Coast to Coast St. Bees to Reeth (UK)
Introduction
The Coast to Coast trail spans 294 km from West to East England. For our one week holiday we hiked the first section from St. Bees to Reeth. The trail starts at the western coast in St. Bees and goes through a diverse tapestry of landscapes, including two national parks. May proved to be an ideal time to hike, we had beautiful weather and the blossoming trees added a touch of Hobbit vibes to our journey. From coastal cliffs to the mountains of Lake District and the rolling hills of Yorkshire Dales, it was one of the most fun trails I ever hiked.
The route...
Distance: (178 km) 294 km
Duration: (6 - 9 days) 12 - 19 days
Total elevation: (6000 m) 8031 m
Fitness: Moderate
The entire Coast to Coast trail is 294 km which can be completed in 12 to 19 days. For our one week holiday we hiked the first section from St. Bees to Reeth. The section was 170 km and very diverse. The first 100km were more challenging over the mountains of Lake District while the second half was a bit easier cruising over the rolling hills of Yorkshire Dales.
My Daily Strava activities (Photos, notes and gpx-files)
Day 1: St. Bees - Lake Ennerdale (0 - 30 km)
Day 2: Lake Ennerdale - Stonetwaith (30 - 51 km)
Day 3: Stonetwaith - Lake Grisdale (51 - 72 km)
Day 4: Lake Grisdale - Hameswater reservoir (72 - 91 km)
Day 5: Hameswater reservoir - Orton (91 - 118 km)
Day 6: Orton - Nine standards summit (118 - 146 km)
Day 7: Nine standards summit - Gunnerside (146 - 168 km)
Day 8: Gunnerside - Reeth (168 - 178 km)
Navigation
I highly recommend getting the FarOut app, as it is, in my opinion, the ultimate navigation app available. While I typically search for free navigation options, this app has proven to be exceptionally convenient and worth the investment. Download the Wainwright's Coast to Coast guide for approximately 10 euro or the Wainwright's bundle for 40 euro.
Camping, Water & Resupply
🏕️ Camping While wild camping is officially not allowed, most hikers do pitch their tent in certain areas around trail. Wild camping spots are mentioned in the FarOut app. However, there are plenty of marked campsites and hotels along trail. The hiker community on the Coast to Coast is very much a thing and I found the Brits always very welcoming and nice. As the weather in the UK can be unpredictable, it's essential to be well-prepared with appropriate camping gear, including sturdy tents, sleeping bags, and waterproof clothing.
💧Water: it is recommended carrying a water filter, water sources are abundant along this section. You'll cross several towns and cabins along trail where you can fill up your bottles. A water filter can function as a backup when you run out of water. Some water sources are also indicated on FarOut.
🍪 Resupply: There are several grocery stores and bakeries along the Coast to Coast. Use the FarOut map to get more insights on the towns along trail. Here are some popular stops:
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St. Bees (Start Point): The post office and store offers a small selection of groceries. You can find eateries and cafes in St. Bees that offer meals, snacks, and drinks. However, I would recommend getting your food before coming down to St. Bees.
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Ennerdale Bridge: Ennerdale offers a selection of B&Bs, camp sites and a new ca. There is no proper store for resupply.
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Grasmere: has several stores where you can find various supplies. Grasmere is a popular tourist destination, so it offers a range of amenities to cater to hikers' needs (groceries, outdoor shop...).
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Patterdale: amenities including stores where you can find necessary supplies (food, gear...)
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Shap: offers a variety of shops and dining options. The fish and chips is supposed to be the second best in the UK!
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Kirkby Stephen: plenty of options in Kirkby (groceries, pubs...)
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Reeth: cozy, touristy town with fresh bakeries, pubs, grocery store and more.
How to get there?
St. Bees:
🚗 By car: Getting to St. Bees by car is a convenient option. There are roads leading to the village, and you can park your car in designated areas near the starting point of the Coast to Coast path. Be sure to check for any parking regulations or restrictions in the area.
🚆🚌 By train and bus: If you prefer public transportation, you can take a train to St. Bees from Carlisle or Lancaster. It's advisable to reserve a train seat in advance and plan your journey accordingly. Keep in mind you can get discounts with a UK railcard.
✈️ By plane: The closest airports to St. Bees are likely Manchester Airport and Newcastle International Airport. From either airport, you can take a train or bus to reach St. Bees.
Grasmere:
🚗 By car: Grasmere is easily accessible by car, with well-maintained roads leading to the village. There are parking facilities available in and around Grasmere, although it's advisable to check for parking regulations and any charges that may apply.
🚆🚌 By train and bus: The nearest train station to Grasmere is Windermere, which is well-connected to major cities in the UK. There are regular bus services that run between Windermere and Grasmere.
Shap:
🚗 By car: Shap can be reached by car via the A6 road, which runs through the village. There are parking options available in Shap, such as public parking lots or designated areas near accommodations or shops.
🚆🚌 By train and bus: The nearest train station to Shap is Penrith, which is well-connected to major cities in the UK. From Penrith, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Shap.
Reeth:
🚗 By car: Reeth can be easily accessed by car, with well-connected roads leading to the village. There are parking facilities available in and around Reeth, including public parking lots or designated areas near accommodations or shops. It's advisable to check for parking regulations and any charges that may apply.
🚆🚌 By train and bus: The nearest train station to Reeth is Darlington, which is well-connected to major cities in the UK. There are regular bus services that operate between Darlington and Richmond (several times a day) and Richmond to Reeth (two times a day).
Coast to Coast - Day 1
Coast to coast - Day 2
Coast to coast - Day 3
Stonetwaith - Lake Grisdale
Coast to Coast - Day 4
Grisdale lake - Hameswater reservoir
Coast to Coast - Day 5
Hameswater reservoir - Orton
Coast to Coast - Day 6
Orton - Nine standards summit
Coast to Coast - Day 7
Nine standards summit - Gunnerside
Coast to Coast - Day 8
Gunnerside - Reeth