The 190 mile cross England walk from St Bees on the West coast to Robin Hood's bay on the East coast, was outlined by the late Alfred Wainwright. He was a great lover of the Fells in particular, though he also explored many other mountain and hill areas of the UK.
He was persuaded to publish his drawings and accounts of the walk and this resulted in the publication of his pictorial guide in 1972. Tens of thousands have since enjoyed the traverse of England through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors National Parks.
The walk takes 12 to 14 days, assuming it is done all in one. However there are options for those who are unable to walk the whole route from St Bees, through Lakeland, the Limestone country, Swaledale, Richmond, North York moors, and through to Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea coast, have a number of options. Some walk short sections over a period of time, in some cases taking several years to complete the walk. Others employ the services of one of several companies who provide a service for walkers - booking accommodation along the route, and more importantly, ferrying luggage from stop to stop, leaving the walker unencumbered except for a camera and a rucksack full of essentials, to enjoy the walk.
Another compromise, offered by some companies is a highlight walk. Though perhaps frowned upon by the purists, it is an option for those who cannot find the time, or who are physically unable, to tackle the whole walk. These tours use minibuses to skip the less attractive parts.
St Bees briefly plays host to many Walkers from the five continents who arrive in St Bees from early Spring to late Autumn. All are made welcome, and we would invite you to spend a short time with us, sharing some of the pleasure we, the locals, enjoy from this lovely village of St Bees. Many walkers are, understandably, keen to commence the walk, but in so doing miss something of interest.
Members of the village History Group can offer a short (20 - 30 minute) audio-visual lecture at the Priory, showing them a little bit of the history and heritage of the village, and of course the story of St Bees Man. If you would like to arrange such a talk for your group, contact the manager of this web site. There is a small charge for this service - nominally £2 a head (minimum £25) - all of which goes towards Priory maintenance..
But while you are in St Bees, please spend a little time looking at what we have to offer. Your time will be well rewarded!
particular, though he also explored many other mountain and hill areas of the UK.