Coast to Coast path England's newest national trail

The Coast to Coast path has officially become England's newest national trail.

Taking walkers from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, the 190-mile (305.7km) route starts at St Bees in Cumbria and takes in three national parks, ending at Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire.

It was first imagined in 1973 by author Alfred Wainwright, renowned for his pictorial walking guides of the Lake District's fells. After a £5.5m makeover, it has become the first completed national trail to take in the national park.

Natural England's chief executive Marian Spain said the path showcased some of northern England's "most treasured landscapes".

"Today marks the completion of four years of work to give this iconic route the status it deserves," she said.

"It will offer a new generation of walkers, wheelers and riders the chance to enjoy the route and bring new tourists to businesses along the way."

The organisation led the multi-million pound work, which included making the path more accessible and improving signage.

It said one of its challenges was working against the impacts of climate change, which had been "most extreme" in the North York Moors. The area experienced significant wildfires last year.

Natural England worked with the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), North Yorks National Park Authority and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, as well as the area's councils to deliver the project.

The LDNPA's southern ranger team leader Steve Tatlock said the work would support nature recovery and climate resilience.

He said: "These improvements help protect precious habitats and wildlife for future generations, and create safer, more sustainable paths for those who will enjoy the Lake District's dramatic scenery as they embark on their Coast to Coast journey."

About 6,000 people completed the Coast to Coast walk in 2025, according to Natural England.

Its designation as a national trail means it will also receive funding for annual maintenance.

Work carried out includes the creation of an accessible lakeside route, with new surfacing and bridges around Ennerdale Water in the Lake District.

A 3.1-mile (5km) flagstone path has also been laid to help walkers tackle Nine Standards Rigg and White Mossy Hill in the North Pennines area - one of the most remote and challenging stretches.

Natural England is marking the launch of the trail with a week of celebrations, including at Ennerdale Water in the Lakes and Reeth in North Yorkshire, where a new stone marker will be unveiled.

It is due to be installed at Keld to mark the halfway point between the North Sea and Irish Sea.

The Victoria Hotel in Robin Hood's Bay said about 40% of customers in the summer were walkers.

Business development manager Beverly Rutherford said the designation of the Coast to Coast path as a national trail could "only do good for the area".

"The Coast to Coast is getting the recognition it deserves.

"The whole village benefits [from walkers], not only are they coming without cars, which is always a good thing in small villages, but they're coming to make the most of the village and the hotel."

North Yorkshire Council's member for highways and transport Malcolm Taylor, Conservative, said he was hopeful the move would attract more walkers and tourists.

"It's vastly important. Lots of businesses, bed and breakfast places, cafes, pubs will benefit from this and at this time, any business we can generate is to be commended."

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