Interest surges after path becomes national trail
LDNPATravel companies and hotels say there has been a big increase in interest in one of England's most famous long-distance paths following it being designated a national trail.
The Coast to Coast path which takes walkers on a 190-mile (306km) route from St Bees in Cumbria, via three national parks, to at Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire was officially given the new designation in March.
One travel company said bookings for the route were up by 30% on the same period in 2025.
Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) Coast to Coast project officer Jo Willmott said: "I think it's been on lots of people's wish list for years but the recent publicity has made them plan and and make it happen."
"It's always been one of the most popular routes in the UK, but I'm certainly hearing there has been additional interest this year," Willmott said.
"It's still a very demanding, rugged route but there have been sections where flags have been laid which helps keep people's feet dry and brings real environmental benefits."
LDNPAThe path was first imagined in 1973 by author Alfred Wainwright, renowned for his pictorial walking guides to the Lake District's fells.
After a £5.5m makeover, it became the first completed national trail to take in the national park.
About 6,000 people completed the Coast to Coast walk in 2025, according to Natural England, but travel companies say that figure will be much higher in 2026 and 2027.
LDNPAEve Thomson from walking and cycling holiday company Macs Adventure said there had been a shift towards "active self-guided holidays in the UK".
"Interest in the Coast to Coast is strong," she said.
"In 2026, we've seen a 30% increase in bookings for it compared with the same period last year, with many walkers now starting to plan ahead for 2027."
Cumbria Tourism board member Alexandra Greenwood, who also runs the travel company Coast Path Walks, agreed "there's a surge of interest".
"I deal with a lot of international clients and all the 2027 requests are for the Coast to Coast," she said.
"Last year it was all about the South West Coast path.
"They see it as a path that's been invested in, that's well maintained and they are going to be safe on it."
Greenwood said the West Highland Way in Scotland remained the top route for overseas visitors but thinks that could change.
"I can see the Coast to Coast becoming the most popular long-distance in the UK, especially if we get more accommodation becoming available at pinch points," she said.
Beverley Rutherford from the Victoria Hotel in Robin's Hood's Bay said they have "absolutely" seen an increase in bookings from walkers doing the Coast to Coast.
""It does seem to be extending the season as well, we're getting bookings well into October," she said.
Many of their guests are from other countries, such as the Netherlands, Germany, the USA, Australia and France.
"It is great news for Robin Hood's Bay, for the pubs, and the shops, everybody benefits from the walking community," she said.
