This incredible walk is one of England’s best and is a hidden gem in the UK.
The walk from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay is one of the most extreme routes that can be walked across the width of England.
It is England’s most famous long distance walk from its start at St Bees, on the shores of the Lake District, to its termination 192 miles further, at Robin Hood’s Bay on the shores of North Yorkshire.
If you plan to take on this huge challenge, you’ll have to be prepared because it’s no easy route.
This unofficial route is popular despite its lack of signposting and difficult terrain.
It was originally described by Alfred Wainwright in his 1973 book A Coast to Coast Walk and over the years, it has become customary to dip your boot in the water at each end.
The walk goes through three major National Parks: Lake District National Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park, and North York Moors National Park.
Over 200 miles will be travelled by those who decide to take on this challenge, for many it takes around two weeks to complete.
Challenging terrain can put many off this walk but adventure lovers and hikers enjoy being out in nature for such long periods of time and saying they’ve conquered one of the most extreme hikes in England.
You will pass by Kidsty Pike in the Lake District which is near Haweswater – this is the highest point of the walk at 2560 ft high.
There are many different elements of nature that you’ll encounter including mountains, valleys and bodies of water, depending on what route you take.
It has been listed as a National Trail despite not having signposting for its whole duration.
St Bees is a great place to enjoy before setting off on the long journey. One visitor of St Bees beach on Tripadvisor said: “Little hidden gem on the Cumbrian coast. Great coastal walk from St Bees to Whitehaven. It’s a very quiet beach which is sandy and the sea is lovely for a refreshing dip! The village is quaint with a couple of nice places for food.”
If you’re thinking of taking on this incredible challenge, make sure you are prepared with the right equipment and keep an eye on the weather.