Walkers Britain | Wainwright's Coast to Coast with Gail

Blog home / Wainwright's Coast to Coast with Gail - Travellers' Tale

Gail upon completing UK Coast to Coast walk with Walkers' Britain

Gail Rast from Australia went on a self guided Coast to Coast walk with us and in this article shares her feedback of the walking holiday across England. Her walking history began around five years ago when she walked the entire Camino Frances – solo!

What is your walking history?

I’ve always loved nature and the outdoors, but became really passionate about walking a little over 5 years ago when I made the decision to walk the Camino Frances. This was fairly ambitious for my first multi-day hike, but I succeeded in walking the entire 800km (solo). Since then I have done a number of multi-day hikes in Australia (including bush-camping) and 2 years ago I did the Portuguese Coastal Camino (260km).

"I’ve always loved nature and the outdoors"

Why did you choose to walk the UK’s Coast to Coast?

I chose the Coast to Coast long distance walk because I have always wanted to see the Lake District and spend some time in the English countryside. Walking is a great way to see and experience new places.

"Walking is a great way to see and experience new places."

How did you prepare for this long distance walk?

I keep myself fit year-round by swimming, walking and other activities such as kayaking. In the lead-up to the Coast to Coast walk, I increased my walking (distance and more difficult terrain) and trained with a pack. I also incorporated weight training into my routine to strengthen my muscles.

Gail in the Lake District UK with Walkers' Britain

Osmotherly village and viewpoint on Coast to Coast

What was your favourite destination along the trail?

I genuinely enjoyed the entire Coast to Coast Trail – I loved the diversity of the terrain! Stand-out village for me was Osmotherley, such a pretty place and such friendly locals. I also loved the coastal terrain of St Bees and Robin Hood’s Bay (great way to start and finish!).

Best Food & Drink?

The pub food was hearty and sustained my ravenous appetite at the end of the day! My most memorable meal was braised Cumbrian lamb in a pub in Rosthwaite – it was plentiful and absolutely delicious. I also enjoyed the local ales, and have now developed a taste for boutique gins!

Biggest surprise of your solo Coast to Coast walk?

The biggest surprise was the number and variety of animals that shared the trail – so many different types of sheep and cows, as well as horses and numerous birds including pheasants and grouse. As I was walking solo most of the time, they were great company!

Belted galloway - walking Wainwright Coast to Coast

Belted galloway - walking Wainwright Coast to Coast

Stiles and bleak moors - walking UK Coast to Coast - Walkers' Britain

What aspect of the walking trip did you find most challenging?

The descents of the Lake District were more challenging than I had imagined. I managed fine with the ascents, but my knees struggled coming down the peaks. But the views and sense of achievement made it absolutely worth it.

Want to experience Wainwright's Coast to Coast for yourself and cross England's Lake District on foot? At Walkers' Britain we offer a variety of ways to discover the area, whether on foot or by bike, guided or self guided, check out your options here .