A major transformation is under way on one of Britain's most beloved long-distance walks, securing its future for decades to come. The iconic Coast to Coast path, conceived by legendary fell-walker Alfred Wainwright, is receiving a comprehensive upgrade after being officially designated a National Trail.
From Wainwright's Vision to National Trail Status
The route, which stretches for more than 190 miles from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire, was first sketched out by Wainwright over half a century ago. It traverses the stunning landscapes of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors national parks. Despite its immense popularity, with an estimated 6,000 people completing it annually and contributing around £7 million to local economies, it previously lacked formal status and consistent maintenance.
This changed following a campaign supported by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose Richmond constituency encompasses the central section of the path. In 2022, Natural England announced a £5.6 million project to formally establish the route as a National Trail, with work scheduled for completion in early 2026.
Tangible Improvements Along the Route
The upgrade programme involves a host of practical improvements designed to benefit walkers and protect the environment. Key works include resolving legal land access issues, repairing and upgrading paths and bridges, and installing clear signposting featuring the distinctive National Trail acorn symbol. Dedicated trail officers have also been appointed for ongoing management.
On the ground, walkers are already noticing the difference. In the Yorkshire Dales, sections of notoriously boggy path, such as the approach to White Mossy Hill, have been stabilised using reclaimed flagstones from local mills. "It protects that fragile environment as well as making navigation easier," explained one local B&B owner. On Nine Standards Rigg, new stepping stones protect precious peatland and keep boots dry.
In the Lake District, while the sense of wildness on the fells is deliberately preserved, new footbridges along valleys like Nannycatch now bear subtle Coast to Coast markers. Essential repairs have also been made to trails around Ennerdale Water and Honister Pass.
A Legacy for Future Generations
The benefits extend beyond long-distance hikers. In the North York Moors, improvements like replacing stiles with gates will aid local residents as well. One of the most charming examples is in Little Beck Wood, where volunteers have laid stone paths to replace slippery boardwalks, creating a safer, more accessible experience for families visiting the Falling Foss waterfall.
For Angela Hobson, Yorkshire Dales Coast to Coast project manager, the project is about permanent stewardship. She recalls telling her daughter on White Mossy Hill, "'You'll be able to walk over this with your children, and they'll be able to walk over it with their grandchildren. And I helped build it.'"
The project ensures that Wainwright's magnificent creation, a journey through the grandest territory in northern England, will be preserved, protected, and enjoyed for generations to come.
