Wainwright's Coast-to-Coast

The Coast-to-Coast is Britain's most challenging and popular long-distance path; and it passes right round Rosedale Head above the village of Rosedale Abbey.

Initiated by Alfred Wainwright and traversing the most scenic parts of Cumbria, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, the 200-mile route has, however, no official National Trail status.

But it has widespread appeal to Walkers because the route encompasses three National Parks; and the challenge of England's highest peaks and remotest wild places.

Along the way, walkers will also see ancient sites, stone circles, castles, ruined abbeys, historic pubs, quaint tearooms, steam locomotives, grouse-filled moors, waterfalls, rare wildlife, and picturesque villages.

The Coast-to-Coast does what it says on the tin - it crossses England from St Bee's Head in the West to Robin Hood's Bay in the East.

The walk can be done in either direction; but most walkers start at the Irish Sea and end at Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea Coast.

That way, you'll have the prevailing Westerly winds at your back on most days.

Accommodation along the route includes B&Bs, hotels, self-catering, youth hostels, farm barns and bunkhouses, and camping.

There is also a baggage-forwarding service available to carry larger luggage to the next destination; leaving walkers with just a light daypack to carry each day.

And fully guided walks are also available (for a price).

A medium-paced, self-guided itinerary - averaging 15-miles per day - will require about a fortnight for an end-to-end walk.

A rest day is recommended for recovery about halfway along the route.

Make no mistake, the Coast-to-Coast is a tough walk!

The ascents and descents alone are the cumulatively equivalent to the height of Mount Everest.

And it is particularly hard in the early and most difficult sections of the walk in the Lakeland Mountains, where blisters and a heavy pack can take their toll.

Walkers can also face inclement weather which can make life miserable.

But if you are up for the challenge, the Coast-to-Coast is a fantastic walk.