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Main Boards => Long Distance Walks => Topic started by: Martin von Prague on 07:51:09, 18/07/13

Title: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Martin von Prague on 07:51:09, 18/07/13
Which one is better?  :)  I'd like to visit the UK and do a long distance walk, but I still don't know which one to choose.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Ridge on 09:32:04, 18/07/13
I've not walked either end to end but I have done significant amounts of both of them. They are both great so whichever you choose you are in for a treat.
If this is going to be your first walking visit to the UK then I would want to include the Lake District so do the Coast to Coast this time and leave the Pennine Way for another visit.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: C2C10 on 11:09:38, 18/07/13
Both walks are good to walk, each offering excellent walking terrain and scenery. The Pennine Way is a bit longer at 270 miles, although some guidebooks say 250 miles, but 270 miles to be on the err side would be more realistic and probably need 15/ 21 days to complete. The Pennine Way tends to follow the terrain of the backbone of Northern England and can be tough going, although nowadays, it's not too bad unlike the late 60's and 1970's. Saying that the Pennine Way offers much more scenery and more interesting highlights such as the infamous crossing of Kinder Scout, Black Hill, the unique Pennine Way footbridge over the M62 motorway, Stoodley Pike, Withins Heights, Malham Cove, Pen-y-Ghent, the famous Pennine Way Cafe, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Hardraw Force (England's highest single drop waterfall), Tan Hill Inn (England's highest pub @ 1732'), God's Bridge, High Force, Cauldron Snout, High Cup Nick, Cross Fell, Hadrian's Wall, The Cheviot (spur), crossing the Scottish Border and lastly having a well earned pint in the Border Hotel, Kirk Yetholm.   


The Coast to Coast is 190 miles and a very popular walk and can be easily walked in 2 weeks and the terrain is similar to the Pennine Way, but tends to be easy going at times especially to the east side of the walk. Coast to Coast can be good for meeting other Coast to Coaster's en route and this makes it a great social hub, a couple of pubs have a meet up point for Coast to Coast walkers to have a drink together.


The Coast to Coast does offer the Lakes District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, which is a good mix for walking. The Coast to Coast like the Pennine Way does offer some good scenery and highlights are St. Bees cliff path, Haystacks (resting place of A.W), Grasmere (famous for the Gingerbread Man biscuit) Kidsty Pike (highest point on the Coast to Coast) Nine Standards Rigg, Kisdon Force, Richmond Castle, Cleveland Escarpment, Lion Inn, North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway, Falling Foss and the famous Bay Hotel at Robin Hood's Bay.


A hard choice. But as Ridge says, do the Coast to Coast first and then the Pennine Way. Your choice in the end.





Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Martin von Prague on 11:39:37, 18/07/13
Thanks guys!

By the way, is it possible to wild camp on C2C? (I know it's not legal, but is it tolerated?) And are there any places where you can buy groceries (like bigger towns with Tesco or Sainsbury's)? I don't want to stay at B&Bs and eat in pubs too much (it's too comfortable, I like cooking my own food and sleeping in the tent :) ).

And what about the maps? Do I need to buy all the OS Explorer Maps for C2C, or is there a better option? (not sure what I'm looking for, maybe a guide book with maps?)
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: C2C10 on 13:35:33, 18/07/13
Yes, it is possible to wild camp on Coast to Coast within reasonable means, such as seeking permission from the landowner, however, that is not always possible. The Lakes section will gives the best opportunity to wild camp, that is high above the intake wall, such places are on the cols, passes, ridges and tarns. As you progress to the Yorkshire Dales and Moors, wild camping opportunities becomes more difficult to find, but there are few places to find the odd sheltered spot out of the way of prying eyes. One area is a no-go for wild camping and that is the Vale of Mowbray, the section between Richmond and Ingleby Cross, that is almost agricultural land. However at that there is camping sites, which charge reasonable prices around about a fiver. In fact, the whole of the Coast to Coast walk does offer excellent campsites, so really no need to wild camp, but that is a personal option.


Tesco or Sainsburys, probably no. However, the major towns on the Coast to Coast are Kirkby Stephen and Richmond, offer the likes of Co-op and the odd independent grocery shop such as Spar, Nisa and Martin McColls. Other small towns/villages on the Coast to Coast are Cleator, Grasmere, Patterdale, Shap, Orton, Reeth, Swainby (off route) Glaisdale, Grosmont and Robin Hoods Bay. These offer the odd grocery shop, butchers and post office, who will sell you basic provisions like eggs, milk, bread and some offer a good range of groceries and other goodies. So, really there is no worry about getting your food or drink. The only thing, you need to know, is the section between Ingleby Cross and Grosmont does have no shop on that section (apart from Swainby, a little off-route at Huthwaite Green) But saying that, hopefully the Lord Stones Cafe will reopen in August and there is of cause the Lion Inn, which does offers excellent meals and beers.


