Coast to Coast path from Cumbria to North Yorkshire turns national trail

The Coast to Coast path has officially become England’s newest national trail.

Taking walkers from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, the 190-mile (305.7km) route starts at St Bees in Cumbria and takes in three national parks, ending at Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire.

It was first imagined in 1973 by author Alfred Wainwright, renowned for his pictorial walking guides of the Lake District’s fells. After a £5.5m makeover, it has become the first completed national trail to take in the national park.

Natural England’s chief executive Marian Spain said the path showcased some of northern England’s “most treasured landscapes”.