Across the Lakes Experience

Key Features: Irish Sea coastline, St Bees Head, Cleator Moor

Your Coast to Coast walk begins at St Bees, where tradition calls for dipping your boots in the Irish Sea. From the village, the trail climbs steeply up St Bees Head, past the lighthouse and dramatic cliffs, before easing into grassy coastal paths. Following the clifftops north, you’ll enjoy sweeping sea views and pass the RSPB reserve, home to England’s only colony of black guillemots. Turning inland, the route leads through Sandwith village, where the Dog and Partridge pub makes a welcome stop. The path then winds through farmland and quiet country lanes, offering a gentle transition from coast to countryside. Rolling fields gradually give way to wider views, with the western Lake District fells coming into sight. The final stretch crosses more farmland before reaching Cleator, where the Three Tuns pub awaits for well-earned refreshments at the end of this opening stage.

Key Features: Dent Hill, Ennerdale Water, Nannycatch Beck valley

Leaving Cleator, the route climbs Dent Hill (352m), the first real ascent, with sweeping views of the Irish Sea and the Lake District fells. A steep descent leads into the quiet Nannycatch Beck valley, winding through woodland and pastures. After crossing the beck, the trail reaches Ennerdale Bridge, where pubs and a village shop provide food, drink, and supplies.

From here, the path follows the southern shore of Ennerdale Water, with striking views of Pillar and Steeple. The terrain varies between rocky lakeside sections and shaded forest tracks. At the lake’s end, the route crosses the River Liza before reaching YHA Ennerdale, a welcome stop for rest.

Key Features: Honister Pass, Greenup Edge, Far Easedale, Helm Crag (optional)

The trail continues 6km up the valley to the remote YHA Black Sail hostel (seasonal refreshments). From here, a steep climb up Loft Beck reveals views of Great Gable and Buttermere before descending along Moses Trod to the Honister Pass road. The Honister Slate Mine visitor center offers a café and facilities. The route then winds through Borrowdale’s ancient woodland beside the River Derwent, passing Longthwaite YHA and reaching Rosthwaite with its pubs, hotel, and local store.

From Rosthwaite, follow the Cumbria Way through lush meadows and farmland to Stonethwaite, home to the Langstrath Country Inn. The path climbs beside Greenup Gill, becoming rocky before the steep ascent to Greenup Edge (620m), rewarding walkers with expansive Borrowdale views. The trail then descends Far Easedale valley towards Grasmere, where a short detour leads to numerous cafés, shops, and accommodation—including the famous Gingerbread Shop—in the village closely tied to Wordsworth.

Key Features: Grisedale Pass, Grisedale Tarn, Brothers Water view

Despite being the shortest stage, this section includes substantial climbing and varying route options. From Grasmere, take the path past the Youth Hostel and begin climbing toward Great Tongue. The ascent continues steadily to Grisedale Tarn (538m), a stunning mountain lake nestled between Fairfield and Seat Sandal. Here, adventurous walkers have three options: the main route continues directly down Grisedale Valley; a high-level alternative climbs St Sunday Crag (841m); or the challenging route ascends Helvellyn (950m), England's third-highest peak. The main valley route provides the easiest passage, following Grisedale Beck down beautiful Grisedale Valley with views of the imposing eastern face of Fairfield. Reaching Patterdale and neighboring Glenridding offers access to Ullswater Lake. These twin villages provide good services, including a well-stocked store, hotels, and guesthouses. The area around Brotherswater on the approach offers excellent photographs of classic Lakeland scenery. Reliable water sources are available throughout, with Grisedale Beck following most of the descent route.

Key Features: Angle Tarn, Kidsty Pike, Haweswater Reservoir

This challenging stage marks the final – and highest – section of the Lake District, crossing the eastern fells before descending into the limestone landscape of Cumbria's Eden Valley. Leaving Patterdale, a sustained climb leads past beautiful Angle Tarn to The Knott and then onto Kidsty Pike (780m), the highest point of the entire Coast to Coast route. The descent to Haweswater Reservoir requires careful navigation on steep terrain. The path then follows the reservoir shoreline for approximately 6km, an occasionally undulating and rocky section with glimpses of golden eagles that nest in the area. After Burnbanks, the landscape transitions dramatically from Lakeland fells to the gentler terrain of the Eden Valley. The final approach to Shap passes prehistoric Kemp Howe stone circle and the imposing ruins of Shap Abbey before reaching the village itself, which stretches along the A6 road. Shap offers several accommodation options, a supermarket, and pubs. Water sources are plentiful until after Burnbanks, where streams become less frequent across the limestone terrain.

Key Features: Limestone pavement, Orton village, Smardale Bridge

This lengthy but less strenuous stage transitions fully from Lakeland terrain to the finish in the Yorkshire Dales. From Shap, the route crosses the M6 motorway and railway line before traversing limestone uplands characterized by expansive scenery and limestone pavements. The pretty village of Orton makes an excellent refreshment stop, known for its chocolate factory and monthly farmers' market. Beyond Orton, the route crosses Crosby Ravensworth Fell and Ravenstonedale Moor, offering vast horizons and a sense of solitude rare on the earlier stages. The scenery becomes increasingly pastoral as you descend toward Smardale Bridge, a beautiful ancient structure spanning Scandal Beck. The final approach to Kirkby Stephen passes through meadows and farmland. Kirkby Stephen itself is the largest settlement since St Bees, offering all services including banks, outdoor shops, supermarkets, and a range of accommodation. Water sources become more intermittent across this limestone terrain – carry sufficient supply between settlements. This stage showcases how the geology underpinning the landscape transforms the character of the walking experience.