The Coast to Coast becomes a NATIONAL TRAIL
What will a £5 million upgrade mean for the much-loved hike? Here’s everything we know…
DREAMED UP BY guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright in 1973 and today one of the most popular long-distance walks in the UK, the Coast to Coast Walk enjoys iconic status. But uniquely among our big challenge walks, it has never been ‘official’. No waymarkers, no presence on OS maps, and maintained piecemeal by different authorities, rather than having an overall custodian. Until now.
Last month, environment department Defra announced that the Coast to Coast is to get National Trail status, joining the elite stable of 16 routes which includes the Pennine Way, South West Coast Path, Offa’s Dyke Path and Hadrian’s Wall Path – as well as the ever-developing England Coast Path.
Over the next three years, Natural England and partner agencies will spend £5.6 million upgrading the path, with an official opening as a National Trail in 2025. According to Natural England, the upgrade will include:
● High quality signage, waymarking, path surfaces and infrastructure across the route
● Inclusion on mapping, including OS 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 maps
● New circular routes and link routes along the trail, connecting it to surrounding towns, villages and other established walks
● Improved accessibility, including removing stiles and adding accessible gates where possible
● 9.7 miles of new public footpath
● 9 miles of new bridleway
● 5 miles of realignment of existing rights of way
● And ‘a long-term commitment to funding’ to help local authorities maintain the path beyond 2025.
The aim is also to give an economic boost to the towns which sit on or near the route and act as stopovers, such as Egremont, Kirkby Stephen, Richmond, Northallerton and Whitby.
Marian Spain, chief executive of Natural England, says: “The way we will now develop the Coast to Coast is a turning point for national trail development, as it will be the first national trail where delivery of social and economic benefits for users and communities will be built in from the start.