Maps, well, believe me, a guidebook or a footprint strip map (west & east) would be more than ideal and a compass too. There are a few good guide books with maps included and when I did my first Coast to Coast walk in 1990, I used the Wainwrights, "A Coast to Coast Walk" guidebook and that was good enough to navigate with. There is a couple of tricky bits, such as Loft Beck, Greenup Edge, Boredale Hause, Nine Standards, which in misty conditions take some navigating. I think Martin Wainwright's Coast to Coast guidebook is a good one to carry. On my last three crossings, I used the footprint strip maps, which has plenty of detail. There is the Harvey's strip maps and these can be used with a gps. 
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: mow1701 on 19:21:35, 18/07/13
Having done both its got to be the Pennine Way. It's a lot more wild than the c2c and you really feel a sense of distance and travel through different terrains. The c2c is not as impressive on the scenery front and not as wild- tea rooms and cafe in abundance hence it more the coaster to coaster walk. My view of the two, but definitely glad I've experienced them both.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: C2C10 on 21:26:00, 18/07/13
On the issue of wild camping, that the present heatwave is making the North York Moors into a tinderbox and therefore a great fire risk. There are national park rangers patrolling this area and there know of the well-known wild camp spots and will ask you to leave.


If, you need to camp, there is official camping at Osmotherley, Ingleby Cross, Beak Hills farm, Great Broughton, Chop Gate, Lion Inn, Grosmont, Goathland, Littlebeck and of cause Robin Hoods Bay.


Best to safe than sorry.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: C2C10 on 12:18:59, 19/07/13
Having done both its got to be the Pennine Way. It's a lot more wild than the c2c and you really feel a sense of distance and travel through different terrains. The c2c is not as impressive on the scenery front and not as wild- tea rooms and cafe in abundance hence it more the coaster to coaster walk. My view of the two, but definitely glad I've experienced them both.
:)
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Slogger on 22:59:16, 19/07/13
The Coast to Coast for the most part is a very nice countryside walk, Ive done it in both directions. Ive also done the Pennine Way in both directions. If you want plenty of company then the C2c is the one. The PW is more remote and much more of a challenge but succeeding is more satisfying. There are upland sections in both that in adverse conditions can be challenging, but on the PW these are many whereas on the C2C these are few.
All in all if you want a pleasant long distance walk over about 12 days then its got to be the C2C. If it's a remote tough longer challenge over 16 to 21 days then go for the PW.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Martin von Prague on 21:07:20, 20/07/13
Thanks :)

And what about the West Highland Way in Scotland? Is it worth it?
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Slogger on 14:56:03, 21/07/13
West Highland Way, we did it several years ago in a week. Not demanding as it mostly takes lower levels through the Glens, with just a couple of easy climbs to get over into the next glen etc. Can be busy, many wild camp, B&B get booked up early if starting at weekends but like many LDPs, are easier to access when starting mid week.
Lots of wide tracks to follow, however this if made up for by the beautiful scenery. Top it off with a walk up to the summit of Ben Nevis to finish.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: urbanhymn01 on 22:45:03, 22/07/13
Got to b P/W for me the whole walk is i found everyday a joy to walk did it in 12 days camped all the way from top of bleaklow to warland res and even a sheepfold near cauldron snout so yes P/W for me and thats y im doing it again next spring this time N/S
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: C2C10 on 10:17:40, 23/07/13
Got to be P/W for me the whole walk is I found every day a joy to walk and did it in 12 days camped all the way from top of bleaklow to warland res and even a sheepfold near cauldron snout.
Interesting to hear you had took 12 days to do the Pennine Way. Was it a push to do. I would like to have a crack at walking the Pennine Way, but maybe in 17 days. O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: C2C10 on 11:13:10, 23/07/13
Decided to back off this one and do it cycling instead. ::)
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Martin von Prague on 21:32:02, 29/07/13
So, I think I will choose Coast to Coast :)
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: C2C10 on 00:32:47, 30/07/13
I liked the idea of cycling the Pennine Cycleway, but don't fancy the hassle of getting the bike on train. So, maybe looking like the coast to coast instead. Anyone fancy joining me for a 12 day trip, camping. O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Martin von Prague on 17:01:24, 15/12/13
Hi again, has anyone of you done the Coast to Coast Walk in April? What's the weather like this time of year? Especially in the mountains of Lake District.


