Top 5 Coast to Coast Walks: Explore the Best of Britain
By Mark Wright
For those seeking a true long-distance adventure, nothing compares to the challenge and beauty of a coast to coast walk. From the rugged Highlands of Scotland to the rolling hills of Devon, these five iconic routes cross some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in the country, each offering its own unique mix of history, scenery, and natural beauty.
Whether you’re looking to traverse the wild and windswept expanse of the Two Moors Way in Devon or follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers along Hadrian’s Wall, each walk promises a distinctive journey. The Great Glen Way, with its tranquil lochs and ancient woodlands, offers a gentle introduction to the Highlands, while the John Muir Way provides a perfect blend of countryside, coastal paths, and urban exploration in central Scotland. And of course, Alfred Wainwright’s legendary Coast to Coast Path offers the ultimate cross-section of northern England’s finest landscapes, from the majestic peaks of the Lake District to the dramatic heather-clad uplands of the North York Moors.
These trails do more than take you from one point to another – they lead you through the best of Britain, with each step revealing something new about the country’s rich history, diverse ecosystems, and stunning landscapes. So, whether you’re an experienced walker or new to long-distance hiking, there’s a coast to coast adventure waiting for you.
The Great Glen Way: Discovering the Highlands’ Magnificent Landscapes
Our coast to coast journey begins in the Scottish Highlands, where the Great Glen Way carves a path through some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery. This 73 mile route follows the deep geological fault line of the Great Glen, linking the Atlantic west coast at Fort William with the North Sea at Inverness. Along the way, it weaves through a landscape shaped by both nature and history – where towering mountains meet tranquil lochs, and ancient forests conceal stories of the past.
Starting in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the route follows the historic Caledonian Canal, passing the remarkable Neptune’s Staircase – an impressive series of lock gates built by Thomas Telford in the early 19th century. From here, the journey unfolds along the lochs that define the Great Glen: the vast and brooding Loch Lochy, the peaceful waters of Loch Oich, and finally, the legendary Loch Ness, where myths and landscapes collide. The final miles wind through the ancient woodlands of Abriachan before reaching the River Ness and the proud spires of Inverness Castle.
Despite its dramatic setting, the Great Glen Way is a relatively gentle introduction to long-distance walking in the Highlands. Well-waymarked paths, canal towpaths, and forest trails make for a comfortable walk, yet the sense of journey is profound. The further you travel, the deeper the connection to the land becomes – whether in the shifting reflections on the lochs, the quiet companionship of wildlife darting through the trees, or the distant silhouette of a castle standing guard over the water.
For those seeking a coast to coast adventure rich in history, folklore, and ever-changing scenery, the Great Glen Way offers a rewarding first step into the wild beauty of Scotland.
The John Muir Way: Walking in the Footsteps of a Conservation Icon
From the western seaboard of Scotland to its rugged eastern coastline, the John Muir Way offers a rich and varied journey through the heart of the country. Named after the pioneering naturalist John Muir, this 135 mile coast to coast route links Helensburgh on the Firth of Clyde with Dunbar, his birthplace, on the North Sea. Along the way, it meanders through rolling farmland, quiet woodlands, grand country estates, and Scotland’s historic capital, before reaching the windswept shores of East Lothian.
This is a walk that celebrates contrasts. It begins with views over Loch Lomond, where the Highlands meet the Lowlands, before winding beneath the dramatic ridgeline of the Campsie Fells. Echoes of Scotland’s past appear at every turn, from remnants of Roman forts and the Antonine Wall to stately homes and ancient castles. As the route weaves eastward, it embraces the energy of Edinburgh before emerging once more into wide open countryside, culminating in the vast golden beaches and wild salt marshes of the John Muir Country Park.
Much like the man himself, the John Muir Way is a trail that invites curiosity. It rewards those who pause to listen to birdsong in the hedgerows, spot kestrels hovering over the fields, or watch gannets diving in the waters of the Firth of Forth. The coastal cliffs of Dunbar offer a fitting finale, where the ruins of Dunbar Castle stand against the sea – a place where Muir himself once scrambled as a child, already captivated by the wild world around him.
Following this path is more than just a journey across Scotland; it’s an invitation to see the landscape through Muir’s eyes – to find beauty in the details, inspiration in the wild, and a quiet reminder of our connection to the natural world.
Hadrian’s Wall Path: Walking the Edge of an Empire
Crossing the border into England, our next coast to coast journey follows one of the most iconic landmarks in Britain – Hadrian’s Wall. Stretching 86 miles from Wallsend on the River Tyne to the Solway Firth, this National Trail shadows the course of northern Europe’s largest surviving Roman monument. Built nearly 2,000 years ago to mark the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire, the Wall still shapes the landscape today, its weathered stones whispering stories of conquest, conflict, and daily life on the empire’s edge.
