Best of the Coast to Coast in Comfort - Guided

Your journey begins in Keswick, a historic market town in the heart of the Lake District. Easily accessible from the West Coast Mainline train station at nearby Penrith, Keswick is a small town with a population of around 7000 people. The town is clustered around the Market Square and historic Moot Hall. There is lots to see and do: visit the local museums, shop for outdoor gear, take a boat trip on the lake, see a show at Theatre by the Lake or take the short walk down to the lakeshore to enjoy the iconic view of Catbells and the Newlands fells across Derwentwater. A single-timed transfer from Penrith Station in the late afternoon (5pm approx) is included or alternatively make your own way to Keswick from Penrith by local bus. It is also possible to arrange a private transfer, please ask your travel consultant for details. In the evening, meet your guide and fellow walkers for a briefing before dinner. Accommodation: 2 nights at our comfortable, historic Keswick hotel.

After a hearty English breakfast, transfer to St Bees and the start of the Coast to Coast trail. Dip the toes of your boots in the Irish sea and pick up a pebble to take to Robin Hood’s Bay at the end of your journey. The trail climbs from the beach around St Bees Head, a nature reserve home to England’s only breeding colony of Black Guillemots. The trail traverses through farmland to Cleator where we pause for today and stop at a local country house hotel for afternoon tea and fizz to celebrate your first day on the trail together. Transfer back to your overnight accommodation in Keswick in time for dinner.

Take the open top bus from Keswick down the Borrowdale Valley, passing alongside Derwentwater for panoramic Lakeland views. Alight at Rosthwaite to begin your hike over Greenup Edge to the vale of Grasmere. The trail today is challenging, with around 550m/1800ft of ascent. The path ascends alongside Stonethwaite Beck and Greenup Gill, eventually reaching the high ground via Lining Crag. The descent to Grasmere is on a stone-pitched path via Easedale Gill. Grasmere, home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth, nestles at the foot of spectacular fells, has its own lake and the small village boasts many pubs, cafes and restaurants. It is also home to the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop. This unique and delicious gingerbread is made daily from a secret recipe and is the perfect sweet treat for a picnic (or souvenir to bring home!). Accommodation: Overnight in a comfortable 4* hotel with pool.

Your day begins with a visit to Dove Cottage at the Wordsworth Grasmere Centre. The cottage was home to poets William and Dorothy Wordsworth from 1799 to 1808. Even if you are not interested in literary history, this 17th century stone cottage is worth a visit for the insight into Lake District life in times past. Leaving the cottage, another challenging hike today over Grisedale Pass (609m/2000ft) to Ullswater. Enjoy views over Patterdale and Ullswater and the summits of Helvellyn and the Lake District high fells. Descend into the valley to your accommodation in Glenridding close to Ullswater. Overnight in a comfortable 4* hotel with lake views.

Today’s route skips the most difficult day of the entire Coast to Coast with a delightful alternative. All aboard the Ullswater Steamer for the journey up the lake to Pooley Bridge. This scenic journey takes around an hour and affords stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The Ullswater steamboats have a rich history and many of the vessels were built in the 1880s and remain in service! On arrival in Pooley Bridge, hike over Askham Fell down to Bampton and the meandering River Lowther and on to Shap Abbey, a 12th century ruin dissolved in 1540 by Henry VIII. From here transfer to Kirkby Stephen for your overnight stay in Augill Castle where we will enjoy a group dinner. Overnight in the castle which is a blend of historic charm and modern comfort.

Transfer from Augill to Keld. Taking the low route from Keld to Reeth on the Coast to Coast makes for an enjoyable and beautiful walk through the Swaledale Valley. With a strong farming heritage and a landscape of hills, wildflower meadows and old stone walls this valley is a typical Yorkshire Dale. We’ll break our journey to visit a Dales farm to learn about life in the valley on a working farm. Meet some farm animals (who you’ll meet will depend on the time of year) and learn about ways this farm is maintaining tradition and working with nature to conserve the landscape. From here it’s a short final hike into Reeth, an attractive settlement with a village green and a collection of pubs and tea shops. Overnight at an old coaching inn close on the green.

Continue your hike through the Swaledale valley as the trail winds through meadows alongside the River Swale. The route is more gentle today, passing through villages and farmland with fewer climbs and mostly level paths as you hike to the historic market town of Richmond. Its centrepiece is the impressive 11th-century Norman castle, which overlooks the town and offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Cobbled streets lead to independent shops, welcoming cafés, and a picturesque market square, while the River Swale flows below. Explore the town and Richmond castle in the afternoon. Accommodation: Overnight in an 18th century coaching inn with a 21st century interior.