Saturday, June 1, 2024 - Sunday, June 16, 2024
England,
International,
England
The England Coast to Coast hike is the quintessential English hiking and long distance trail experience. It consists of almost 190 miles that traverse three national parks and a variety of interesting landscapes, old towns, and public houses on the way. The route was originally proposed in 1973 by a legend of English hill walking, Alfred Wainwright. Starting at the tiny Cumbrian seaside resort of St Bees on the Irish Sea, we head east, with the wind behind us, into the Lake District to pass by some of its most famous lakes and cross some important passes. Then we head into the Yorkshire Dales and over the mystical Nine Standards Rig, before following the beautiful River Swale for a couple of days into the old market town of Richmond. After this the trail follows a section to link up with the North York Moors National Park. From here we work our way to the North Sea Coast to make our entrance into Robin Hood's Bay where a celebratory pint, bottle of champagne or ice cream while standing in the sea is in order. Along the way you will be amazed at the variety of the dry stone walls, the charming little villages, and just how much that you get to eat for a full English cooked breakfast! There are hotels, guesthouses and pubs to stay in on this tour, and these, as well as the rich variety of the people that you meet en route, reflect something of the great diversity of England. We will trek in comfort every day, carrying only a daypack, since our luggage will be transported and waiting for us at each night's lodging when we arrive. On three days we will use private transport to shorten the hiking. This allows us to have a well-deserved half day and shortens two other days to much more enjoyable distances. Excluding breaks, on the fourteen hiking days, we will usually hike from five to nine hours per day, between eight and seventeen miles, with a daily average elevation gain of about 2,000 feet. The terrain is rugged and steep in places, and requires agility. On four days the distance we hike exceeds fifteen miles, and one day has 3,800 feet of ascent. We will hike at a moderate pace, which will permit time for photos and rest breaks. Participants should be in excellent shape and be able to hike for most of the day multiple days in row. We will spend fifteen nights in a mix of hotels, pubs, and guesthouses. Rooms will be simple, yet comfortable with two beds and private bath and a full English cooked breakfast.
