Subscribe to the BlogBest known as a fellwalker, illustrator and guidebook author, Alfred Wainwright cemented his place in British history by devising the enduring and popular Coast To Coast Walk. The walk -- published in 1973 in Wainwright's guidebook titled A Coast To Coast Walk -- continues to be followed by many adventurers to this very day.
Cutting a path from St Bees on the Irish Sea coast to Robin Hood's Bay by the North Sea, the path takes followers through three separate national parks: the Lake District National Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park and North York Moors National Park. It is a fitting tribute to a man who loved northern England and who penned the unforgettable A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells.
The Lake District Leg Of The Walk
As most followers of Wainwright's path begin in the west, St. Bees is the traditional starting off point. Upon embarking from this lovely seaside town, one passes through large swaths of the scenic Lake District. Wainwright's original plans dictated specific stages -- one per day -- and the abundance of Lake District hotels helps keep this goal reasonable. Indeed, throughout the Lake District leg of the journey, as a starting-off point one can choose from high end Lake District hotels to more modest accommodations; the choice is entirely up to the traveler.
The Yorkshire Dales Leg Of The Walk
After passing through Lakeland, followers of Wainwright's original path will make their way into the Dales. Keeping the pace is easy to do, thanks to the pleasant assortment of drinking holes and hotels along the way. During the day, walkers will enjoy moorland trails and breathtaking scenery; however, people are advised to take care due to the unceasing forces of erosion that have been chipping away at the region for centuries. Rest up in the evening in order to get refreshed for the next day's vigorous travels.
The North York Moors Leg Of The Walk
Upon traveling through the length of Yorkshire Dales, those following in Wainwright's seasoned footsteps will enter the last leg of their journey: North York Moors. Throughout this region, they will encounter and pass through the Cleveland Way and descend through Glaisdale Rigg. The long days of fresh, country air make for exceptionally sound sleep, and images of the many splendid sights along the way make their way into travellers' dreams. At the end is picturesque Robin Hood's bay, with its east coast fishing tradition and a host of North York hotels of similar scope and quality to the Lake District hotels at the start of the journey. Crisp white sheets and the sea air help to provide a fitting rest for the weary traveller.
Wainwright's enduring legacy is a love of fellwalking and a west-to-east path that offers up the very best of England's north country. It's a once in a lifetime way to see a side of the country that you otherwise never would ... and well worth every step.
By: Max Brockbank
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