(the same question applies for the Pennine Way, but I suppose the answer will be quite similar :) )
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Slogger on 22:49:05, 15/12/13
Hi again, has anyone of you done the Coast to Coast Walk in April? What's the weather like this time of year? Especially in the mountains of Lake District.


(the same question applies for the Pennine Way, but I suppose the answer will be quite similar :) )

I did it East to West in April 2011, it was 'Hot'. have a look at my blog, it will give you an idea, however of course, it could also be cold and wet, but often we do have a good week in April. to be honest when i did it it was too hot.
http://c2c-slogger.blogspot.co.uk/ (http://c2c-slogger.blogspot.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: mananddog on 08:38:01, 16/12/13
Hi again, has anyone of you done the Coast to Coast Walk in April? What's the weather like this time of year? Especially in the mountains of Lake District.


(the same question applies for the Pennine Way, but I suppose the answer will be quite similar :) )

As yourself the question what is the weather like in April in Northern England in April - Answer anything from a foot of snow to 27C and a drought. If the weather turns bad the C2C will be a slightly better bet.

In April both will be quiet.  I think I would favour the C2C at that time of year - although I have done both and enjoyed them equally.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Stottie on 13:04:35, 16/12/13
In April I've done the PW(2013) and the C2C(2008 - I think!) and the weather was entirely different in terms of temperature, wind direction, wind strength and rain.
The climate in the UK is fickle, in that there is no season or month that is guaranteed to be wild, or settled, or wet, or dry. In April one should be prepared for some snow on high ground.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Martin von Prague on 19:40:09, 17/12/13
Thanks guys. So the weather will be unpredictable. That sounds like fun  :P
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Percy on 19:40:07, 16/02/14
Tesco or Sainsburys, probably no. However, the major towns on the Coast to Coast are Kirkby Stephen and Richmond, offer the likes of Co-op and the odd independent grocery shop such as Spar, Nisa and Martin McColls. Other small towns/villages on the Coast to Coast are Cleator, Grasmere, Patterdale, Shap, Orton, Reeth, Swainby (off route) Glaisdale, Grosmont and Robin Hoods Bay. These offer the odd grocery shop, butchers and post office, who will sell you basic provisions like eggs, milk, bread and some offer a good range of groceries and other goodies. So, really there is no worry about getting your food or drink. The only thing, you need to know, is the section between Ingleby Cross and Grosmont does have no shop on that section (apart from Swainby, a little off-route at Huthwaite Green) But saying that, hopefully the Lord Stones Cafe will reopen in August and there is of cause the Lion Inn, which does offers excellent meals and beers.


Thanks for this info C2C10. This was one of the questions I registered here to ask - specifically about shops between Ingleby Cross and Robin Hood's Bay.


I've got the new edition of Stedman's book on order from amazon - comes out mid-March - but I'm eager to get on with my planning.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: youradvocate on 17:00:28, 17/02/14
Having done both both ways I personally would choose the Pennine Way, North to South.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: bilzebub on 20:52:22, 08/09/18
Hi, hope I can revive this tthread as we are looking to do the Pennine Way in July 2019!
May I ask why North to South is better? We are looking at booking through Contours as we are coming from Canada and have used them before (though we booked the C2C ourselves & used Sherpa Van for the bags, they don't do the whole PW route, apparently)

Also, Contours offers various itineraries from 13-21 days. I know that the PW is more of a challenge than the C2C, but how many days might you guesstimate for people who have done the C2C in 11 days (carrying only daypacks and using a luggage transfer service)? We like to cover 30-35k a day generally (2 years ago we did the GR65 from Geneva to lePuy averaging 33k), and are not "racing" it so much as we like to walk for about 8 hours and find that accommodations don't want you anyhow before 3-4 pm.

Thanks :)
Bill
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: sussamb on 21:17:38, 08/09/18
I've done it twice south to north.  Next year I'm planning a C2C in 12 days, and took just over 14 days on my last PW. Could have done 14 but decided to overnight in the Cheviots rather than arrive late evening on my 14th day, so I suspect 14 or 15 days would suit you.


