Information on accommodations can be found in various reference guides and on Internet sites dedicated to travel within England. Books and Internet sites dedicated solely to the Coast to Coast Walk (check out Coast2Coast) are also available. However, there is nothing like a first-hand recommendation, so here is a list of some of our favorite places to stay along the Coast to Coast route (prices are per person, and include full English breakfast):

Rosthwaite: Yew Tree Farm, Tel. 01768 777675 – This B&B has three generously sized rooms, all en-suite. A beautiful garden and excellent service are also standard. 18£.

Shap: The Hermitage, Tel. 01931 716671 – While not exactly in the most scenic village along the route, this B&B gets our vote for Best Ambiance and Best Room. It also gets our vote for Best Dinner and overall Best Value. Yes, it carried away all but one of the B&B Oscars. Do not miss this place. 18£.

Keld: Prospect House, Tel. 01748 886495 – More homey than a lot of the B&Bs, but that’s what we liked about it. One room is en-suite and the other two share a bath. Fresh scones as you walk through the door, and an excellent dinner after tea. Keld is very small (there are no pubs in town), but this B&B would be tops in many larger villages as well. 16£.

Reeth: The Arkleside Hotel, Tel. 01748 884200 – Takes the prize for Best Hospitality and a close second for Best Dinner. Richard and Dorothy know how to make you feel welcome and provide a clean, comfortable room. By far the best "hotel" experience along the route. 28£.

Richmond: 58 Frenchgate, Tel. 01748 823227 – The highlights at this B&B are hospitality, breakfast with a view and an extraordinary garden. Just two rooms (both en-suite), either of which is arguably the best in town. 21£.

Robin Hood’s Bay: The Victoria Hotel, Tel. 01947 880205 – The service and hospitality in the hotel and restaurant were marginal, but the seaside view and grounds make a stay here worthwhile. It will seem pricey compared to the values you have been getting along the way, but you’re just another tourist in this town. Which probably explains the service and hospitality as well. 25£.

Either of the following are essential field guides and good companions to the Ordnance Survey maps:

1. A Northern Coast-to-Coast Walk - Handbook and Accommodation Guide (A Cicerone Guide), by Terry Marsh. Updated 1997. This book also has a section on accommodations, which could come in handy if you are making reservations as you go.

2. A Coast To Coast Walk – A Pictorial Guide, by A. Wainwright. Updated 1998. The Coast to Coast Walk was Wainwright’s creation. This book was reproduced from Wainwright’s handwritten manuscript describing his first walk along this route in 1973.

This reference provides excellent information on walks throughout Great Britain, including the Coast to Coast Walk:

3. Walking in Great Britain – a Lonely Planet Walking Guide, by David Else. 1997.

This book is too big to haul around with you in the field. But it looks good on your coffee table, and it’s all you’ll have left to show your friends when your camera film gets lost with the rest of your luggage:

4. Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk, with photographs by Derry Brabbs, by A. Wainwright. Updated 1999.

Important Note: Ordnance Survey maps are essential to ensuring your health and happiness on the Coast to Coast Walk, or any other long-distance trek you may be contemplating. They are similar to the U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps, but are more detailed with respect to cultural features. Remember, the map is your friend. Do not tear, claw or crumple it if you become frustrated. Simply find a place to sit, take a deep breath and review your map carefully. It will get you home.  We recommend carrying the following two maps:

1. Ordnance Survey, Outdoor Leisure 33. Coast to Coast Walk, St. Bees to Keld. Revised 1999.

2. Ordnance Survey, Outdoor Leisure 34. Coast to Coast Walk, Keld to Robin Hood’s Bay. Revised 1999.

For your mapping and guidebook needs, check out the online Coast2Coast Bookstore.

Back to A Coast to Coast Walk Across England, Part I - The Lake District.
Back to A Coast to Coast Walk Across England, Part II - The Yorkshire Dales.

TMF, October 1999