England: Hiking the Coast to Coast Trail

Location: Europe
Duration: 8 Days
Price: From $6,895
Activity Level:

England: Hiking the Coast to Coast Trail

Location: Europe
Duration: 8 Days
Price: From $6,895
Activity Level:

Level 4 – High Energy

Designed for women who crave being on the go our High Energy trips are the right fit for experienced adventurers and hikers with good stamina and a passion for pushing limits.

On a High Energy trip, you might:

  • Hike along uneven trails with steep inclines, rough terrain, and challenging obstacles for 6-12 miles at up to 3,500 ft elevation gain and up to 6,000 ft loss
  • Be committed to pre-trip training and are comfortable carrying a daypack weighing up to 20 pounds and staying in rustic lodging for 1-2 nights
  • Reach a moderate altitude of up to 8,000 ft and experience physical exertion that may result in heavier breathing

Overview

Hiking the “Coast to Coast Trail” across England guides you through three stunning National Parks. Begin in the Lake District, England’s largest and most well-known national park, with its diverse landscapes of mountain peaks and glacial lakes. Continue to Yorkshire Dales, a beautiful expanse of valleys, moors, and hills. Finally, explore the North Yorks Moors, home to vast moorland heather and the charming fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay with its coastal cliffs and quaint pubs. Along the way, you’ll meet the first female winner of the TV show “One Man and His Dog” to learn about sheepdogs and shepherding, and indulge in local specialties – chocolate, tea, and scones. Over the course of the trip, you’ll traverse 46 miles of rolling hills, pastures, and stone fences, connecting the east and west coasts.

Main Attractions

Experience the splendor of England

Trek the famous Coast to Coast Trail, experiencing its beauty in stages.

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of three National Parks

You’ll visit the Lakes, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North Yorks Moors.

Learn the art of shepherding

Meet the first female winner of “One Man and His Dog” who will share her passion for working with dogs and demonstrate some of the techniques she uses as a shepherdess.

Map of northern England showing a route from St. Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay with icons for transportation methods and a zoomed inset of the UK highlighting the area.
A tall cairn made of stacked stones is situated on a rocky hilltop under a clear blue sky, with distant mountains in the background.
Two women smiling and standing together, wrapped in a blue cloth, in front of a stone tower on a rocky outdoor setting.
A person stands smiling in front of a delicatessen with hanging baskets of colorful flowers. Cars and a church tower are visible in the background.
A group of people walk down a grassy hill towards a path, surrounded by green fields and trees under a clear blue sky.
Two people in outdoor clothing stand by a directional sign on a grassy path. A lighthouse is visible in the background.
Two people walk along a grassy path beside a stone wall in a rural landscape under a cloudy sky.
Group of hikers resting on a grassy hillside under a clear blue sky, with one person reclining and others seated nearby.

Itinerary

A group of hikers holding a banner at the start of Coast to Coast Walk, standing on a paved area with the sea and hills in the background.

Arrive in England

Arrive at Penrith (North Lakes) railway station by noon, where your guide will greet you and transfer you to St. Bees. Begin your adventure with a hiker’s tradition—a short hike along the beach and up to the cliffs of St. Bees Head, the trail’s most westerly point. After your coastal walk, drive for an hour to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, enjoy a lively welcome dinner, getting to know your fellow travelers and sharing excitement about the coast-to-coast hike. Total hiking today: 1-2 hours with 500 feet elevation gain.

Meals dinner
A group of hikers pauses on a grassy, rocky hillside under a partly cloudy sky.

Reach the Peak of Dale Head

After a short transfer to the Coast to Coast trail, embark on the trip’s most challenging hike with a 1,300-foot ascent to a broad ridge. Continue up Littledale Edge, reaching the peak of Dale Head at nearly 2,500 feet. Enjoy a bagged lunch on the trail. Descend 2,300 feet into the picturesque Borrowdale valley. After the hike, transfer back to your hotel. End the day with a group dinner, sharing stories of your adventure. Today’s hike: 6.5 miles, 4-5 hours, with 2,350 feet of elevation gain and 3,200 feet of descent.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A stone path leads through a lush green landscape toward a village, with a sunset visible on the horizon. Stone walls and trees line the path.