Can't advise whether north to south is better as haven't done it that way, yet!
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: mow1701 on 17:53:56, 10/09/18
Just seen on page 1 someone quoting me- I’ve never been quoted before! :)  Anyway this summer(August 2018) I’ve just done Pennine Way end to end over 18 days, South to North and thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely more sociable in evenings as I ended up being on a timetable similar to others which made pub banter in the evening great. So I’ve now done the pennine way twice fully and in 2 halves once. I live near Blackstone Edge and paints the  White Hill Trig point on Pennine Way so you can tell which one I prefer. Whenever I meet someone doing the walk I’m always envious and start thinking maybe just one more time. It never really enters in my thoughts doing the Coast to Coast again. I’ve done lots of the National Trails and for me the Pennine Way is the original and best O0  Only advice don’t rush it the more time you can allocate the more you’ll enjoy the scenery. I did Middleton in Teesdale to Dufton in one day but wished I’d split it like I did before
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: gunwharfman on 18:26:16, 10/09/18
Middleton To Dufton, the last time I did it it was brilliant sunshine, a great section of the PW.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: forest view on 16:35:59, 31/10/18
Hi, hope I can revive this tthread as we are looking to do the Pennine Way in July 2019!
May I ask why North to South is better? We are looking at booking through Contours as we are coming from Canada and have used them before (though we booked the C2C ourselves & used Sherpa Van for the bags, they don't do the whole PW route, apparently)

Also, Contours offers various itineraries from 13-21 days. I know that the PW is more of a challenge than the C2C, but how many days might you guesstimate for people who have done the C2C in 11 days (carrying only daypacks and using a luggage transfer service)? We like to cover 30-35k a day generally (2 years ago we did the GR65 from Geneva to lePuy averaging 33k), and are not "racing" it so much as we like to walk for about 8 hours and find that accommodations don't want you anyhow before 3-4 pm.

Thanks :)
Bill
Update Sherpa now does bags all the way. Joyce
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: bricam2096 on 19:11:00, 31/10/18
Update Sherpa now does bags all the way. Joyce

My eyes lit up at the thought of them taking a bag all of the PW, then I saw the prices. Not very cost effective for a solo hiker, especially compared to the C2C prices  :o

Minimum 2 bags per move across the route unless otherwise stated
Edale to Malham: £17.50 per bag per move
Malham to Alston: £9.50 per bag per move
Alston to Greenhead: £28.00 for 1 – 4 bags per move
Greenhead to Byrness: £9.50 per bag per move
Byrenss to Kirk Yetholm: £19.00 per bag per move
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: forest view on 21:37:52, 31/10/18
Thats one of the downsides of choosing a trail that is very hilly or mountainous the baggage handlers can`t just drive over the mountains they have to go around which takes much longer and uses a lot more deisel which is 30% more expensive than it was 8 months ago.Byrness to KY is over 60 mile round trip along mostly single track roads and takes over 2 hours and uses a fair bit of fuel.  It is there as an option, different people have different priorities.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: bricam2096 on 21:57:23, 31/10/18
Thats one of the downsides of choosing a trail that is very hilly or mountainous the baggage handlers can`t just drive over the mountains they have to go around which takes much longer and uses a lot more deisel which is 30% more expensive than it was 8 months ago.Byrness to KY is over 60 mile round trip along mostly single track roads and takes over 2 hours and uses a fair bit of fuel.  It is there as an option, different people have different priorities.

I know but sadly for a solo walker on a budget, the baggage carrier isn't really an option. I guess if it was cheaper, maybe less people would give up and more would reach Byrness  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: sussamb on 06:40:47, 01/11/18
Think I'd have to be dead before I let someone else carry my kit  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: ninthace on 08:17:28, 01/11/18
Think I'd have to be dead before I let someone else carry my kit  O0
Mrs N is happy for me to carry hers  O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: sussamb on 08:43:18, 01/11/18
 ;D O0
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: harland on 09:39:02, 01/11/18
Think I'd have to be dead before I let someone else carry my kit  O0
I always seem to agree with you posts  O0 and I can't think of not carrying all my kit in this country.  However I am thinking of walking the Camino (French Way) next year and I am seriously thinking of having my "stuff" transferred daily.  I am trying to reconcile myself to this with the fact that it will be so much hotter there - don't tell anyone! :-\
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: sussamb on 10:24:12, 01/11/18
- don't tell anyone! :-\

Sssshhhh ... they'll hear you  ;D
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Islandplodder on 13:09:56, 01/11/18

