England Coast to Coast Hiking Tour

Arrive in Penrith on the edge of the Lake District, where you'll meet your guides and fellow travelers at the train station. Transfer to your luxury hotel in the western Lake District and settle into your accommodation for the next two days. Before dinner, your guides will deliver a welcome brief to talk through the adventure ahead.

Start your journey near St Bees Head on the shores of the Irish Sea. Follow paths from the sandy shore up to the red sandstone cliffs, before turning inland through scenic fields and tranquil country lanes. Stop for a pub lunch at Cleator and prepare to tackle the first hill of the trip, walking up and over the bald crown of Dent (1,154'). Enjoy spectacular views of the hilly Lake District and end the day's hike at Nannycatch Beck, overlooking the Ennerdale valley. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Head back to Ennerdale Water, where today's picturesque hike begins. Set off on a lakeside trail to Ennerdale Forest, gradually ascending up the valley and into the heart of the hills. Arrive at Black Sail Hut, a remote youth hostel, for a picnic lunch. From the hut, the trail climbs steeply up alongside Loft Beck stream. It's a short but tough ascent that's rewarded with epic views back down to Ennerdale. Descend to Honister Slate Mine and transfer to your luxurious lakeside hotel in the gorgeous village of Glenridding.

Explore the heart of the Lake District National Park, starting from the home of one of England's most revered poets, William Wordsworth. Visit Dove Cottage to learn about Wordsworth's life and love of the Lakes before taking to the hills. Hike a high pass up and over Grisedale Hause, then down into craggy Grisedale Valley. Enjoy superb views of Ullswater on the final stretch of the hike which ends at the door of your hotel in Glenridding. Take the opportunity to browse the local village shops, or grab a pint of ale at the hiker's bar.

After breakfast, set off for the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, known for its rolling flower-filled meadows and miles of traditional stone walls. Stop for lunch in the little village of Orton and visit a family-run village chocolate shop. Then continue hiking east across the moors before descending to the charming village of Ravenstonedale, your base for the next two nights.

Today you'll cross the spine of England and reach the halfway point of the trip! Set out on foot from Ravenstonedale to the market town of Kirkby Stephen, crossing fields and stiles along the way. After lunch, transfer across the Pennine Hills to the pretty hamlet of Keld. From here, you'll continue to Swaledale Valley, one of the most picturesque areas of the Yorkshire Dales, and follow a winding river fringed by wildflowers. Enjoy a traditional cream tea in the village of Muker before transferring back to Ravestonedale via the infamous Buttertubs Pass.

Rise for a journey across the Vale of Mowbray to North Yorks Moors National Park, famous for its windswept heather-clad moorland. Traverse several low hilltops, ascending and descending along a stage whimsically known as the 'rollercoaster.' Then follow a historic railway track through the wild landscapes of the moor to Blakey Ridge. Reward your efforts with a drink at the Lion Inn, a 16th-century tavern located at the highest point on the Yorkshire Moors. Return to your hotel in the village of Goathland.

Beginning from a high point on Blakey Ridge, set out across the moor and descend into the wonderfully - named dale of Great Fryup. Head for the village of Glaisdale and Beggar's Bridge, which was built in 1619. At Grosmont, jump aboard a heritage steam railway and enjoy a short ride through beautiful scenery to Goathland Station, which has featured in many TV shows and films including Harry Potter. After the ride, walk up through the pretty village directly back to your hotel. Enjoy an evening at your leisure.

Your last hike starts at Littlebeck, where gorgeous woodland trails lead to the waterfall of Falling Foss. From here, strike out for the coast — just a few miles away — and follow a trail above beautiful cliffs with sweeping sea views. Reach the delightful village of Robin Hood's Bay and hike down to the water's edge, where you can dip your toes in the North Sea. Celebrate your coast to coast hike with a drink at the Bay Hotel Bar and enjoy a fun farewell meal tonight.

After a relaxed final breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to Robin Hood's Bay and transfer to the railway station in York where the trip ends.