Members of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors National Park Authorities gathered in Kirkby Stephen to celebrate the transformation of the iconic Coast to Coast Path into a fully recognised National Trail, following a £5.6 million investment by Natural England
The upgrade ensures the route will benefit from improved infrastructure, ongoing funding and enhanced support, safeguarding its future for generations to come.
Stretching from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire, the Coast to Coast Path is one of England’s most celebrated long-distance trails. Each year, more than 6,000 walkers complete the route, generating an estimated £7 million for local economies across Cumbria and North Yorkshire. From accommodation providers and pubs to shops and transport services, communities along the trail will continue to enjoy significant economic benefits as visitors are drawn to experience this upgraded world-class walking adventure.
Benefits or becoming a National Trail include:
- the path being made more accessible, with improvements possibly including the removal of stiles and using accessible gates where possible;
- high-quality signage, waymarking, path surfaces and infrastructure;
- developing circular paths and link routes;
- working with local businesses to ensure they are aware of the economic opportunities; and
- a long-term commitment to funding to help local authorities maintain the path.
Upgrades to the path have been made over the last three years.
Cllr George Jabbour, Chair of North Yorkshire Council and Member of the North York Moors National Park Authority recently completed the Coast to Coast Path and said:
“Spending time in nature is proven to boost mental health, reduce stress, and improve physical fitness.
The Coast to Coast Path offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in some of England’s most spectacular landscapes. Walking through these landscapes is more than a journey, it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, discover local heritage, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing one of the world’s great trails”.
Will Clark, Vice Chair of Lake District National Park Authority Rights of Way Committee and Member of Westmorland and Furness Council said:
“Such is the enduring popularity of the route, much of the activity associated with becoming a National Trail has ensured the route can cope with the levels of footfall.
Targeted areas of practical work have improved the walked surface and directed water away from the path, meaning soil is less likely to be lost, and fragile vegetation has the best chance of recovery.
Additionally, a proportion of the upgrade work has been directed toward ensuring some sections of the route are accessible to all types of audience, including All-Terrain-Mobility aid users, cyclists and horse-riders”.
Derek Twine, Chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said:
“As the Coast to Coast Path becomes a National Trail, the three National Parks are committed to working together to maximise its benefits for residents, visitors, and businesses. This upgrade is not just about a path, it’s about supporting rural economies, promoting sustainable tourism, and inspiring people to enjoy the outdoors”.
The Coast to Coast walk was published in Alfred Wainwright’s 1973 guidebook. It passes through the upland landscapes of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors national parks and lowland countryside of the West Cumbrian Coastal Plain and Vale of Mowbray, before finishing on the Yorkshire Coast.
Walkers usually complete the route over two weeks. It is challenging, but is broken into 12 stages, each ending at a settlement with overnight accommodation. In 2004, the route was voted the second best long-distance walk in the world by writers of walking guides.
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