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Lake District welcomes its first ever National Trail as iconic Coast to Coast Path is officially upgraded

  • Landmark moment for the Lake District as Coast to Coast Path becomes first completed National Trail to showcase the lakes and fells of this National Park
  • Through becoming a National Trail, the popular route will see numerous benefits including improved accessibility, consistent high-quality signage, better opportunities for cyclists and equestrians, and a central pot of funding for maintenance.
  • Natural England launches week of celebrations for 190-mile route from the Irish Sea to the North Sea
Coast to Coast Start of Trail at St Bees (c) Natural England

The Lake District has its first ever National Trail, as the beloved Coast to Coast Path officially joins the UK’s prestigious family of long-distance routes.

Natural England is marking the milestone with a week of celebrations starting at Ennerdale Water, following a £5.5 million investment to upgrade the 190-mile path to National Trail standard.

First imagined by legendary fell walker Alfred Wainwright in 1973, the route takes walkers from St Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea, passing through three of England’s most spectacular National Parks.

This Cumbrian section includes the bracing coastline from St Bees before turning east through Cleator Moor and arriving at the Lakes along the shores of Ennerdale. Weaving through the fells and lakes that define this National Park, the Cumbrian stretch then passes alongside Shap Abbey before crossing the M6 and ending at Nine Standards Rigg.

Despite being one of the UK’s most visited landscapes, the Lake District has never before had a National Trail running through it. This changes today, bringing the area in line with other iconic walking destinations across England.

Natural England has worked closely with the Lake District National Park Authority, Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council to deliver infrastructure improvements along the Cumbrian section, including partnership work with the Fix the Fells programme, and an accessible lakeside route with improved surfacing and bridges around Ennerdale Water.

The upgrade brings improved signage and surfacing throughout, making the path accessible to more walkers. The route will also receive annual maintenance funding to keep it in good condition for generations to come.

Coast to Coast signage near Honister (c) Natural England

David Drake, Deputy Director for People and Nature, at Natural England, said:

“The Coast to Coast Path National Trail showcases some of the best the North has to offer, and the Lake District section is truly spectacular, taking walkers past glacial lakes, through ancient woodland and up onto some of England’s most iconic peaks. From the dramatic coastline at St Bees to the remote beauty of Ennerdale and the high passes around Grasmere, this stretch offers an unforgettable journey through landscapes that have inspired generations of walkers.

 “We’re thrilled that the Lake District finally has its first National Trail. This investment means more people than ever can experience these incredible places, with improved paths and signage to guide them safely through some of our most treasured countryside.”

 

Steve Tatlock, Southern Ranger Team Leader at the Lake District National Park Authority, said:

“We’re thrilled the Coast to Coast through the Lake District has now been designated as a National Trail. This milestone is only possible thanks to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the project over the last two years, both within the National Park Authority and across our valued partners, including Fix the Fells and Natural England.

“The upgrades and repairs completed along the route have made the trail more accessible while supporting nature recovery and climate resilience. These improvements help protect precious habitats and wildlife for future generations, and create safer, more sustainable paths for those who will enjoy the Lake District’s dramatic scenery as they embark on their Coast to Coast journey. This work reflects our commitment to ensuring the Lake District is a place for everyone, where communities benefit, local economies thrive, and the natural environment is cared for through strong partnership working.”

Cllr John Murray, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services, said:

“Westmorland and Furness Council has been delighted to work with Natural England and the other partners to do everything necessary to secure National Trail status for the Coast to Coast Walk.

“One of the most popular long-distance walks in the country, the route takes walkers through some of the most spectacular countryside in our area, including some areas usually overlooked. National Trail status will bring wide-ranging benefits to the communities along the path. More people will be connected to nature and the landscape, and our beautiful scenery showcased to visitors from across the world. I look forward to seeing this exciting development act as a catalyst for further improvements and opportunities for communities as Westmorland and Furness Council continue to work with partners along the route to maintain and improve this new National Trail for many years to come”

 

More than 6,000 people complete the full Coast to Coast every year, with thousands more enjoying shorter sections. Local communities feel the benefit of the trail’s popularity, with a 2025 survey finding 99% of walkers used local food services during their journey, with 77% staying in local accommodation.