Walk the North's Newest National Trail
Recently designated an official National Trail, we explore the Coast to Coast route and discover what you won't want to miss along the wa
St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge
From St Bees on the coast, head north initially sticking to the coastline of St Bees Head Heritage Coast, with fabulous views of the Irish Sea. Then turn inland towards Sandwith and continue on an easterly route passing Moor Row and Cleator. Here, you’ll enter into the lush greenery of the Lake District National Park and one of the earliest fells you’ll encounter on the route, Dent Hill. The route then turns north, passing near Blakely Raise Stone Circle and toward Ennerdale Bridge which sits on the River Ehen.
Ennerdale Bridge to Borrowdale
This next section is considerably longer than the first, but can be broken up to suit walkers’ needs. The route follows the northern shoreline of Ennerdale Water, with great views of Crag Fell across the lake, before largely sticking to the path of the River Liza to the eastern end of the lake. The trail then carves northwards past Grey Knotts and Seatoller, towards Borrowdale.
Borrowdale to Grasmere
From Borrowdale to Grasmere, there’s a moderately steep climb and then descent, with the pretty village lying to the south east of your starting point. You’ll pass a number of crags en route including Tarn Crag and Lining Crag, as well as the boggy pass of Greenup Edge. Grasmere itself is a quaint village popular with tourists, and famous for its historic Grasmere Gingerbread.
Grasmere to Patterdale
From Grasmere, head north by the quiet waters of Griesedale Tarn and cutting between Helvellyn and Fairfield Peak. The quiet village of Patterdale awaits, a popular choice for walkers sitting at the southern tip of Ullswater. Glenridding lies just beyond this, to the west of the lake, and is another great option for an overnight stay.
Patterdale to Shap
This is the steepest section of the trail, first heading south past Angle Tarn, the Angle Tarn Pikes and Kidsty Pike. You’ll come to the southernly end of Haweswater, curving with the lake before following its eastern shoreline north. The route cuts through towards the historic Shap Abbey and into Shap where walkers can find a refreshing pint.
Shap to Kirkby Stephen
The final leg of the Cumbrian route takes walkers to the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Use the footbridge to cross the M6 from Shap towards Oddendale and past Seal Howe, an ancient cairn. The path takes a twisting route in a south easterly direction, cutting along the edge of Great Asby Scar National Nature Reserve and by Smardale Gill Viaduct. The route then takes a gentle curve north before delivering you into Kirkby Stephen.
Kirkby Stephen to Richmond
The trail enters the Yorkshire Dales National Park at the north west edge, taking a gentle southern turn before swooping north. Smardale Viaduct is a particularly beautiful sight here, and as the trail takes another southernly turn walkers will come to Nine Standards Rigg, the summit of Hartley Fell which lies right on the edge of North Yorkshire. Passing Whitsundale and Ravenseat Farm, the trail comes to a number of breathtaking waterfalls near Keld, including Wain Wath Force and Kisdon Force. The trail continues out along the eastern peninsula of the Yorkshire Dales National Park which stretches out towards Richmond.
Richmond to Mount Grace Priory
Just beyond Richmond, the trail enters the Vale of Mowbray, which lies in stark contrast to the undulations of the Dales. The area around Bolton on Swale is particularly beautiful, and the path crosses the River Wiske. ‘This is a different landscape all together,’ says Bruce. ‘You’ve got that open pastoral landscape with arable fields, small villages, and pubs – a vital part of any National Trail!’ This is a shorter section of the Coast to Coast Path National Trail, but no less beautiful for it and also features several historic sites including the repurposed remains of Harlsey Castle and Mount Grace Priory on the edge of the North York Moors National Park.
Mount Grace Priory to Robin Hood’s Bay
Crossing into the North York Moors National Park, the trail enters Scarth Wood. The route heads up by Cringle Moor and The Wainstones, where walkers can expect stunning views, before arching southwards again. Here, the route becomes a winding path working its way through the landscape towards the village of Grosmont (known for its historic railway) and the Esk Valley. Beyond this, there’s another waterfall. Falling Foss is a towering waterfall a few miles from Whitby and a favourite beauty spot in the area but soon the trail comes to the final leg which takes walkers along the Yorkshire coast.The route meets the coast to the north of Robin Hood’s Bay before heading south along the coast and comes to an end in the pretty fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay itself.
