Walking the 192 miles across northern England in 13 days is a real achievement for most walkers. Following Wainwright's route from west to east crossing the English Lake District, the Pennines, The Vale of Mobray and the North Yorkshire Moors has plenty to recommend it but posses its fair share of challenges.
The Coast to Coast itinerary, both self-guided and escorted is one of Sherpa's most popular holidays. The escorted trips in particular sell fast so for next year we have added extra capacity and are pleased to announce the following dates for 2012.
13 May - 27 May
10 June - 24 June
8 July - 22 July
5 August - 19August
16 September - 30 September
If you are planning to do this route, prices and booking forms are available on our website via the following link Coast to Coast. If you need a little more information to tempt you to take on this challenge then please read on.
Tradition dictates that you dip your boots in the sea at St Bees to start the route and pick up a pebble to carry across the country (small pebble recommended). This cherished stone is then tossed into the North Sea as you dip your boots in the water at the end of the trip. The first section is a glorious walk through some of the best scenery the English Lake district has to offer. This, however, is no walk in the park, 6 hours of walking through upland terrain is typical; little of this walking is on level ground and one day stretches the average walker to at least 7 hours on the hoof with 1300m of ascent and believe me you might wish you had hooves at some points along the way. The rewards for your endeavours are magnificent views along the valleys, across lakes and to the mountaintops of Cumbria, assuming you have fine weather of course. This is the wettest part of England so you need to be prepared to walk in rain and low cloud from time to time but this is why the landscape is so green, the streams tumble down the mountainsides and the lakes stretch out in front of you.
The Pennines provide the next batch of scenic delights and challenges. Historic market towns, wet boggy paths, old mine workings, high moors and pretty green valleys punctuate the way to the relatively large metropolis of Richmond where there are shops, banks and even a castle to visit. The high points include Nine Standards Rigg and Gunnerside Moor, lower down enjoy the beauty of Swaledale and the charming village of Reeth.
Crossing The Vale of Mowbray presents a mental as well as physical challenge. Up to 25 miles of fields, tracks and country lanes presents the longest walk but the higher land of the North Yorkshire Moors draw ever closer and provides the setting for a second full day. The moors are carpeted with purple heather through August and September but the ups and downs of the northern escarpment and a total of 20 miles presents the last big test. If you make it to the old inn on Blakey Ridge you should make it to Robin Hoods Bay. Wooded valleys, moors and a chance to see the steam trains at Grosmont brings you to the final walk along the east coast. This is a relief to many, the whole route an achievement for all and no doubt an incredible experience that will be remembered for a long time to come. For anyone who wants to shorten the longest days there is an 18-day self-guided option and for those with just a week for walking an 8-day option allows you to walk self-guided as far as Kirkby Stephen.
The Sherpa Coast to Coast holiday is available from mid April until the end of October.
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