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About the Packhorse Coast to Coast Experience
(Last update - 14/08/2007)
 For Long distance walkers, Wainwright’s classic walk offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Great Britain. From the Irish Sea at St Bees on the Cumbrian Coast, the trail crosses the Lakeland fells, the Pennine Uplands, the Yorkshire Dales, the Cleveland Hills and finally the North Yorkshire Moors before reaching the lovely old fishing port of Robin Hood’s Bay on Yorkshire’s East Coast. On route you will discover some unspoilt villages and hamlets, enjoy the hospitality of a great variety of Bed and Breakfast establishments, sample a few good ales in the local Inns and exchange tales with the many fellow Coast to Coast Walkers you will meet on route.
In all the trail is 190 miles, however there is no compulsion to walk it all in one go. You might simply decide to walk half the trail one year and come back and do the second half the next or even later in the season or indeed to just cover the ground that time or stamina permit. The mileage walked per day will vary according to the terrain and the proximity of villages along the route, as well as most importantly, your own fitness and preference. On some days there are alternative routes either using the higher route over the mountains or along the lower pathways. The first part of the walk in particular, across the Lake District, can be described as ‘strenuous’ but some of the more taxing stages can be broken.
The famous Packhorse Service has been serving Walkers and Cyclists across this route for many years and is ideally based at Kirkby Stephen close to the trail’s half way mark. The Packhorse provides a comprehensive range of services including self guided accommodation packages of typically 6- 8 (half walk) or 13-16 nights (full walk). However any numbers of nights over any stages of the route can be catered for - so please just tell us what you’d like to do!
 Those opting for the full Packhorse accommodation packages will typically arrive at Kirkby Stephen where they will park and leave any excess baggage with the Packhorse for safe keeping. From here they will be taken by licensed minibus to St Bees to start the walk. (alternatively they may arrive at St Bees independently). Accommodation is provided right the way along the route in a variety of B&Bs,Guest Houses and Country Inns/hotels. Rooms may be en-suite wherever available or otherwise with adequate bathroom facilities for the weary walker. Evening meals are available at nearby pubs or at the overnight accommodations where offered. Packed Lunches are generally available from the accommodation establishments for a small fee. Everyday the Packhorse will pick up baggage from one Accommodation and move it on to the next ahead of those on the trail and ready for their next night’s stop. Walkers are asked to limited their luggage to one piece of baggage per person which should not be over 20kgs in weight. Should the need arise walkers can use the bus to travel to their next destination if they do not feel up to walking that day. Non walking partners or friends can also use the Packhorse Minibus over stages. Those walking to Robin Hoods Bay will be picked up on completion of their walk and returned to their car to Kirkby Stephen. Walk & ride combination packages are available between St Bees and Robin Hood’s Bay for those with limited time and a desire to cover all the ground between the Coasts without having to walk it all!
Overseas customers who are travelling by train from Heathrow, Manchester or Glasgow may find travelling straight to St Bees, rather than Kirkby Stephen is more convenient. Manchester is the nearest international airport and there are rail stations at Whitehaven and St Bees on the west coast and at Whitby and Scarborough on the east coast. An allowance against the package price is made for those not requiring Packhorse transport.
 For those travelling by car to Kirkby Stephen, the town is centrally situated between the M6 (junction 38) and the A1 and for those travelling from Europe into Hull, public transport can get you to Robin Hood’s Bay in order to catch the 3.30pm Packhorse bus direct to Kirkby Stephen if you do not wish to bring a vehicle.
The Packhorse is owned and operated by Simon & Lindsay Jones who will do all they possibly can to ensure your Coast to Coast experience is one you will treasure …. as many happy customers testify!
2008 Season Prices (7th April - 30th September 2008) Please ask about 2007 availability & prices
Self Guided Walking Package prices are per person based on two persons sharing a room and include:-
- Bed and breakfast accommodation in a variety of carefully selected B&B’s, Guest Houses, Country Inns / Hotels.
- Secure car parking at Kirkby Stephen
- Passenger transport from Kirkby Stephen out to St Bees.
- Return passenger transport from Robin Hood’s Bay (or from other locations by arrangement) to Kirkby Stephen.
- Back-up passenger transport over any stages - if required.
- Daily door to door baggage transfer between all your accommodations.
- Coast to Coast Packhorse momento for those completing the walk.
Nb: Please pro-rata rates for any other number of nights required. |
No. of
Nights |
Self Guided
Package-walk |
| 6 |
£311 |
| 7 |
£362 |
| 8 |
£413 |
| 9 |
£464 |
| 12 |
£635 |
| 13 |
£685 |
| 14 |
£728 |
| 15 |
£778 |
| 16 |
£820 |
| 17 |
£869 |
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Options & Supplements:-
Single Accommodation Supplement:
£5.50 per person per night applies.
Extra nights / Rest Days at any of your on-route stops:
£36.50 per person per night.
Night before starting not required:
£36.50 per person may be deducted from Package price (of next Package up)
Packhorse Transport not required (for those making their own way direct to St Bees and home from RHB):
£22.00 per person may deducted from the Package price for half walk and £44.00 per person for full walk.
Map & Guide books:
All Maps & Guide Books covering the route are available - delivered postage free: Please ask for details.
How many nights should I book?
This is a very personal choice. Whilst the Guide Books tend to break the walk into 12 daily stages, some of these stages in particular are pretty demanding and can be broken into shorter legs. The Packhorse policy is to tailor a package to your own particular needs and preferences. This will be influenced by the time you have available, where you are travelling from, your fitness and simply at what sort of pace you wish to walk. The walk should not become an ‘ordeal’ and it is important that you walk within your own limitations. We will be pleased to discuss a number of options with you in constructing the most appropriate itinerary.
Booking an Accommodation Package:-
Packhorse Accommodation Packages may be booked using the booking form found on this web site.
When your booking is received, confirmation of your booking will be sent along with a receipt for the 25% of payment required with booking. Balance payment is due 6 weeks prior to departure. Your accommodation schedule, bag tags, accommodation labels and car park location map will be issued on receipt of your final balance along with a list of helpful tips and information. Please make cheques payable to ‘Coast to Coast Packhorse’. (We do not accept credit cards)
Stand alone Packhorse Services:-
If you do not require the Packhorse to organise your accommodation, but want to otherwise make use of Packhorse baggage and passenger transport services - you are welcome to do so. Please ask for details and prices or refer to the 'Baggage & Transport service' section of this Web site.
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