Coast to Coast

foxy mars · #1 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 10:23 AM

I've searched on WAB for any comments about the Coast to Coast walk, the classic that go's from St.Bees to Robin Hood's Bay. Can't find any, so I thought I would plug one on.

I've done the Coast to Coast 3 times now, 1990, 1991 and 1992, 1992 was a East to West crossing (why 3 in a row!) This year in May I set out from St.Bees and only made as far as Kirkby Stephen, this was due to a rather painful knee. The knee as recovered since then, I can only think of two factors that led to fail me. Lack of training beforehand and the weight of ruc-sac 12Kg (camping)

I suppose it was a case of "Pride comes before a fall" although I do plenty of cycling, which I thought that would be ideal. I've not done a lot of walking over the last year or so, I blamed it on a bad bout of ChickenPox which took it out of me (I'm 51) I went to Melrose the other week-end with the local rambling club and done 2 x 16 miles doing short sections of the Southern Upland Way, which was lovely and pleased my knee was ok.

I said in the "hello" thread that I planned to walk "the Inn Way...to the Lake District, but at the moment I feel my heart and mind is telling me to do the Coast to Coast next year. It is haunting me a bit, bit like Ennerdale calling me back to it's valley.

Well, it is a classic walk and if I complete it next year, I will pleased and move on to other walks.

I will be still camping and have improved on the kit buying a super lightweight tent (Laser) and titanium kettle and mug which is very light. I welcome any tips about training and kit, although with 3 past crossing's I should know already.

nightshade · #2 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 10:55 AM

I can only walk short stretches and this one is around a two week "jaunt"
Most go west to east to keep the rain out of their faces
Good luck with your walking

ron1863 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 03:35 PM

Have you tried the "West Highland Way" from Milngavie (pronounced Millguy), which is just north of Glasgow to Fort William. It's a wonderful walk taking you through beautiful scenery and it's so popular there is even a company who will take your backpack to the next stopping point (for a small fee).

Paul mabbott · #4 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 04:21 PM

I've done the Sheffield to Rotherham part.

Interesting point you make about cycling as practice for walking ... I suspect that you do build up different sets of muscles. I now that when I cycled everywhere I was not too happy at walking. Now that I do a lot of walking, my thighs ache after just a little cycling. So I suppose you need to do the two together (in tandem, perhaps

) - get off and push the bike now and then, or carry it up hills.

Ian Gray · #5 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 05:49 PM

A coast to coast walk also has a service for carrying packs,
I think it's called the packhorse. Personally I prefer the independence
carrying your pack gives you. I also suffer from dodgy knees I think
most trail walkers do. Try strapping just below your kneecap BEFORE
you have any pain, I find this helps me alot ( apart from the decline
of Kidsty Pike

)I would also recommend the west highland way, it's
equally as enjoyable as A Coast To Coast walk.

Ian

ChrisJB · #6 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 07:05 PM

I have lovely memories of walking the Coast to Coast as a callow 17 year old in 1989. It was a great summer that year and it really made the walk special. We took a detour over Helvellyn because the weather was so sunny and hot. Magic!

However, the following year, I did the Pennine Way (another scorching summer) and that was even better. Quite different from the Coast to Coast and somewhat tougher. But I adore the Pennines more than any other British landscape. Highlights of this walk included, Keld, in Swaledale, Upper Teesdale, High Cup Nick, Cross Fell, Hadrian's Wall and the 29 mile last day slog over the Cheviots (not as grim as it sounds really!).

I am very nostalgic about those two summers walks and still spend many little holidays visiting the places of old along them.

Regards, Chris

coasty · #7 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 08:30 PM

great walk, great challenge loved every moment

foxy mars · #8 (**permalink**) 07-11-2007, 02:15 AM

Thanks everyone, That is a good idea about the knee strap, I've seen them advertised in a newpaper somewhere. Yes the descent from Kidsty Pike is not nice with a painful knee, I still don't know how I managed.

I will maybe do "The West Highland Way" in 2009 with Ben Nevis to finish with.

I always like to carry my own gear. The way I see it, is the fee for the luggage carrier is a decent meal in my stomach. I mean £7 per stage over a fortnight is £84, I can't see any real hardship carry a ruc-sac using B&B or YH. In the case of camping, yes. But it is a challenge to do.

KIDSTYPIKE · #9 (**permalink**) 07-11-2007, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Gray

A coast to coast walk also has a service for carrying packs,
I think it's called the packhorse. Personally I prefer the independence
carrying your pack gives you. I also suffer from dodgy knees I think
most trail walkers do. Try strapping just below your kneecap BEFORE
you have any pain, I find this helps me alot ( apart from the decline
of Kidsty Pike

)I would also recommend the west highland way, it's
equally as enjoyable as A Coast To Coast walk.

Ian

Who says I'm in decline!!!

Dave