the most memorable and best enjoyed of them all. |
| We decided on a West to East passage as this seems to be the traditional way to do it, and most guide books are written in this direction. |
| The route follows as near as possible the original devised by Alfred Wainwright from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hoods Bay in East Yorkshire. The mileage is approximately 190, however, as there are several alternative routes, this is quite variable. |
|
As we decided to do this the hard way, we camped every night, and managed to find a decent site at most places except
for at Grasmere (no real campsite- just permissable camping at a farm-running water and toilet only)
and Clay Bank Top (the site is poor with limited facilities ie a toilet and a cold water tap- its also on a hill,
so no flat ground!)
There are however many Bed and Breakfast facilities along the way, but of course this type of accomodation is a bit restrictive as its usually
necessary to book in advance, whereas with camping, you can just turn up. |
| Our route: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| St Bees to Ennerdale -- 14.25 miles | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| >>>>>> | ~Ennerdale to Rosthwaite -- 14.5 miles
| Rosthwaite to Grasmere -- approx 9 miles
|
| >>>>>> | ~Grasmere via Helvellyn to Patterdale -- approx 8.5 miles
| Patterdale to Shap -- 16 miles
|
| >>>>>> | ~Shap to Kirkby Stephen -19.25 miles
| Kirkby Stephen to Muker-- approx 14 miles
|
| >>>>>> | ~Muker to Reeth -- approx 12 miles
| Reeth to Brompton on Swale -- approx 14 miles
|
| >>>>>> | ~Brompton on Swale to Ingleby Cross -- approx 20 miles
| Ingleby Cross to Clay Bank Top -- 12.25 miles |
| >>>>>> | ~Clay Bank Top to Glaisdale -- 18.75 miles | Glaisdale to Robin Hoods Bay -- 19 miles | |