Trip Details
Cross England on foot, trekking from the Irish Sea to the North Sea through three incredible national parks. Immerse yourself in the mystical landscapes of the Lake District, where gemlike lakes reflect England’s highest mountains and poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge drew their inspiration. In the Yorkshire Dales—James Herriot country—hike to storybook villages filled with half-timbered cottages and warmly lit pubs. Then climb into the wild, heather-covered highlands of the North York Moors. Along the way, discover ancient stone circles, medieval castles and monasteries, and the legendary charm of northern England. This is a moderate 137-mile hike designed to take in the most beautiful and historic sections of Alfred Wainwright’s famous 190-mile Coast-to-Coast walk.Trip Highlights
Itinerary - 13 Days
Day 1 — Penrith, England/St. Bees
Arrive in London and take the train to Penrith in northwest England. Your trip leader will meet you at the station for the transfer to the historic village of St. Bees. After a trip briefing, gather for our welcome dinner.
Seacote Hotel (D)
Day 2 — St. Bees to Ennerdale Bridge
Our journey kicks off early this morning with a Coast to Coast tradition, dipping a toe in the Irish Sea. Then set off along the sandstone cliffs of St. Bee’s Head, keeping an eye out for puffins, kittiwakes, and guillemots. Turning inland, we’ll pause for a typical pub lunch on our way to Ennerdale Bridge, nestled at the foot of the Lake District mountains. (14 miles hiking, 8 hours)
Ennerdale Country House Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite
Today, we’ll walk into spectacular Lake District National Park, where glass-like lakes reflect mountains that rise abruptly from their shores. Our splendid ramble traces the southern edge of Ennerdale Water, the park’s most westerly lake—and one of its most remote. After lunch at the Black Sail Hut, climb a 2,000- foot pass and take in the vista of peaks, lakes, and sheep-speckled pastures. (13 miles hiking, 7-8 hours)
The Scafell Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Rosthwaite to Glenridding
Take a short drive to Grasmere, where the great poet William Wordsworth wrote some of his most renowned works. Visit the poet’s home, and stroll through the village where he found inspiration. Then climb over Grisedale Hause (1,936') enjoying views of Helvellyn, England’s third-highest peak. Hike down the valley toward Lake Ullswater and spend the night in Glenridding. (9 miles hiking, 5 hours)
Inn on the Lake (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Lake Ullswater to Shap
The day begins with a scenic cruise on Lake Ullswater to Howtown. From here, follow a historic Roman road to Bampton. After a break at a village pub, hike to the 12th-century Shap Abbey. (12 miles hiking, 6-7 hours)
The Greyhound Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Shap to Orton and Ravenstonedale
Trek across a limestone plateau dotted with prehistoric settlements, stone circles, and burial mounds. In the charming village of Orton, we’ll stop for lunch and visit the chocolate factory. Continue the hike or travel by bus to the quintessential English village of Ravenstonedale. (8 miles or 16 miles hiking, 4-9 hours)
The Black Swan (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Ravenstonedale to Reeth
Follow a lovely trail across rolling hills to the market town of Kirkby Stephen. After a lunch of fish-and-chips, drive to the hamlet of Keld in the heart of Yorkshire Dales National Park. Hike along the River Swale, discovering waterfalls and enchanting hamlets tucked in among the dales. Pause for an afternoon cream tea in Muker before walking on to Gunnerside. A short bus ride brings us to Reeth, once the capital of the Swaledale region. (12 miles hiking, 7 hours)
The Buck Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Reeth to Richmond
Continue through the Yorkshire Dales, hiking along fascinating stretches of lunar-like limestone on the way to historic Richmond. Here, we’ll explore an 11th-century Norman castle and visit the Georgian Theatre Royal; with luck, we’ll have the chance to catch a play. (12 miles hiking, 7 hours)
The Kings Head Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Richmond to Osmotherley
Our path takes us along the River Swale past the remains of Easby Abbey, founded in 1152. In Catterick Bridge, we’ll hop on our bus, heading through the Swaledale plain to Ingleby Cross. After lunch, venture into the ruins of Mount Grace Priory, an important 14th-century Carthusian priory. From here, it’s a short walk to Osmotherley, at the edge of North York Moors National Park. (9 miles hiking, 5 hours)
Vane House (B,L,D)
Day 10 — Osmotherley to Blakey Ridge
Set out early this morning on the Cleveland Way, hiking across the sometimes bleak, often dramatic landscape of the North York Moors. Continue on a roller coaster of a trail to Clay Bank, where we’ll catch our bus to Blakey Ridge. Our home tonight is the 400-year-old Lion Inn. (11 miles hiking, 6-7 hours
The Lion Inn (B,L,D)
Day 11 — Blakey Ridge Grosmont
Descend to Great Fryup Head, an important region during the 19th-century iron ore boom. Enjoy a picnic in Glaisdale and then hike along an old trade route to Grosmont—or opt to ride the bus. (9 or 14 miles hiking, 5-8 hours)
Inn on the Moor (B,L,D)
Day 12 — Grosmont to Robin Hood’s Bay
Climb out of Grosmont and cross the moorland to the hamlet of Littlebeck. Our walk takes us back into the Arncliffe Wood, past a legendary cave, and up to the gorgeous waterfall of Falling Foss. Walk along the cliff-top to the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, and bathe your feet in the North Sea. (15 miles hiking, 9 hours)
The Grosvenor Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 13 — York/U.S.
After breakfast, depart from York to London for your return flight home.
(B)
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National Geographic Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travelers that combine spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenge. You'll explore fascinating, off-the-beaten-path places with top guides, and wherever possible, meet National Geographic experts in the field.
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GROUP SIZE: 8–16
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Activity Level
We will be hiking 4 to 9 hours per day (2 to 16 miles), on moderate to steep grades at low elevations. Vehicle support is provided, and participants always have the option to rest a day and ride to the next hotel. We will stay 12 nights in ideally located inns and hotels that reflect the local character.
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