Sheepdog Demonstration

Begin your day with a short walk to Derwent Water and board a boat to Keswick. From there, travel to Orton in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Meet Katy Cropper, the first woman to win “One Man and His Dog,” and watch her sheepdog demonstration. Visit a local chocolate shop for some treats before enjoying lunch at a local café. In the afternoon, hike across the moors to your hotel in Ravenstonedale. End the day with a group dinner. Today’s hike: 7 miles, 4-5 hours, with 600 feet of elevation gain and 500 feet of descent.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Six people stand together in a grassy field with wildflowers, wearing hats and backpacks. A stone wall and a hillside with trees are in the background.

A hike through Swaledale and Classic English Tea

Start with a short transfer to the charming hamlet of Ravenseat for a hike through Swaledale, Alfred Wainwright’s favorite stage of the Coast to Coast route. Pass through picturesque fields and flower meadows, enjoying a bagged lunch amidst the beautiful scenery. Visit a local tearoom for classic English tea and scones and explore the nearby Art Gallery and Craft Center before returning to Ravenstonedale. Conclude the day with a group dinner at your hotel. Today’s hike: 9 miles, 5-6 hours, with 700 feet of elevation gain and 1,300 feet of descent.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
People sitting on a grassy hill, facing a vast landscape with fields and hills under a clear blue sky.

North York Moors National Park

After breakfast, drive for an hour and a half to North York Moors National Park. Begin your hike at Sneck Yate Bank, following a scenic trail along the escarpment to Sutton Bank, renowned by James Herriott as “England’s finest view.” Continue to the “White Horse of Kilburn,” a striking hillside carving. Enjoy a bagged lunch during the hike. Afterward, transfer to Helmsley, where you’ll visit the historic 12th-century Helmsley Castle and meet June Tainish, Garden Manager at Helmsley Walled Garden. End the day with a group dinner at your hotel. Today’s hike: 5-6 miles, 3-4 hours, with 300 feet of elevation gain and 700 feet of descent.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Coastal cliffside view with ocean and sky in the background. A signpost points to Cleveland Way and Robin Hood's Bay public footpaths. Sparse vegetation covers the rocky cliffs.

North York Moors National Park

After a 30-minute drive to Clay Bank, embark on a memorable high-level traverse of the North York Moors. Start with a short ascent onto the wild moors and traverse low hilltops along the whimsical “rollercoaster” section. Enjoy a bagged lunch during the hike, which concludes at the famous Lion Inn, the highest point on the North York Moors. Celebrate the day’s end with a drink before a quick drive back to Helmsley. End the day with a group dinner at your hotel. Today’s hike: 9 miles, 5-7 hours, with 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A person in sunglasses holds a black and white dog outdoors on a grassy area, with a stone wall and blue sky in the background.

Hike to the Coast

Drive to Littlebeck to begin your hike to the coast. Pass the picturesque Falling Foss waterfall and continue eastward, cresting a ridge for your first views of the North Sea. Enjoy a bagged lunch during your hike. The final stretch features a breathtaking coastal path leading to the charming harbor of Robin Hood’s Bay. Celebrate your achievement with a drink at a local inn. Conclude the day with a farewell dinner, reflecting on the stunning landscapes and remarkable hikes that have marked your journey from one coast of England to another. Today’s hike: 7 miles, 5-6 hours, with 1,000 feet of elevation gain and descent.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Two smiling people hugging in a sunny street near boats. One wears a hat and sunglasses, the other a blue long-sleeve shirt. Stone steps and a group of people in the background.

Depart England

After breakfast this morning, begin the 2-hour drive to York where you can get a train to Manchester or Edinburgh for your flights home.

Meals breakfast
A group of people walk along a grassy coastal path with sheep grazing on a hillside under a clear blue sky.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

A rural landscape with a road, stone buildings, and green fields surrounded by hills under a cloudy sky.

Borrowdale Hotel

The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in Borrowdale Valley and is one of the first coaching inns that began taking guests in the mid 1800’s. Enjoy the warm and comfortable atmosphere after a day of hiking in the Lake District.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, Wi-Fi

A stone building with warm lights, labeled "The Black Swan," has outdoor seating and is set against a twilight sky.

The Black Swan Ravenstonedale

Located right between the Lake District and the North Yorkshire Moors, The Black Swan is a family-run property that dates back to the 1800s but has been refurbished to add a touch of the modern to the traditional.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi

Exterior of a warmly lit hotel at dusk, with a mix of stone and timber architecture and towers in the background.

