Route: From St Bees to Kirkby Stephen

Overview

This week long walking holiday offers you the chance to explore the wonderful views of the Lake District National Park from both the highest and lowest points.

Alternative routes allow the more fit, experienced and intrepid walkers to scale to greater heights than on the regular route to obtain that sense of greater achievement. The terrain is challenging but overnight stops at charming and welcoming villages more than make up for the ascents and descents.

Start your North England walking adventure on the coast of the Irish Sea at St Bees. You pass by the iconic Ennerdale and Ullswater and Grasmere Lakes amidst the glorious green fern-laced tracks and pathways as you journey onwards crossing the little streams and tributaries which help create the lakes themselves. The geology of the area also lends itself to interesting and rugged rock formations such as The Pillar and the Great Gable, weathered over thousands of years. As you descend from Grisedale Tarn admire the views of the epic Striding Edge. Wildlife abounds in the remote fields and sheltered woodlands giving you copious opportunities to take photographs of the native flower and fauna. 

Beautiful scenery is combined with chances to visit old villages and churches awash with history and local legend – St Stephens in Kirkby Stephen being one of them, as well as the town of Grasmere, home to the Romanticist poet William Wordsworth. We think that he sums up the area in words more eloquent than our own when he wrote –

‘With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony, and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things’.

Walk on this iconic pathway and we are certain you will agree.

 
Walk the Trail offers 3 itineraries along this route to cater for all levels of walker.


INCLUDED

All our holiday packages include:

  • Overnight accommodation staying at carefully selected B&Bs, Inns and Hotels
  • A detailed holiday pack
  • Luggage transfers
  • Transport from path to accommodations if necessary
  • Maps
  • Guidebook
  • Emergency support.

NOT INCLUDED

Our holiday packages do not include:

  • Transport to and from the start and end of the holiday, unless stated.  We can help you with your options.
  • Packed Lunches and Evening Meals
  • Travel Insurance
ROUTE PROFILE

Itinerary & Costs

Walk the Trail provides 2 different itineraries for the west section of the Coast to Coast. This itinerary is walking average distances each day and most walkers would choose this option.
The West section of the Coast to Coast offers the opportunity to explore the stunning Lake District in all its glory, allowing you to break the Coast to Coast walk into a shorter style break.


The Daily Itinerary

Click on a day for further information.

Day 2:
St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge
Distance: 14 miles
Day 3:
Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite
Distance: 14.5 miles
- Day 4:
Rosthwaite to Grasmere (upper route via Calf Crag)
Distance: 8.5 miles

There are two possible routes to take today. The upper route via Calf Crag is 8.5 miles, and the lower route is just under 8 miles.

- Day 5:
Grasmere to Patterdale (upper route via St Sunday Crag)
Distance: 8 miles

There are three possible routes to take today. The upper route via St Sunday Crag is just under 8 miles, the alternative upper route via Helvellyn is 10 miles, and the lower route is 8 miles.

- Day 6:
Patterdale to Bampton
Distance: 12.5 miles

Due to a lack of accommodation in Bampton, it may be necessary to accommodate you elsewhere and include transfers to and from the accommodation.

Day 7:
Bampton to Orton
Distance: 14 miles
Day 8:
Orton to Kirkby Stephen
Distance: 13.5 miles
Day 9: Depart
Kirkby Stephen
 

What's Included

  • Accommodation for the length of your holiday including the night before you start walking and the evening after your final day's walking in good quality B&Bs, Inns and small hotels. This will be en-suite wherever possible.
  • Breakfast - This may be a full cooked or continental option depending on accommodation. Evening meals can be arranged with certain accommodations for an additional charge.
  • A Personalised Holiday Pack containing maps and addresses for accommodations, pick up points and daily mileage information.
  • Luggage transfers between each accommodation. 1 bag per person up to 20 kilograms. Additional bags can be added upon request.
  • If required, path to accommodation or round river transfers (free of charge)
  • Phone line support between the hours of 0900-1900, 7 days a week for the length of your holiday.

Optional Extras

The following items are optional and can be removed to reduce the cost of your holiday.

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Important Information

Reviews

5/5 Steve Underwood, UK
Excellent, as always. | Excellent communication as always. Totally fulfilled our requirements. Accommodation, bag transfers and taxi transfers, where required, all very good.
Holiday Summary

Select:

Itinerary

7 Days / 8 Nights 12 miles daily avg


Difficulty

Rating: 3


Walkers

Number in Group: 2


What's Included
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Cost £891 per person

Based on Two people sharing a Double or Twin Room


Total Cost £1,782

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