Trip Overview

Within a small group of fellow hikers, you will hike the “Coast to Coast Trail” across England and as it guides you to three National Parks: the Lakes, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North Yorks Moors. Meet with the first female winner of the TV show “One Man and His Dog” and learn about sheepdogs and shepherding and enjoy some local specialties – chocolate, tea, and scones – along the way!

Our group will experience 46 miles of the rolling hills, pastures, and stone fences of England’s Coast to Coast trail, connecting the east to the west coasts on our journey. Meet your fellow AdventureWomen travelers in St Bee’s where you will take your first dip of your toes into the sea to start the adventure.  Dinner will set the stage for what you can expect during your time hiking. You are accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure.

Lake District to Yorkshire Dales

The Lake District is a beautiful expanse in the northwest portion of England. With diverse landscapes of mountain peaks and glacial lakes, the Lake District is England’s largest and most well-known national park.’

Shepherding, which dates back almost 5,000 years, is one of the world’s oldest occupations and has continued to play an important role in the maintenance of flocks of sheep. The BBC TV Show “One Man and His Dog” followed sheepdog trials, where different breeds compete in the techniques of herding sheep. The show was incredibly popular and aired for 25 seasons!

Yorkshire Dales National Park is a collection of valleys, moors, hills, and villages in central England. You can see mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, and verdant dales throughout this beautiful stretch of countryside.

North York’s Moors to Robin Hood’s bay

The Helmsley Walled Garden sits on five acres of land beneath the towering ruins of the historic castle of the same name. The garden produces many different kinds of fruits, vegetables, and, of course, flowers. With a focus on the therapeutic effects of nature, the garden is staffed by many volunteers who share their passion for therapeutic horticulture with their visitors.

The third national park you will hike on your trip is the North Yorks Moors National Park. This area is home to one of the largest swaths of moorland heather in the United Kingdom, as nearly a third of the park is covered in this moorland.

Robin Hood’s Bay is a small fishing village along the western coast of England within North Yorks Moors National Park. Tucked away among the coastal cliffs, the village captures the charm of local pubs and cafes and the breathtaking beauty of dramatic seaside landscapes.

Main Attractions

  • Hike coast to coast across England as you take on the famous trail in stages
  • Visit and hike in three National Parks: the Lakes, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North Yorks Moors
  • Meet with the first female winner of the TV show "One Man and His Dog" and learn about sheepdogs and shepherding
  • Enjoy some local specialties - chocolate, tea, and scones - along the way!

What You'll See and Do

  • Hiking
  • Historical Sites
  • Local Delicacies
  • National Parks
  • Women-To-Women Exchanges
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in England

Arrive at Penrith (North Lakes) railway station in Penrith, UK by 12:00 PM today. You will be met at the Penrith Station by your guide and transferred to St. Bees.

Upon arriving in St. Bees, you will take part in a hiker’s tradition of dipping your toes into the sea to start off your adventure. Take a short hike along the beach and up onto the cliffs which form St. Bees Head, the most westerly point of the trail.

After your coastal walk, drive for an hour to your hotel where you’ll check-in before dinner. Enjoy a lively welcome dinner as you get to know your fellow travelers this evening. Hear about why each woman is excited to hike England from coast to coast.

Today’s total hiking will be 4-5 miles, 3 hours, and 500 feet of elevation gain

Dinner 

Overnight: Borrowdale Hotel 

Day 2

Arrive in England

After a short transfer to join the Coast to Coast trail, you set off on the most challenging hiking day of the trip, as you start off with a tough 1,300-foot ascent up to a broad ridge. You’ll follow Littledale Edge upwards for almost 200 more feet until you reach the peak of Dale Head at just under 2,500 feet. Enjoy a bagged lunch today along the trail.

From here, you will start your descent of 2,300 feet into Borrowdale valley and back to your hotel.

Enjoy dinner with the group at your hotel tonight.

Today’s total hiking will be 6 miles, 5-6 hours, and 2,500 feet of elevation gain and 2,900 feet of elevation descent

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Overnight: Borrowdale Hotel 

Day 3

Lake District to Yorkshire Dales

This morning, you will start off with a short walk from the hotel to Derwent Water, where you will board a small boat bound for the town of Keswick. After disembarking, transfer out of the Lake District and travel toward the town of Orton in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Later this morning, meet Katy Cropper, a local shepherdess who was the first female to win the competition on the popular television series “One Man and His Dog.” Katy will tell you about her passion for working with dogs and demonstrate some of the techniques she uses with her dogs as a shepherdess.

Stop in a local chocolate shop where you will have a chance to buy and nibble on some tasty treats before enjoying lunch at a local cafe.  Then start hiking across the moors until arriving at your hotel in Ravenstonedale.

Enjoy dinner with the group tonight at your hotel.

Today’s total hiking will be 9 miles, 5-6 hours, and 700 feet of elevation gain and descent

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Overnight: The Black Swan Ravenstonedale

Day 4

Yorkshire Dales

After a short transfer this morning to the charming hamlet of Ravenseat, you will begin today’s hike which takes you through Swaledale. This portion of the hike was the favorite stage of Alfred Wainwright, who created the Coast to Coast route. Enjoy a bagged lunch as you pass through classic scenery of fields bound by stone walls and flower meadows full of sheep.

Stop in for a quick visit to a local tearoom where you will enjoy a classic English tea and scone before driving back to Ravenstonedale.

Take some time tonight to enjoy dinner on your own in the hotel dining room or bar, or head out to the other village pub in the area.