The Black Swan Helmsley

The Black Swan dates to the 15th century. With an Elizabethan building on one end, a Tudor one to the other, and a Georgian House in the middle, the Black Swan is wonderfully higgledly-piggledy, with bags of character.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, Wi-Fi

A large stone building with red roofs labeled "Victoria Hotel" featuring a public bar and tearooms, set against a clear blue sky.

Victoria Hotel

With stunning views of the North Yorkshire Coast, the Victoria Hotel offers the perfect base to explore the North York Moors National Park and the coastline.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, Wi-Fi

What People Are Saying

“Hiking the “Coast to Coast Trail” across England was an absolute thrill! From exploring three stunning National Parks to meeting an incredible sheepdog champion and savoring local treats, this trip was a true adventure.”

What People Are Saying

“Traveling with AdventureWomen was unforgettable. Hiking with an all-women’s group created an instant sense of camaraderie—I felt supported, inspired, and genuinely connected every step of the way.”

What People Are Saying

“AdventureWomen thought of everything. From the memorable itinerary to the constant support from the team, I was able to fully enjoy the hike without worrying about a single detail.

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Starting At Booking Link
May 9, 2027 May 16, 2027
Space Available
$6,895
Standard Double
$6,895 total, $800 deposit
Standard Single | Only 2 left
$8,095 total, $800 deposit

Arrival: Arrive at the railway station in Penrith (North Lakes), England on Day 1 before 12:00 PM.

Departure: Depart from Manchester, England (MAN) or Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI) on Day 8 after 6:00 PM.

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • Activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • One airport group transfer on scheduled arrival and departure days
  • All ground transportation
  • Drinking water to refill personal bottles
  • Gratuities for hotel staff, luggage porters, and waitstaff

What's Not Included

  • International airfare to/from the United Kingdom
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Optional activities
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers

FAQs

Absolutely! You belong here. AdventureWomen welcomes all women and individuals who identify as part of the women’s community. We celebrate all races, backgrounds, orientations, abilities, and ages. Our adventures reflect the vibrant diversity of our travelers.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. Internal flights are included.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Level One: Easy Pace Our Easy Pace trips are thoughtfully designed for women who enjoy gentle activity, cultural immersion, and plenty of time to savor the scenery. They feature light walking, easy terrain like cobblestone streets or flat nature trails, and optional activities such as city tours, wildlife safaris, and scenic boat rides. This level offers a relaxed pace with flexible itineraries and minimal physical exertion.
  • Level Two: Moderate For women who enjoy staying active, balanced with some downtime, our Moderate trips offer a blend of movement and relaxation. Activities may include walking on gently rolling trails, with occasional uneven terrain like forest paths or shallow creek crossings. With activities like beginner kayaking or short e-bike excursions, this level is perfect for those eager to explore while trying something new.
  • Level Three: Dynamic Designed for adventurous women ready for a challenge, our Dynamic trips feature regular activity on varied terrain with moderate elevation gains. Expect natural obstacles such as rocky paths and shallow creek crossings. From glacier walks and whitewater rafting to ziplining and kayaking in calm to lightly-choppy waters, this level is perfect for those with hiking and outdoor experience and a sense of adventure.
  • Level Four: High Energy Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who crave being on the go! You should be prepared for full days of hiking across rugged, moderate-altitude terrain. With some steeper inclines and rocky paths, these trips often feature back-to-back adrenaline-fueled activities like canyoneering, multi-day treks, and Class IV whitewater rafting—perfect for experienced adventurers and hikers with good stamina and a passion for pushing their limits.
  • Level Five: Challenging Our Challenging trips are crafted for seasoned adventurers ready to take on remote, high-altitude terrain, and full-day treks. These trips are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition and be able to hike up to 14 miles per day with steep ascents, rugged trails, and elevations reaching 19,500 feet. These are strenuous trips that require endurance and a commitment to training before departure.

A trip extension is an optional add-on to your main AdventureWomen itinerary. Extensions allow you to explore a destination more deeply, visit nearby regions, or enjoy additional activities before or after your scheduled trip. You can request an extension by contacting your Trip Manager. We’ll confirm availability with our local partners and send you the details, pricing, and next steps. For more information about AdventureWomen extensions, please visit our FAQs.