7-Day Coast to Coast Route Itinerary — Trail Runner Pace
A week-long blitz across the route for experienced endurance athletes
The Coast to Coast route in a week is a serious undertaking — 25–30 miles a day across some of England's most demanding terrain. It combines endurance, mountain skills, and mental resilience. Carry light, move fast, and experience one of the great trail running challenges in the UK.
7
Days
295 km
Total Distance
6,763m
Total Ascent
53h 30m
Total Walking Time
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Day-by-Day Route Breakdown
Day 1: St Bees → YHA Black Sail
39.3 km · 931m↑ · 647m↓ · 7h 0mA fast start from St Bees taking in the coastal cliffs, Dent Hill, and the full length of Ennerdale Water. Push through to the remote YHA Black Sail hostel deep in the Ennerdale valley — one of the most isolated spots in the Lake District.
Day 2: YHA Black Sail → Patterdale
32.7 km · 1370m↑ · 1513m↓ · 7h 6mThe most technically demanding day. Climb Loft Beck to views of Great Gable, descend via Honister into Borrowdale, then push through Grasmere and over Grisedale Hause past the glacial tarn. Serious elevation gain and loss through the heart of the Lake District — nearly 1,400m of climbing.
Day 3: Patterdale → Kirkby Stephen
55.5 km · 1347m↑ · 1332m↓ · 10h 12mThe longest day — an ultra-distance effort from the Lakes to the Dales. Summit Kidsty Pike (780m), run the Haweswater shoreline, blast through Shap, cross the limestone uplands past the Oddendale stone circle, and push all the way to Kirkby Stephen. Over 34 miles of varied terrain.
Day 4: Kirkby Stephen → Reeth
35.9 km · 983m↑ · 952m↓ · 6h 42mClimb to Nine Standards Rigg on the watershed, then run down through Swaledale. Past Ravenseat Farm, along the River Swale to Keld, then through the abandoned lead mines of Gunnerside Gill — one of the most atmospheric sections of the entire route — to finish at Reeth.
Day 5: Reeth → Danby Wiske
39.3 km · 383m↑ · 548m↓ · 6h 24mA fast, flat day — ideal for covering ground quickly. Run through Richmond, cross the Vale of Mowbray on easy terrain, and clock some serious mileage with relatively little elevation. A chance to let the legs recover from the mountain days.
Day 6: Danby Wiske → Blakey Ridge
45.9 km · 1093m↑ · 738m↓ · 8h 6mCross the Vale, enter the North York Moors and keep climbing. Tackle Beacon Hill, Carlton Moor, Cringle Moor and the Wainstones scramble in quick succession. Reach Round Hill, then follow the old ironstone railway across heather moorland to the remote Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge — the only supply point in miles.
Day 7: Blakey Ridge → Robin Hood's Bay
46.4 km · 656m↑ · 1040m↓ · 8h 0mThe final day — and there's no easing off. Cross Rosedale Head, run Glaisdale Rigg, descend to Beggar's Bridge, follow the Esk through woodland to Grosmont. Push over moorland to Littlebeck, past Falling Foss waterfall, across High Bride Stones, and along the dramatic clifftop path into Robin Hood's Bay. Dip your shoes in the North Sea — you've earned it.
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Other Coast to Coast Route Itineraries
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