FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

One of Britain's Most Iconic Walks Has a New Twist

UTracks launches a shorter comfort-focused Coast to Coast itinerary & opens 2026 bookings following National Trail upgrades

UTracks has opened bookings for more than 10 classic guided and self-guided itineraries along England's Coast to Coast trail for the 2026 season, which will be the first time walkers experience the benefits of recently completed infrastructure upgrades following the trail's National Trail designation in 2022 and subsequent National Trail status in 2025. .

New for 2026, UTracks has also launched a shorter, 10-day 'Best of The Coast to Coast in Comfort & Guided” tour, offering a more flexible way to walk the most scenic sections of the route. The itinerary features upgraded accommodation, expert guidance and memorable experiences, including a stay in a castle and a Victorian steamboat cruise.

Stretching 309 kilometres from the Irish Sea at St Bees to the North Sea at Robin Hood's Bay, the Coast-to-Coast crosses three of England's most iconic national parks, the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. 

First mapped by Alfred Wainwright in the 1970s, the trail was officially recognised as a National Trail in 2022. While walkers have continued to enjoy the route, 2026 is the first full season where the upgraded trail infrastructure will be in place across the entire length of the walk.

A New Way to Walk The Coast to Coast

UTracks' “Best of The Coast to Coast in Comfort & Guided” is ideal for travellers who want to experience the most breathtaking stretches of the walk without committing to the full 309 kilometres. This 10-day guided itinerary includes carefully selected sections of the trail, boutique accommodation with ensuite rooms and a range of standout local experiences.

“There's something powerful about exploring the breadth of a country on foot,” says Kate Baker, General Manager at UTracks. “And this new itinerary is really special. Carefully crafted by our team of experts, who between them have walked the Coast to Coast more than 30 times, it gives people the chance to experience the magic of the trail in a shorter format, with more comfort and time to enjoy the most memorable landscapes and moments along the way. It is uplifting, energising and full of those WOW experiences that make a trip unforgettable.”

Why Travellers Are Booking Now

Widely regarded as one of the world's most rewarding long-distance walks, The Coast to Coast offers a deep sense of progress and connection, with each day delivering new terrain and outlooks. For many, it is shaping up to be their big adventure goal for 2026, something to train for, plan around and remember long after the trail ends.

With only four guaranteed departures and a maximum group size of 12, the new highlights tour offers an intimate and supported experience and is expected to book quickly.

Trip Highlights: Best of The Coast to Coast in Comfort & Guided

• Walk the most scenic and rewarding sections of the 309 kilometre route
• Led by expert local guides, including Jon Millen who has completed the full trail 26 times
• Stay in hand-picked ensuite accommodation, including lakeside hotels, country inns and a castle

Enjoy unique experiences including:

• Victorian steamboat cruise on Lake Ullswater
• Visit to Wordsworth's Dove Cottage
• Afternoon tea at a country manor
• Swaledale hill farm tour
• Steam train ride through the North York Moors
• Final night in York with a celebratory dinner

All excursions, luggage transfers, local transport and two dinners included
Group size limited to 12 participants
All four tours are guaranteed to run
Supports local economies and sustainable regional tourism
 

2026 Departure Dates: Best of The Coast to Coast in Comfort

10 to 19 May 2026
7 to 16 June 2026
16 to 25 August 2026
8 to 17 September 2026
 

Classic Coast to Coast Tours 2026 Also Available

For walkers who want to complete the full 309 kilometre journey, UTracks' well-loved guided and self-guided itineraries are also open for 2026 bookings. These range from 15 to 18 days in length and are designed to suit a variety of walking styles and fitness levels.

Whether you choose to walk the trail in full or savour the highlights in comfort, the Coast to Coast remains one of Britain's most iconic and achievable walking adventures.

Responsible Travel

Both the new and classic Coast to Coast itineraries have been designed by our teaam with a commitment to responsible travel. From family-run country inns and local guides to independent attractions and producers, UTracks' tours actively support regional communities and small businesses.

More information and bookings:

https://www.utracks.com/United-Kingdom/Guided-Walking/Best-of-the-Coast-to-Coast-in-Comfort-Guided

Media Inquiries

Sarah Mealey
PR Manager, UTracks
Email: sarah@utracks.com.au
Website: www.utracks.com