Coast to Coast Walk Becomes a National Trail
- dockcottagerhb
- Mar 30
- 3 min read
There’s exciting news for walkers and lovers of the great outdoors, the iconic Coast to Coast Walk has officially been designated as England’s newest National Trail.
This much-loved route, stretching around 190 miles from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, has recently benefited from a £5.5 million upgrade.
The improvements make sections of the trail more accessible not only for walkers, but also for cyclists and horse riders. The signage has been improved and enhanced as well. The signs now feature the initials “AW”, which is a tribute to Alfred Wainwright, the visionary behind the route.
Even better, the trail will now receive ongoing annual maintenance funding, ensuring it remains in great condition for years to come. A new stone marker has also been installed in Keld, to show walkers that they are now closer to the North Sea than the Irish Sea.
A Route Inspired by One Man’s Vision
Back in 1973, Alfred Wainwright, author and fell walker mapped out this unforgettable journey, beginning in St Bees and finishing right here in Robin Hood's Bay, just steps from Dock Cottage.
He described the route beautifully:
“The countryside is beautiful almost everywhere, yet extremely varied in character…”
Wainwright wanted to create a walk that was challenging yet achievable, something shorter than the Pennine Way, but just as rewarding. And so, the Coast to Coast was born.
A Special Place to Finish
Robin Hood’s Bay is now uniquely positioned as the meeting point of three incredible National Trails:
The Coast to Coast Walk
The Cleveland Way
The King Charles III England Coast Path
For those not ready to hang up their boots, it’s the perfect place to continue to walk, maybe like Forest Gump!
The Coast to Coast Passport
Many walkers choose to mark their journey with a Coast to Coast Passport. This pocket-sized booklet filled with useful information, offers, and space to collect stamps along the way.
You can collect individually-designed stamps from 88 agents in over 30 locations along the path. The passport cost £15 (at the time of writing) or £7.50 for a mini, lighter version.
A Timeless Tradition
There’s a charming tradition tied to the walk: collecting a pebble from the Irish Sea at St Bees Head and carrying it across the country to drop into the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay.
Just imagine how many pebbles have made that journey over the years…
Celebrating Your Finish
Around 6,000 walkers complete the route each year and there’s no better feeling than dipping your boots in the sea at the end (again another tradition).
If you’ve brought a passport, you can collect your final stamp at:
The Victoria Hotel
The Old Drapery
The Dolphin (perfect for a celebratory drink!)
You’ll also find lovely souvenirs in the village at Jessica Hogarth’s shop and The Old Drapery.
Stay at Dock Cottage
If you’re planning your Coast to Coast walk, why not treat yourself to a well-earned rest at Dock Cottage?
Located just moments from the finish line in Robin Hood’s Bay, it’s the perfect place to relax, reflect, and soak up the beauty of the coast after your journey.
Stay for a few days, rest up and you’ll also have time to explore the village, enjoy the sea views, and celebrate completing one of England’s most iconic walks.
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