Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX follows the established Coast to Coast route east from the foreshore at St Bees to the foreshore at Robin Hood's Bay. It records 304.4 km and 6,396 m of ascent through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. The line is divided naturally into twelve stages via Ennerdale Bridge, Rosthwaite, Patterdale, Shap, Kirkby Stephen, Keld, Reeth, Richmond, Ingleby Cross, Clay Bank Top and Glaisdale. It includes the approved A19 bridge route and, following a useful correction, now continues all the way down Robin Hood's Bay rather than stopping within sight of the sea like a route that had suddenly remembered the return journey.
The western third is the hardest. After St Bees Head the route enters Ennerdale, crosses the high passes to Borrowdale and Grasmere, then climbs again past Grisedale Tarn to Patterdale. Kidsty Pike and the long Haweswater shore lead to Shap. Limestone country and old tracks carry the Way to Kirkby Stephen, followed by the exposed crossing of Nine Standards Rigg to Keld. Swaledale then gives a choice of character; this GPX follows the main mapped line before reaching Reeth and Richmond. A long, flatter crossing of the Vale of Mowbray reaches Ingleby Cross, after which the Cleveland Hills and North York Moors provide a final run of steep rises, broad moorland and old railway track before the coast returns.
Twelve to fourteen walking days is sensible, with a rest day useful around Richmond. The route is established and increasingly well signed, but high Lake District ground and Nine Standards still demand proper navigation. Accommodation at Ennerdale Bridge, Rosthwaite, Keld and Clay Bank Top needs advance thought; Clay Bank Top is a road crossing, not a bustling metropolis. Carry current mapping, check closures and follow signs where temporary diversions differ from the GPX.
"Surely there cannot be a finer itinerary for a long-distance walk!"
Alfred Wainwright, A Coast to Coast Walk
Route Waypoints
Start at the Irish Sea beside the Coast to Coast marker. The route climbs the cliffs of St Bees Head before turning inland through Sandwith, Moor Row and Cleator. Check any signed cliff diversion and resist spending so long dipping boots that the tide claims editorial control.
The first stage ends in Ennerdale Bridge. The next follows Ennerdale Water and the remote valley beyond before climbing past Black Sail towards the pass into Borrowdale. Food and accommodation are limited, so this is a booked stop rather than a place to improvise late.
Reach Rosthwaite after the crossing from Ennerdale. The route then climbs Greenup Edge, descends towards Grasmere and crosses again by Grisedale Tarn to Patterdale. This is a serious mountain day with two major climbs and navigation that matters in cloud.
Patterdale is the base for the high crossing to Shap. Climb past Angle Tarn and over the Kidsty Pike area before descending to Haweswater. The long lakeshore path remains tiring after the summit; save time and daylight for it rather than mentally finishing at the high point.
Shap marks the transition out of the Lake District. The route continues through limestone country, moorland tracks and scattered villages to Kirkby Stephen. The terrain is gentler than the previous stages, though the 31 km distance is an effective way of preventing complacency.
Stock up before crossing Nine Standards Rigg to Keld. The summit plateau is exposed and notoriously wet, with seasonal route arrangements used to limit erosion. Follow signs and current guidance rather than forcing the GPX through ground temporarily taken out of use.
Keld sits at the head of Swaledale with limited accommodation and supplies. The route towards Reeth can be walked by higher mining country or lower riverside variants; this GPX follows its recorded main line. Confirm which description matches the file before setting off.
Reach Richmond after Reeth and the gentler lower Swale. This is the best resupply and rest-day point before the long Vale of Mowbray crossing. The next stage is flatter but very long, with lanes and field navigation replacing mountain passes rather than abolishing effort.
The GPX reaches Ingleby Cross using the approved bridge route north of the A19 rather than crossing the dual carriageway directly. From here the Way climbs sharply onto the Cleveland Hills, beginning a succession of short steep rises along the escarpment.
Clay Bank Top is a road crossing and common stage break, but accommodation normally requires a transfer. The route continues across Urra Moor and the broad North York Moors, later using former railway track. Arrange transport before discovering the car park's limited hospitality.
The final stage follows the Esk valley through Egton Bridge and Grosmont, then climbs once more before descending towards the coast. Little Beck woodland and the last moorland lanes come before Robin Hood's Bay; the sea appears well before the walking has actually finished.
Descend through the steep village streets to the North Sea and finish on the foreshore. The corrected GPX reaches the official coastal endpoint rather than stopping in the upper village. Check tide and footing if performing the traditional boot dip; dignity is optional but balance helps.
Essential Tips
The twelve GPX stages are substantial, particularly Rosthwaite to Patterdale, Shap to Kirkby Stephen and Richmond to Ingleby Cross. Many walkers split a Lake District stage or add a rest day in Richmond rather than treating the itinerary as a disciplinary code.
The route crosses OS Explorer OL4, OL5, OL7, OL19, OL26, OL27, OL30, 302, 303 and 304. A dedicated Coast to Coast map booklet is lighter. Greenup Edge, Kidsty Pike and Nine Standards justify a compass and offline mapping.
Ennerdale Bridge, Rosthwaite, Keld and the Clay Bank Top area have limited or dispersed accommodation. Secure those nights and any required transfers before filling the easier towns. Luggage services help, but they do not manufacture rooms where none exist.
Use current signs for cliff erosion, Nine Standards seasonal lines and temporary access changes. This GPX uses the bridge route at the A19 and reaches Robin Hood's Bay foreshore, but a static file cannot anticipate every short-lived closure across three National Parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to walk the Coast to Coast?
Twelve to fourteen days is sensible for most walkers. Many people add a rest day around Richmond or split one of the longer Lake District stages rather than rushing through.
Which part of the Coast to Coast is the hardest?
The western third through the Lake District is the hardest. After St Bees Head, you'll tackle high passes to Borrowdale, Grasmere, and Grisedale Tarn to Patterdale, followed by Kidsty Pike before reaching Shap.
Where should I book accommodation in advance on the Coast to Coast?
Book Ennerdale Bridge, Rosthwaite, Keld, and the Clay Bank Top area first—they have limited or dispersed accommodation. Secure those nights and any required transfers before filling the easier towns, as luggage services can't manufacture rooms where none exist.