The walk unfolds like a journey through time. Beginning in the bustling city of Newcastle, the route soon enters rolling Northumberland countryside, where quiet farmland gives way to the wild, undulating moors of the central section. Here, the Wall reaches its most dramatic, snaking over the rugged Whin Sill escarpment, with sweeping views stretching in every direction. Some of the best-preserved fortresses stand proudly along this stretch – Housesteads, Chesters, and Vindolanda – offering glimpses into the lives of the soldiers and settlers who once called this remote outpost home.
Beyond the heights of Northumberland, the landscape softens as the path descends into Cumbria, following green meadows and peaceful riverbanks to the shores of the Solway Firth. The Wall itself may fade, its stones repurposed over centuries into the churches and villages that dot the countryside, but its influence remains unmistakable. At journey’s end in Bowness-on-Solway, the vast salt marshes and open skies provide a fitting contrast to the urban start, a reminder of the ever-changing nature of borders – both physical and historical.
Hadrian’s Wall Path is more than a walk through history; it’s a journey across some of England’s most evocative landscapes. Whether tracing the Wall’s jagged line across the hills or standing in the remains of a Roman milecastle, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of centuries beneath your feet.
The Coast to Coast Path: A Classic Crossing of Northern England
Alfred Wainwright’s Coast to Coast walk is one of England’s most iconic and much loved long-distance trails. Spanning 193 miles from the Irish Sea at St Bees to the North Sea at Robin Hood’s Bay, this legendary route is a celebration of the country’s most diverse and dramatic landscapes. First walked by Wainwright in 1972 and made famous by his handwritten guide, the Coast to Coast traverses three national parks, offering a cross-section of some of the best walking terrain in Britain.
Beginning in the Lake District, the path takes you through the heart of England’s rugged mountain country. As you follow the route through deep valleys, alongside tranquil lakes, and across wild, windswept fells, you’ll feel the timelessness of this remarkable landscape – its beauty unspoilt and its challenges ever-present. While demanding, the Lake District section is also one of the most rewarding, with towering peaks delivering stunning panoramas.
From the heights of Lakeland, the Coast to Coast descends into the limestone landscape of the Yorkshire Dales. With its iconic dry stone walls, green pastures, and gently rolling hills, the Dales offer a different kind of beauty. The route here is less rugged but equally picturesque, as it weaves through market towns like Richmond, leading you toward the moorland expanses of the North York Moors.
As the path nears its eastern end, the changing landscape mirrors the journey itself – challenging, invigorating, and ultimately, rewarding. The Coast to Coast is not just a walk, it’s an immersive experience – one that celebrates England’s natural beauty and the spirit of adventure.
The Two Moors Way: The Challenge of Devon’s Dramatic Uplands
The Two Moors Way offers a slightly different adventure, crossing the county of Devon from south to north. Spanning 117 miles from the peaceful South Devon coast at Wembury to the dramatic cliffs of Lynmouth on the North Devon coast, this remarkable trail takes you over two of England’s most iconic moorlands – Dartmoor and Exmoor – while also threading its way through the heart of rural Devon.
Beginning at Wembury Bay, the route first introduces you to Devon’s softer, pastoral side. Winding through the tranquil South Hams, the early stages offer easy miles through rolling hills and idyllic villages, setting a gentle pace before reaching the wilderness of Dartmoor.
Dartmoor is a landscape like no other – wild, untamed, and brimming with atmosphere. As you venture across its rugged terrain, the dramatic granite tors rise from the moors, and the ever-changing weather transforms the landscape with every step. Wild ponies graze among the ancient stone circles, and the silence of the moorland brings a peacefulness, but the moor’s challenges shouldn’t be underestimated – careful preparation is essential, and a compass is your best friend in this vast, open space.
After Dartmoor’s rugged tors, the Two Moors Way takes you through the quieter, unspoilt Mid Devon heartland. Here, the path is a welcombe contrast, winding through traditional villages, fertile farmland, and scattered woodlands. This middle section allows for a moment of respite, a step away from the wildness as you immerse yourself in the slower rhythm of the countryside.
Then comes Exmoor, where the landscape shifts again. With its dramatic valleys, sweeping moors, and the tumbling rivers that carve their way toward the sea, Exmoor brings its own wild charm. The final stretch leads you to Lynmouth, where the coast welcomes you with panoramic views, a perfect ending to a journey through one of the most varied and beautiful landscapes in the southwest.
From the wild open moors to the peaceful countryside and on to the dramatic sea cliffs, the Two Moors Way offers a truly unforgettable journey through the heart of Devon.
Walking a coast to coast trail is an adventure that combines stunning landscapes, rich history, and a true sense of achievement. Whether you’re crossing the wilds of Dartmoor, following ancient Roman paths, or gazing out over Scotland’s tranquil lochs, each step offers something unforgettable. Choose the right one for you and your coast to coast journey can become an experience that remains with you long after the walking is done.
Ready to take on one of these iconic walks? Let us help you plan the perfect walking holiday tailored to your needs. Get in touch today by emailing us at [email protected] or calling 017687 72335 to speak with our friendly team.