Coast to Coast Trail Goes National
England's iconic Coast to Coast path officially becomes a National Trail this spring, opening up 192 miles of wild landscapes and historic villages across northern England. The route, established in 1973, crosses three national parks and offers some of Europe's most dramatic hiking.
The trail was devised by fellwalker and author Alfred Wainwright, who detailed the route in his 1973 book "A Coast to Coast Walk." For decades it remained an unofficial, largely unsignposted route pieced together from existing footpaths, bridleways, and minor roads. Official designation as a National Trail was announced in August 2022 after a long campaign. The upgrade process, set for completion by spring 2026, is backed by a £5.6 million investment from the UK government. This funding is managed by Natural England and the three National Parks the route traverses: the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors. Improvements include better waymarking, path surface upgrades to prevent erosion, and the installation of new signage and bridges. The official route will be approximately 197 miles long, starting at St Bees on the Irish Sea and concluding at Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea. Tradition, as encouraged by Wainwright, dictates that walkers dip their boots in the water at the start and end of the journey. More than 6,000 people complete the walk annually, contributing an estimated £7 million to local economies along the trail. The new status aims to enhance sustainable tourism and further support the pubs, shops, and accommodation providers in the villages and towns the path connects. A key part of the upgrade is improving accessibility. While the terrain is challenging, an accessibility audit has been conducted, and some sections are being improved for use by people with all-terrain mobility aids, as well as for cyclists and horse-riders.
