Are you dreaming of conquering the iconic Coast to Coast hike? You're in good company! This trail is a renowned global adventure route that beckons hikers from all corners of the world. It certainly involves some planning and physical readiness but fear not. We're making your dream hike more achievable with our guide. It's designed to empower you, helping you steadily build your strength and confidence. Plus, we've segmented the trail into varying challenge levels ranging from moderate to strenuous. This flexibility allows you to choose the optimal distance for your daily hike, tuned to match your comfort, fitness level, and interest. So, are you ready to take that exhilarating step towards accomplishing this trail? We're with you every step of the way!

These are the rewards of going up, rather than going around

This guide will walk you through what to expect, how fit you need to be, and how to prepare for your Coast to Coast hiking vacation. So, you can tackle this epic trail with confidence.  

What is the Coast to Coast Walk?   

The Coast to Coast walk is one of the UK’s most famous long-distance trails. Spanning approximately 192 miles, it stretches from St Bees on the west coast of England to Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast. Mapped by Alfred Wainwright, it takes you through three stunning national parks— The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors.   

But this isn’t just a hike- it’s an adventure that blends unique landscapes, cultural landmarks, rolling hills, and sleepy villages. It typically takes 12-16 days to complete, depending on your pace and which itinerary you choose. For example, you could head to the Lake District’s dramatic scenery in the west or opt for the peaceful Robin Hood Bay in the east.  

What Type of Hiker is it Best Suited For?   

While you don’t need to be a seasoned trekker to take on this route, the Coast to Coast route can be demanding. It’s ideal for hikers with a moderate to high level of fitness who are comfortable covering 12-20 miles a day across varied terrain. It’s also perfect for solo travelers looking for a peaceful yet challenging escape or adventure seekers eager to tick off an iconic route.   

What Terrain to Expect on the Coast to Coast   

One of the Coast to Coast’s biggest draws is its natural diversity. Expect to encounter a mix of magical landscapes, such as: 

Steep ascents & descents: Discover the excitement of rugged mountain trails, especially in the stunning Lake District. Each day, you'll tackle an average ascent of around 2,200 feet—though this may vary depending on the specific route you choose. To put it in perspective, this is roughly half the elevation gain of the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc in the Alps. 

Mellow rolling hills: A common feature in the Yorkshire Dales and a great spot for a tea break.   

Woodland trails and moorlands: Especially as you approach the North York Moors National Park.   

Coastal hikes: A stunning finale at Robin Hood’s Bay awaits you.   

Streams & waterfalls: Use stepping stones to cross streams and be sure-footed when hiking through waterfalls. 

Pro tip: Be prepared for mud —it’s as much a feature of this trail as well as the views.

How Hard is the Coast to Coast Walk?   

The difficulty depends largely on your fitness level and preparation. Things to consider before choosing which route meets your hiking ability, include: 

Distance: if you’re choosing to do the full trail in one fell swoop, you’ll need to cover up to 192 miles over the course of 14-18 days, so stamina is key. Be sure to check your vacation itinerary, as this will indicate the miles covered each day – helping you prepare for what’s in store. 

However, you can split the route into stages and tackle it sections at a time. 

Elevation: The Coast to Coast is known for some of the best viewing points in the UK. The Lake District leg, in particular, will challenge your cardio with climbs like Kidsty Pike – but the elation when you reach the top is totally worth it! For the following stages: Ennerdale to Rosthwaite, Rosthwaite to Grasmere, and Grasmere to Glenridding, there are low and high route options available, so you can choose the level of difficulty you want - perfect if your legs are feeling a bit achy from the day before! 

Daily mileage: Averaging 12-20 miles a day for up to two weeks means endurance is crucial. Plan your training accordingly and check our essential packing list to make sure you have everything you need to carry in your day pack. The rest of your luggage will be transferred to the next accommodation each day by our luggage transfer partners. 

If you have a good base level of fitness and prepare adequately, the Coast to Coast is achievable for most hikers—and immensely rewarding.  

How to Train for the Coast to Coast   

Proper preparation is the secret to enjoying every step of this adventure. Here’s a simple training plan, depending on how far out you are from your start date:   

6 Months to Go   

• Start hiking regularly: Begin with 5–6-mile flat walks 3-4 times a week. This builds your endurance gradually.  
• Invest in the right gear: Test your hiking boots, waterproof jacket, and day pack to ensure comfort.  
• Don’t forget the joints: With lots of ascents comes just as many descents which can put a lot of strain on your knee and hip joints. Incorporate daily exercises like hip bridges, toe raises and lunges into your routine to help strengthen these areas and reduce the risk of pain.
• Mix up your workouts: Complement our hiking with cardio activities such as biking or swimming to enhance your overall cardiovascular fitness. 

3 Months to Go   

• Increase mileage: Start hiking longer distances, with some weekend hikes reaching 10-12 miles.  
• Add elevation: Find some hills or trails near you to train on uneven terrain.  
• Back-to-back walks: Practice hiking two days in a row to mimic the physical demands of the Coast to Coast.   

1 Month to Go  

• Ramp it up: Complete at least one 15–18-mile day hike to test your fitness.  
• Load up: Practice carrying a day pack with everything you’ll take on the hike. 
• Tune into your body: Stretch regularly and address any niggling aches or pains.  
• Start gathering snacks: Test your nutrition plan during long walks to ensure your energy levels stay up.  

Nutritional Advice for Endurance Walks   

Fueling your body properly is just as important as physical training. Here’s how to keep your energy levels high on the Coast to Coast trail: 

Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and consider adding electrolyte tabs to prevent cramping.   

Carbs for energy: Pack easy-to-eat snacks like trail mix, granola bars, or dried fruit to keep you going.   

Recovery essentials: Protein-rich snacks like nuts, jerky, or cheese cubes help your muscles recover.   

Reward yourself: End your day with a hearty meal to restore energy reserves.   

Check out our Best Hiking Snacks & Trail Nutrition article for more inspiration >

You're allowed a rest when you get to the top!

Top Tips for Completing the Coast to Coast   

1. Break in your gear well in advance and test them in all weather —blisters are not your friend.  
2. Bring waterproofs even if the forecast looks clear. British weather is famously unpredictable!  
3. Know your limits, and don’t shy away from shortening a day’s hike or taking a rest day if needed. Our adventure specialists can help you with this when you book.
4. Use the Macs navigation app —while the path is well-trodden, some sections can be tricky to follow.

Are You Ready? 

The Coast to Coast hike is an impressive accomplishment, and with proper preparation, it can be the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you’re chasing the challenge, seeking solace in nature, or exploring the great outdoors with like-minded adventurers, this trail offers something for everyone.   

Need a helping hand planning your trip? At Macs Adventure, we’re here to make your Coast to Coast hike as seamless and enjoyable as possible. From expertly crafted itineraries to luggage transfers and 24/7 on-trip support, we’ve got your back. Reach out today to start planning your Coast to Coast adventure and take the first step toward ticking off this iconic trail.