Mountain Passes, Lakeland Valleys, and Classic Fellwalking Scenery
The Lake District section of the Coast to Coast Path is one of the most dramatic stretches of this iconic long-distance route. Covering the first 50 miles from St Bees on the Irish Sea to Shap in eastern Cumbria, it crosses the full width of the Lake District National Park, taking in high passes, glacial valleys, and some of England’s most celebrated walking landscapes.
For walking holidays and outdoor adventures, this section offers the perfect mix: rugged mountain scenery, welcoming villages, and a variety of routes that can be tackled as day walks or multi-day journeys. From the wild, remote fells above Ennerdale to the poetic charm of Grasmere and the open ridges above Patterdale, the walking here is both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Trail Overview
- Distance: Approx. 50 miles / 80 km (St Bees → Shap)
- Time: 4–6 days for the full section, shorter for highlights
- Terrain: Coastal cliffs, high passes, mountain lakes, farmland, and moor
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous — some steep ascents and long days
- Best For: Experienced walkers, self-guided walking holidays, and hikers seeking classic Lake District scenery
Explore the Route
From St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge (1 day), the trail begins with clifftop walking along the Irish Sea before heading inland through rolling farmland to the edge of the fells. The next stage, Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite (1–2 days), is a wild, remote stretch that follows the shoreline of Ennerdale Water, climbs over Honister Pass, and descends into the lush Borrowdale valley. From here, Rosthwaite to Grasmere (1 day) takes walkers over Greenup Edge for expansive fell views before dropping into the literary village of Grasmere.
The journey continues from Grasmere to Patterdale (1 day) via a climb to Grisedale Tarn, with the option to summit Helvellyn, before a descent to the lakeshore village of Patterdale. The final stage, Patterdale to Shap (1–2 days), crosses the rugged eastern fells via Kidsty Pike — the highest point on the Coast to Coast Path — before leaving the Lake District behind for gentler farmland on the approach to Shap.
Adventure Highlights
- Coastal start at St Bees Head
- Remote beauty of Ennerdale Water
- Panoramic fell views from Honister Pass and Kidsty Pike
- Poetic charm of Grasmere and mountain scenery of Patterdale
- Varied landscapes: coast, mountains, valleys, and moorland in one section