Today’s total hiking will be 9 miles, 5-6 hours, and 700 feet of elevation gain and 1,300 feet of elevation descent

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: The Black Swan Ravenstonedale

Day 5

Yorkshire Dales to North Yorks Moors

Drive for about an hour and a half toward North Yorks Moors National Park after breakfast today. Here, you will start at the top of Sneck Yate Bank and follow a gorgeous trail along the escarpment towards Sutton Bank and what author James Herriott described as “England’s finest view.” Continue on the trail until you reach the “White Horse of Kilburn,” which is a large carving in the hillside that is visible for miles around. A bagged lunch will be provided to eat during your hike today.

Later this afternoon, meet with June Tainish, who is the Garden Manager at Helmsley Walled Garden. Originally built to supply fruits and vegetables to the Duncombe Park Estate, the Garden was left to dereliction after the war until 1994 when Alison Ticehurst, a local nurse, saw its potential for therapeutic horticulture. With her background in garden design, June will discuss the ethos behind the garden and explain how it enables volunteers to benefit from learning about horticulture. Try your hand at some gardening under June’s encouraging eye!

Enjoy dinner with the group tonight at your hotel.

Today’s total hiking will be 5-6 miles, 3-4 hours, and 500 feet of elevation gain and 700 feet of elevation descent

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: The Black Swan Helmsley

Day 6

North Yorks Moors

Start your hike today after a 30-minute drive to Clay Bank. This is a memorable, high-level traverse of the North Yorks Moors, and the trailhead is already at elevation. After a short ascent onto the wild moors, travel across several low hilltops, ascending and descending along a section that is whimsically known as the “rollercoaster.” During your hike, you will enjoy a bagged lunch, which ends at the famous Lion Inn, located at the highest point on the North Yorks Moors. Here, enjoy a drink to toast the end of the day before taking a quick drive back to Helmsley.

Enjoy dinner on your own tonight in one of the many local restaurants in town.

Today’s total hiking will be 8 miles, 4-5 hours, and 800 feet of elevation gain and 400 feet of elevation descent

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: The Black Swan Helmsley

Day 7

North Yorks Moors to North Yorkshire Coast

Drive to Littlebeck this morning to start the day’s hike to the coast. Pass the waterfall of Falling Foss and continue hiking eastward toward the coast.
After cresting a low ridge, you’ll get the first views of the waters of the North Sea. Enjoy a bagged lunch during your hike today. The last few miles follow a spectacular path above the shoreline, which leads directly into the tiny harbor of Robin Hood’s Bay where your hike ends! Just as you did at the start of your journey, dip your toe into the sea to mark your achievement. Then head to a local inn for a celebratory drink.

Spend tonight’s farewell dinner celebrating all the incredible sights and amazing hiking you experienced as you made your way from one coast of England to another.

Today’s total hiking will be 11-12 miles, 6-7 hours, and 500 feet of elevation gain and 800 feet of elevation descent

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Victoria Hotel

Day 8

Depart England

After breakfast this morning, begin the 2-hour drive to York where you can get a train to Manchester or Edinburgh for your flights home.

Breakfast

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Traveling to England



Arrival and Departure Information

June 5, 2023 Departure

Arrive: Arrive at Penrith (North Lakes) railway station in Penrith, UK on June 5, 2023 before 12:00PM.

Depart: Depart Manchester, England (MAN), or Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI) on June 12, 2023 after 6:00PM.

August 7, 2023 Departure

Arrive: Arrive at Penrith (North Lakes) railway station in Penrith, UK on August 7, 2023 before 12:00PM.

Depart: Depart Manchester, England (MAN), or Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI) on August 14, 2023 after 6:00PM.

 

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are a personal decision and are at your own discretion based on your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Gratuities are dependent upon the number of guests on your departure, and they vary greatly from trip to trip. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests you plan for 100-250 GBP (or more) worth of gratuities for this adventure. Specific tipping recommendations for your trip will be provided to you closer to your departure date and may fluctuate due to inflation, exchange rates, and the number of travelers on your trip. 

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

Activity Level

We rate this trip as High Energy. Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, or skiing. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission) to make the most of your adventure. With this itinerary in mind, we have a partnership with Trailblazer Wellness, a woman-owned, women-run company that will design an individualized fitness plan just for you! Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 10% discount with the code AVW. Learn more on the Trailblazer Wellness website.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic, as they may have recommendations for vaccines and medications based on the destination as well as your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about England.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $800, and is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplemental Release for COVID

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

June 5, 2023 Departure Final Payment Due Date: March 7, 2023

August 7, 2023 Departure Final Payment Due Date: May 9, 2023

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • Drinking water to refill personal bottles
  • Gratuities for hotel staff, luggage porters, and waitstaff

Not Included

  • International airfare to/from the United Kingdom
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Optional activities
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Accommodations

Borrowdale Hotel

The Borrowdale Hotel is nestled in Borrowdale Valley and is one of the first coaching inns that began taking guests in the mid 1800's. Enjoy the warm and comfortable atmosphere after a day of hiking in the Lake District.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, WiFi

The Black Swan - Ravenstonedale

Located right between the Lake District and the North Yorkshire Moors, The Black Swan is a family-run property that dates back to the 1800s but has been refurbished to add a touch of the modern to the traditional.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, hair dryer, WiFi

Black Swan - Helmsley

The Black Swan dates back to the 15th century. With an Elizabethan building on one end, a Tudor one to the other, and a Georgian House in the middle, the Black Swan is wonderfully higgledly-piggledy, with bags of character.

Amenities:Freeview television with radio channels, Free WiFi, Tea and coffee making facilities, Complimentary sleep kit, Iron and ironing board, Hairdryer

Victoria Hotel

With stunning views of the North Yorkshire Coast, the Victoria Hotel offers the perfect base to explore the North York Moors National Park and the coastline.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, WiFi

 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary