Introduction
I’ll be honest, I’m still pinching myself after completing The Coast to Coast. This 192-mile route took me from St Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea, passing through some of England’s most stunning landscapes.
A Friendship Revisited
I undertook this walk with Nadti, whom I met on The Pennine Way (2022) two years earlier. We have hiked together a few times since that trip and this one was a chance to relive old memories and make new ones.
As we set out from St Bees, the scenery was breathtaking – rolling hills, vast expanses of green, with a day starting with rugged coastline giving me nostalgia hits from my recent LEJOG (2024) attempt.
I’d not walked much in The Lakes District before the C2C but it lived up to the reputation with its majestic mountains and serene lakes. The Yorkshire Dales followed suit, with its picturesque villages, rolling hills and tiny little styles!
 |
 |
|---|
It may not come as a surprise but I’d admit, the last section from Richmond to Robin Hood’s Bay was a bit underwhelming and given the chance to do the walk again, I’d probably turn around at Reeth and head right back to the start.
The Trail Family (The “Bubble”)
One of the highlights of this journey was the people we met along the way. We formed an instant connection with fellow hikers, who shared our passion for adventure and good company. We’d gather at pubs and share stories over dinner and cards.
These impromptu gatherings created a sense of community that I’ll always treasure. As we laughed, swapped tales, and offered words of encouragement, something special formed – a trail family. It was an experience I won’t soon forget.
A Successful Journey
Of course, no hike is without its challenges. But, this time around, I was thrilled to have completed it without major blunder or injury; it’s been my most successful hike to date!
Reflections
As I look back on the journey, I’m reminded of why I love long-distance hiking so much. It’s not just about the scenery (although that’s a close second); it’s about the people you meet along the way and the experiences you create together.