I once had baggage transfer, and thought it was wonderful, but a bit of me thought it might be cheating a bit.  It was in France, and it was hot.
However, when I was on the Pennine Way (carrying everything) it was pointed out to me that in 10 years time it might be the only way I would still be able to do that kind of walk, and that then it would be better to give in on baggage transfer and do the walk than sit at home by the fire grumbling about age and infirmity.
I think I would rather let someone carry my bags than give up long distance walks.   And after all, you are meant to enjoy it, not endure it!
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: harland on 13:49:06, 01/11/18
I know this sounds daft but when I have my rucksack on my back/hips I don't seem to feel the weight.  But when I was going to walk the last leg of my Land's End to John o'Groats walk earlier this year the hotel agreed that I could leave what I didn't need that day in reception.  The difference in weight was very noticeable!  My preference would always be to carry everything in my rucksack but if the only option would be to stay at home then there is no reason not to take the baggage transfer option on multi day walks.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: sussamb on 14:36:33, 01/11/18
I think I would rather let someone carry my bags than give up long distance walks.   And after all, you are meant to enjoy it, not endure it!


While I agree with that I suspect if you can walk a ldw you can carry a pack  ;)
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: gunwharfman on 16:30:14, 01/11/18
One small point about the Camino that I noticed this year. When hiking out of St Jean Pied du Port on the Route Napoleon, the GR65 to Roncevalles, Spain, take note that the first section is about 10km UPHILL to the first Refuge and mostly on tarmac. A bit of a plod! I stayed overnight in the Refuge, very nice, evening meal, breakfast and a dormitory bed, 36 euros. The next water point is 11km after that, if its really hot you may suffer, difficult to find shade! Its a bit better from then on. I was hiking towards St Jean Pied du Port from Roncevalles at the time and I saw and met some VERY thirsty people!

So far I have always carried my pack, I think I'd feel undressed without it! My load is not great and everything I carry is everything I use. I've met a lot of people over the years who carry so much!
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: rural roamer on 22:25:04, 02/11/18

While I agree with that I suspect if you can walk a ldw you can carry a pack  ;)


We’ve done 6 LDWs and I suspect that if we hadn’t used a baggage carrier I might not have completed them all. I have weak shoulders and often have tendon problems and really struggled on the last few days of the Pennine Way even just carrying a daypack. Whilst I would love to carry all my stuff and probably could have done in my younger days I don’t think I would be able to now. And as others have said, better to use a bag carrier than not do the walk at all. 
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: tonyk on 23:56:08, 02/11/18

While I agree with that I suspect if you can walk a ldw you can carry a pack  ;)
I agree.Its not really that big a deal carrying a 12-15kg pack,especially once you become used to it after 3-4 days.I am not young anymore but carrying a pack isn't a problem provided I slow my pace a bit when going uphill.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Islandplodder on 08:44:22, 03/11/18

I couldn't lift a 12 -15 kg pack, leave alone carry it anywhere.  And I have never reached the point of forgetting it's there!
I have pared down what I carry on an LDP to such an extent that baggage transfer wouldn't make a huge difference, after all you always have to carry food, water, waterproofs and map and compass.  When I did do baggage transfer I took all manner of unnecessary stuff like posh clothes for the evening.
But, I do notice I can walk much further and faster without a pack, and when for some reason I only have day stuff (for instance on the PW we stayed 2 nights at Forest View), it wasn't so much that I noticed I wasn't carrying much the first day, more that we arrived at the pick up point an hour earlier than we expected, telling each other we should have done the Cheviots in a oner.  I didn't feel like that walking into Kirk Yetholm with the extra few pounds, we spent the whole of that last uphill bit blessing Forest View!
I know that a some people on this forum are ex forces and have been carrying big loads all their lives.  Us lesser mortals can't do it!  Not and walk as well!
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: dav on 16:49:10, 03/11/18
It is a fact that the popularity with long distance routes these days, is down to there being bag carrying services available. You don't see many on these routes with big packs anymore, just day sacks usually. Those with camping packs are in the minority.If it wasn't for the bag carrying companies the numbers walking long distance routes would be drastically reduced as they couldn't do them without such a service.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: rural roamer on 17:29:28, 04/11/18
It’s probably easy for those of who who always walk with a large pack to say that if you can walk an LDP you can carry all your stuff, I’m just pretty sure I wouldn’t have been able to. Not all our parts of the body work equally well!
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Doddy on 14:51:08, 19/12/18
C to C; there are six bothies (simple shelters) on or near the trail. Google mountain bothies association for their location.
Title: Re: Pennine Way or Coast to Coast
Post by: Doddy on 14:58:13, 22/01/19
Apologies I got my post wrong, the bothies I mentioned are on the Southern Upland Way which is a Scottish Coast to Coast. I have done the SUW, the PW and the CtC and apart from the odd hostel or BnB I wild camped.[/color]