Coast to Coast Walk (East to West) 2010

foxy mars · #1 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 02:46 AM

Well, I enjoyed the Coast to Coast Walk, I did in May and I'm planning another crossing in May or June 2010, my 7th one. The cycling trip as been shifted to September and the Coast and Castles ride would only take a week to do.

But, the Coast to Coast Walk is going to be done from east to west this time. I did it in 1992 on a east to west after I had split with my Ex

and my Mum told me to get a life and get on the Coast to Coast after doing it twice in 1990 and 1991

.

Anyway, when I do the Coast to Coast, I hope to do Striding Edge and High Stile or better still, Pillar.

Gearwise, I will take the flysheet of my new Vango Banshee 300 tent and will be looking to get some The North Face "Hedgehog" shoes.

So early days yet, but with Xmas round the corner. I need to start training after the New Year.

Boddie · #2 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 11:12 AM

How long does this walk take? I fancy a nice long walk next year sometime too, maybe two weeks worth, self sufficient with backpack, tent etc

foxy mars · #3 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 11:36 AM

Hi Boddie.

Most Coast to Coaster's do the walk in a average 12-14 days, depending on the distance of each day. I did the Coast to Coast in 12 days in May, but I would of liked a rest day, say around Kirkby Stephen or Richmond.

The hardest part is the Lake District, most people break the walk between Borrowdale and Patterdale in Grasmere. Reason being is that it's 17 miles with 2 long hard ascents, but I did it in the one day, next I will break the walk in Grasmere and stay at the hostel there.

You will have no problem back-packing, plenty of wild-camping or offical camp-sites, however the weather can turn nasty in the Lake District or in the North Yorkshire Dales/Moors. So, you are a nice weather person, think twice. However, saying that, it's great fun, that's why I'm doing it again.

Do keep your weight of the ruc-sac to a minimum, unless you are a seasoned back-packer. I would go for it and join the Coast to Coast Club of many 1000's who have done it. This is my 7th time and would never get tired of it, simply the best of the rest.

Boddie · #4 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 01:29 PM

Thanks for such a great answer

It was either the coast to coast or I planned to just get a train somewhere far and walk back but it seems so much more sense to take a recognised route, and having read some of the places you have mentioned it sounds like great walk

david156 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 07:11 PM

Hi.

Never done the coast to coast but have done a couple of weeks backpacking in the highlands of scotland. Started out from Fort William and eventually ended up on sky. Deffently agree with you Foxy mars about keeping your pack light! Really enjoyed the wild camping and the nature you saw. My one draw back was the coach journey there. From Norwich- London - Glasgow - Fort William took 17 hours with the wait for connections! Put me off doing it again!!!

Have a good time.

Jim Ford · #6 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 08:27 PM

I did Golders Green to Aviemore through the night on a National Express coach a couple of years back. I swore I'd never do it again, but the memory's fading so maybe I will!

Jim

david156 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I did Golders Green to Aviemore through the night on a National Express coach a couple of years back. I swore I'd never do it again, but the memory's fading so maybe I will!

Jim

Jim. My trip was about 10 years ago and being tall had to sit with cramp and a back ache for ten hour to glasgow from victoria street, and then on the trip to fort william had to sit next to the stinky toilet!!!!

My memory isn't fading thats why I go in the car now!!!

Jim Ford · #8 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david156

Jim. My trip was about 10 years ago and being tall had to sit with cramp and a back ache for ten hour to glasgow from victoria street, and then on the trip to fort william had to sit next to the stinky toilet!!!!

My memory isn't fading thats why I go in the car now!!!

I'm also tall - 6' 4". I much prefer to go by car, but it costs over £100 in fuel, as against around £25 for the coach. I'm tempted to go by coach again next year, getting off at Blair Athol and trecking up Glen Tilt to Aviemore - maybe Tomintoul, and catching the coach back. A car always involves a around trip, with the nagging feeling that you might find the car nicked or vandalised at the end!

Jim

foxy mars · #9 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 01:00 AM

Well the Coast to Coast Walk is on for June now, just been into Go-Outdoors and got a new rucksack, which is "The Pinnacle" by Go-Lite, Very nice too. Also got a pair of Salomon Elios walking shoes and not forgetting a Lowe Alpine Trail Cap, spend £100, but saved £110

Got a draft route worked out with a rest day included, or maybe two

Kayleigh · #10 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 10:00 PM

Don't forget to post some pics I would love to do something like this but from hotel to hotel..
I cant do the cold wet damp tent, a nice shower a meal on the table and a bed is a must I dont think I would be able to carry all my hair products I would need a car lol

foxy mars · #11 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 12:34 AM

Oh, Kayleigh, don't be a softie. That's what camping all about, you know a bit of muck here and there would'nt hurt. What their charge now for hotel/bb accommodation, you're talking about £500 for a fortnight, then you will have meals, etc on top. Talking towards the £1000 mark.

But, with camping, it's cheap at a average of £5-8 a night for a pitch.. then you can have slap-up meal.

That's what I'm going to do next year, just take a 4 sided Honey Stove for a hot drink. then go to the pub or the chippie for evening meal. For breakfast, just make do with cereal bars.

I don't have a problem with my hair, got none

Jim Ford · #12 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxy mars

Well the Coast to Coast Walk is on for June now, just been into Go-Outdoors and got a new rucksack, which is "The Pinnacle" by Go-Lite

A couple of years ago I bought a Go Lite Trek, in an attempt to reduce the weight of my gear. Probably like the Pinnacle, it's frameless and just a bag. I've used it 2 or 3 times, but don't really get on with it. Although I use a sleeping mat rolled up inside to stiffen it and give it 'structure', it just ends up a lumpy, saggy mess. I also don't like the 'floating lid', which slips and slides around and often ends up hanging down. The hip belt is also very skimpy and not at all comfortable. I think there's been a redesign of the Trek since I got mine, but I think I'll go back to my Karrimor in future.

Jim

foxy mars · #13 (**permalink**) 11-11-2009, 10:56 AM

The Golite have improved in the last year, but these rucksacks are designed for lightweight back-packing for keeping weight to a minimum. the latest Pinnacle does have a foam back insert which is removable. When I did the Coast to Coast in May, I had a Berghaus 70 litre rucsack, but too heavy in it'self. I think it was 2.2kg, I got rid of it in the end.

To keep the weight down, I'll probably use the Laser Comp fly sheet only and use the Alpkit Hunka Bivi for back-up.