COAST TO COAST TRAIL: LOGISTICS AND ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE AND GETTING OUT 
We hiked the Coast to Coast trail from St. Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay (West to East). Getting to St. Bees is not too difficult. We flew to Manchester from the Netherlands and spent the night in an Airbnb there. The next day, we took a train to St. Bees, which took about 3-4 hours. Once in St. Bees, we dipped our feet into the water, took a photo at the official starting point, and began our hike. Upon reaching Robin Hood’s Bay, we took a bus to Scarborough. From there, we continued our journey by train back to Manchester. In summary, transportation to and from the Coast to Coast Trail is well-managed.
FOOD 
We didn’t send any food parcels during our hike. Along the way, you will pass many restaurants, campsites, and supermarkets, so getting food is not a significant issue. However, there are sections where you won’t find these conveniences. Therefore, we recommend carrying four days’ worth of food. This ensures you never go without and provides flexibility. As we’re both sizeable individuals (Bob towering over 2 meters), a mere pack of noodles wouldn’t suffice for us. Check out our food-dedicated page to find out everything you need to know about or daily food-intake during trails!
CAMPING 
If you plan carefully, you’ll likely find a campsite or hotel at the end of each day. Nevertheless, there are instances where wild camping can be more convenient. During our Coast to Coast Trail hike, we weren’t highly experienced in locating suitable wild camping spots. With numerous buildings, towns, and houses along the route, wild camping, which is illegal in England, can sometimes be challenging. If you choose to wild camp, carefully consult your map and aim for elevated spots. A important note that goes with the above: Leave no trace!
WATER SUPPLY 🚰
Obtaining water is generally not an issue on the Coast to Coast. However, it’s advisable to carry a water filter, especially as you’ll be relying on streams for your daily water needs.
NAVIGATION 
Navigating the Coast to Coast Trail requires some skills. While a GPS device is sufficient (we recommend using CalTopo on your phone), having basic map and compass skills can be extremely helpful. The trail is not marked, but it is well-maintained and non-technical. As wild camping is not possible everywhere and adverse weather conditions may arise at higher elevations, creating a well-thought-out daily plan is recommended.
