- Play Hard
- 2nd Apr 2026
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- 0 minute
April’s Walk of the Month: The North’s most iconic Coast to Coast Walk
If you’re dreaming of your next big walking challenge, it doesn’t get much better than this. The Coast to Coast Walk is one of the UK’s most iconic long distance routes.
Expect a breathtaking 190 mile journey from the Irish Sea to the North Sea that showcases some of the North of England’s most stunning landscapes.
This west to east classic isn’t a short stroll, but whether you’re aiming to tackle the full route over a couple of weeks or simply want to explore standout sections on weekend escapes, it’s an unforgettable way to experience the variety of our northern countryside.
Are you up for the challenge this spring/summer?
THE DETAILS
Distance: 190 miles (310km)
Duration: 10–18 days (or tailored weekend breaks)
Challenge: Moderate to tough
Best time to go: Late spring to early autumn
THE WALK
Starting at the dramatic seaside village of St Bees on the Cumbrian coast, your journey takes you uphill and inland through the majestic Lake District National Park, with its rugged fells, glacial valleys, and shimmering lakes. From there, you’ll cross the rolling hills and limestone dales of the Yorkshire Dales, and finally tackle the heathercovered plateaus of the North York Moors, before the trail drops down to the charming fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea.
Every day brings something new: from jawdropping mountain vistas and tumbling waterfalls to farmland tracks and sweeping moorland horizons. There’s history too – ancient castles, historic market towns and traditional villages offering cosy pubs and hearty meals that make great rest stops along the way.
WHY WE LOVE IT
Each step feels like a story: dipping your boots in the Irish Sea to begin, crossing three of England’s most beautiful landscapes, and finally emerging at the North Sea with a sense that you’ve really earned it. For many, it’s the ultimate way to reset, reconnect with nature and challenge yourself physically and mentally.
Whether you’re planning the full coast to coast crossing or sampling the most scenic bites on day trips and microadventures, this is a route that stays with you.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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