The Coast-to-Coast Walk: A Personal and Historical Travelogue

Robin Hood's Bay to St Bees: 200 miles across Northern England


The Coast to Coast Walk: A Personal Travelogue is based on the route described in The Coast-to-Coast Walk by Alfred Wainwright. Inspired to follow in Wainwright's footsteps, Trevor K Bell laced up his boots in the early 90s and set off along the same pathways. The result is a historical, and partly anecdotal, account of the route from Robin Hood's Bay, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, to St Bees in Cumbria, which evokes a sense of nostalgia for an England which is fast disappearing.


Going well beyond the usual trail guide, the author covers such topics as, the history, people and villages along the way; the flora and fauna, folklore and fells, waterfalls and witches. He examines the industrial, mining, and ecclesiastical history as he puts one foot in front of the other, describing his encounters with a light, and often humorous, touch.