Each year, during late winter or early spring, I go for a walk. A lengthy, solo walk.
I decide which long distance footpath I want to do, work out the miles I’m going to walk each day, pre-book all my accommodation and buy my train tickets.
This year, I’m walking Wainwright’s Coast to Coast; a 200 mile tramp from St Bees on the Cumbrian coast to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea.
The path crosses three National Parks:
the Lake District,
the Yorkshire Dales
and the North York Moors.
I’ll be staying in thirteen different pubs or bed and breakfasts, walking for twelve days and covering, on average, sixteen miles a day. I had hoped for warm spring sunshine, blue skies and daffodils
Lakeland Fells – February 2010
but in the last few days the Cumbrian fells have been smothered in snow. So I might be back a little sooner than planned.
At least, walking alone, I won’t suffer unprovoked ATTACKS from Jim.
See you in a while. Dave
The Anxious Gardener 
I was once in love with an Englishman, and though that love waned the love he taught me for the Lake District probably never will… I’m very jealous of your walk; I love the Lakeland fells in winter (even when it ought to be spring).
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I love the fells too, and especially out of season. It gets far too busy for my tastes from May through to August. And with snow on the mountains it doesn’t look any better but it does make walking with a forty pound rucksack a little more tricky! Dave
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Enjoy your walk. I shall look out for you. If a large black newfoundland, a rumbunctious jack russell and a deaf springer spaniel find you – follow them home and I’ll put on the kettle!
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Looked out for you in vain. There were many, many times when the thought of a big mug of tea and perhaps a slice of flapjack were the carrot. That awful weather was certainly the stick. Dave
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You certainly have some amazing country to cross. I hope it goes well!
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Thanks Allen. An amazing walk at any time of year and yep, considering the weather conditions it went very well. Planning the next one now! Dave
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Sounds great and makes me nostalgic for the West Highland Way and the Speyside Way. If you have the right gear the weather is all part of the walk.
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Haven’t heard of the Speyside Way, Amelia but I’m planning on doing the WHW in the next year or two. There are just so many I want to complete. Dave
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Really hope the weather improves for you to see all the wonderful scenery around you, sounds like a fantastic walk!
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Thanks for the hope, Pauline but the weather didn’t really improve. But it certainly gave the walk an edge. Certainly did that. Dave
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Beautiful scenery! Nice to have some solitary…sometimes.
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For a week or two once a year, solitary walking is a fine way of clearing my head, Bridget. Having said that, I did walk for about five days with another coast to coaster – which was a great comfort as we chivvied each other on into yet more snow and Siberian east winds. Dave
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Your plan sounds amazing, I hope you’ll have a good time and am looking forward to seeing some fresh pics!
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Hi Alberto, yes it went very well thanks. ‘Fresh’ photos to follow! Dave
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‘Cool’!
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Many years ago I did the Lyke wake walk, I think its just a little south of your route. Next week we are doing our next leg of following the Tyne from its source, we do all of five miles a day! It has taken us six years so far….
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The C2C runs in tandem with the LWW, Roger from near Osmotherley to beyond Blakey Ridge. Hope you’re Tyne walk went well. Dave
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Have a fabulous time, whatever the weather, you will be walking through some of my favourite landscapes.
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Thanks Janet. Hadn’t planned for all that snow but it did made the Lakes and Pennines and Moors especially gorgeous. Dave
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Sounds fabulous – it does sound a bit knackering though. We went on hols to RHB a couple of years ago and there were lots of people in the pub who had done the same walk – they definitely looked foot-sore and weary. Hope you survive.
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A lot knackering actually, Elaine. A lot. Sounds like you were in the Bay Hotel, RHB. THE place to go on completion of the walk. Dave
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Hope the weather doesn’t scupper your plans and you make the whole route. Have a great walk!
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Well Sara, the weather didn’t help but I did manage to complete the walk nevertheless. And yep, it is most certainly a great walk. Dave
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That sounds lovely. Enjoy!
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Thanks Hannah. Dave
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Hey mate, I remember when you did this last year. Bloody marvellous. I love the last photo – I had to do a double-take, thinking some boogie-woogie had got into my computer, but no, it’s only you having a good time.
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Hi Faisal, thanks – safe and sound and back home now. That last photo/gif is actually Jim snowballing me last November in the Lakes. As I say, completely unprovoked. Well, mostly. D
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Wow, another great walk planned. Looking forward to seeing the pics! Have a great time, we’re sure you will!!
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Thanks Boys. Yes – I did have a great time though it was made even more difficult by THAT March weather. Dave
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Wow that sounds wonderful,you should have said earlier,my best friend Rachel lives in Cumbria,I’m sure they would have happily put you up,they love a good tipple too, so would know some good drinking holes ;-).
I would have apply ‘looked after’ the garden whilst you were away;-))
It will be very chilly,but simply gorgeous with breathtaking views..can’t wait to see some of your photos on your return…have a fabulous time David xx Chez xx
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Thanks Chez. Already had someone to look after the Priory whilst I was away, I’m afraid. But yes, I did have a fabulous time – just need to find time to post about it now. Dave
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Have a great time, David. Let’s hope the weather isn’t too bad for you. Christina
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Forlorn hope I’m afraid, Christina. Terrible weather but added to the challenge (as if it needed adding to)! Dave
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