US Trends

where does the coast to coast start and finish

Where Does the Coast to Coast Start and Finish? The term "Coast to Coast" refers to several popular routes worldwide, but it most commonly points to the iconic Coast to Coast Walk in Northern England, created by Alfred Wainwright. This 190-mile (306 km) unofficial long-distance footpath crosses from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, drawing thousands of hikers annually for its rugged terrain through three national parks.

Most Famous: England's Coast to Coast Walk

This legendary trek begins at St Bees on the Cumbrian coast (west) and ends at Robin Hood's Bay on the Yorkshire coast (east), typically taking 12-15 days.

  • Start Point : St Bees Head – Dip your boot in the Irish Sea, pick up a pebble as tradition, and head east over cliffs and beaches.
  • Key Stages : Ennerdale, Borrowdale, Patterdale, Shap, Kirkby Stephen, Keld, Reeth, Richmond, Danby Wiske, Grosmont.
  • Finish Point : Robin Hood's Bay – Toss your pebble into the North Sea to complete the ritual.

Route Highlights :

  • Dramatic scenery: Lakes District fells, Yorkshire Dales moors, and North York Moors.
  • Elevation: Cumulative ascent around 24,000 feet, with highs like Kidsty Pike.
  • Variations: Wainwright suggested high-level alternatives; modern apps offer GPX files.

"The Coast to Coast is not a National Trail, so signage is sparse—navigation skills are essential." – Common hiker advice from forums.

Other Notable Coast to Coast Routes

Multiple events share the name, sparking forum debates on "which one?" Trending discussions (as of early 2026) often mix these with cycling races or US bikepacking.

Route| Location| Start| Finish| Distance/Type| Notes 134
---|---|---|---|---|---
Michigan C2C| USA (MI)| Pt. Au Gres Marina (Lake Huron)| Stearns Park, Ludington (Lake Michigan)| 204 miles / Bikepacking race| Checkpoints at Gladwin, Marion; preview loops available. Grueling gravel/dirt.
New Zealand C2C| South Island, NZ| Kumara Beach (Tasman Sea)| New Brighton Beach (Pacific Ocean)| ~243 km / Multi-sport race (run-bike-kayak)| Famous "Longest Day"; historic since 1977.
UK Cycling C2C| Northern England| Whitehaven or Seathwaite (west)| Sunderland or Tynemouth (east)| 140-200 miles / Bike route| Sustrans National Route 7; paved option for families.

Trending Context & Tips

Recent forum buzz (e.g., Reddit's r/hiking, bikepacking.com) highlights the English walk's popularity post-2025 reroutes due to erosion, while Michigan's ultra-race trended after 2025 event recaps praising backroad scenery. Hikers speculate safer variants amid UK weather shifts.

Preparation Essentials (numbered for sequence):

  1. Maps/GPX: Use OS Explorer 1:25k or apps like OS Maps.
  2. Timing: Spring-fall; book B&Bs early.
  3. Gear: Waterproofs, sturdy boots—rain is relentless.
  4. Alternatives: If England's too tough, try Michigan's self-supported vibe.

For the English classic, it's a transformative journey blending solitude, pub stops, and epic sunsets—hikers call it "life-changing." Specify if you mean a race or region for more details! TL;DR : England's Coast to Coast Walk starts at St Bees (west coast) and finishes at Robin Hood's Bay (east coast). Other versions exist in MI and NZ.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.