Coast To Coast Walk Turns 40

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As keen walkers, we're celebrating the 40th anniversary of Alfred Wainwright’s well-known "Coast to Coast" guide book this September

The Coast to Coast crosses three National Parks and runs around the top of Rosedale Head above Rosella Cottage here in Rosedale Abbey.

The Coast to Coast from St Bee's head in the Lake District to the edge of the North York Moors National Park at Robin Hood's Bay was devised by Wainwright himself, and set out in his 1973 guidebook to the route.

Robin Hoods Bay Beach

Robin Hood's Bay Marks the Eastern End of the Coast to Coast Walk.

Alfred suggested breaking the walk into day-long stages of about 16-20 miles duration.

With one or two rest days planned along the way, this makes the walk fit perfectly into a two-week break.

Wainwright explicitly stated, however, that he did not intend people to necessarily stick to these stages or even to his route.

So by reducing each day's walk to 10 or 12 miles, the walk becomes a much easier three-week trip.

The walk is now recognised as one of the top five best long-distance walking paths in the world.

And on the 7th September, it will be honoured with the unveiling of a special plaque at Robin Hood’s Bay, in the North York Moors.

In 2012 it was announced that a new waymarker, featuring Wainwright’s AW signature, will appear on finger posts where the route crosses a public road.

Improved waymarking will be completed by the end of 2013.

A second edition of A Coast to Coast Walk was published in June 2010 by Frances Lincoln.

The book was completely revised and updated by Chris Jesty.

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