If conquering nearly 190 miles of England’s stunning countryside sounds like your idea of the perfect adventure, the Coast to Coast walk is likely already on your radar. This iconic long-distance trail, created by the legendary Alfred Wainwright, takes you through three of England’s most beautiful National Parks - starting with the rugged Lake District, winding through the rolling Yorkshire Dales, and finishing at the dramatic cliffs of the North York Moors.  

But with all great walks comes an important question - what do you pack? Packing smartly can mean the difference between an unforgettable walk and a miserable trudge. Our guide will help you pack all the walking essentials, ensuring you're well-prepared for every terrain, weather condition, and challenge this trail may throw at you.

A Quick Overview of the Coast to Coast Walk  

The Coast to Coast Walk stretches from St. Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea - covering a variety of terrains and offering some of the UK’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Divided into 9 to 18 sections per day based on your selected itinerary, this self-guided adventure requires careful preparation for a successful journey. 

Walkers tackle everything from steep mountain passes and lush valleys to quaint villages and wide-open moorlands. While challenging at times, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience, especially for adventure enthusiasts who prefer travelling on their own schedule.

Walking Essentials Packing Overview  

When it comes to the Coast to Coast Walk, it’s important to remember you won’t be carrying a massive backpack the entire way. With a self-guided tour like the ones Macs Adventure offers, your luggage is transferred between accommodations, so you only need to carry a small daypack with your daily walking essentials while out on the trails.  

Below, we’ll break down exactly what to take for both your daypack and your main luggage.

Daypack Essentials  

You’ll carry your daypack while walking each section of the trail, so keep your walking supplies light and practical. Here’s what you should include: 

• Navigation tools: The Coast to Coast route is well-travelled, but some sections can be confusing. Load your route map in the Macs Adventure app, and you'll be good to go - even offline! The app can still plot your location on the route without internet access. 
• Hydration: A reusable water bottle like a Water-to-Go filtration bottle or a hydration bladder is non-negotiable.
• Snacks: Quick energy boosters like trail mix, energy bars, or dried fruit are ideal for keeping energy levels up throughout the day. Check out our best walking snacks and trail nutrition article for more ideas. 
• Lunch: Pack a light, nutritious meal like a sandwich with lean protein and vegetables, a pasta salad, or a wrap. Add fresh fruit or a yoghurt cup for variety. You can grab lunch at a cafe or shop before you start your day, or check if your hotel offers packed lunches for a small fee.
• Electrolytes: Bring along electrolyte sachets or energy drink powders to mix with water and help stay hydrated and replenished, especially during high ascents or long days.
• Weatherproof layers: A lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker (waterproof is a must in the UK) and waterproof trousers to keep your legs dry. A pair of waterproof gloves will come in handy for any wet days, and don't forget extra socks - just in case.
• Warm layers: Warm gloves and a scarf or snood come in handy on the dry but cold days, as does a woolly hat. A compact fleece is a good idea to keep the torso toasty. For the sunnier days, a baseball cap will help with that.
• First-aid kit: Pack basics like plasters, antiseptic wipes, and any medication you might need.  
• Sun protection: Even in the UK, suncream and a hat are essential during summer months.  
• Portable battery pack: As you'll be using the Macs app on your phone, it's a good idea to pack a portable battery pack so your phone doesn't run out of juice And don’t forget the cable to connect the two!
• Walking poles: While optional and not used by every walker, we recommend packing them - especially for the uneven terrain and ascents and descents in the Lake District section of the Coast to Coast route. Discover the benefits of walking poles and learn when to use them to help you decide. 

Luggage for the Trip  

Your main luggage will be transported daily between accommodations, so it can include everything you need for the trip, but don’t want to carry on the trail.  

Clothing: 

• Comfy walking clothes - quick-drying tops, a few pairs of trousers, and layering basics like lightweight thermals.  
• Don't forget gloves, a scarf or snood, and a warm hat - it can get chilly in the mornings and at the top of ascents, even in summer.  
• Coat – goes without saying!
• Casual evening outfits for relaxing at your accommodation or in town.  
• Spare socks! Bring enough for each day, plus an extra pair in case of rain-soaked boots.
• Gaiters are also handy for extra protection against the wet British weather. 

Footwear: 

• Sturdy, broken-in walking boots are non-negotiable. Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to the best walking boots for women.  
• Flip-flops or comfy shoes for evenings.  

Toiletries & Hygiene:

• Travel-sized toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant).  
• A small towel and quick-dry washcloth.  
• Blister bandages and foot balm - they’ll be lifesavers.

Extras: 

• A book or travel journal.  
• Laundry soap for washing essentials during longer stays. Top tip: Shampoo can double as laundry soap if you don’t want to bring both.
• A camera, if your phone camera isn’t enough - trust us, you’ll want plenty of photos.

Food & Hydration Tips Along the Route  

Some daily routes won’t have anywhere to pick up food, so it’s best to be prepared and stock up before you leave for the day. While there may be charming pubs, cafes, or shops along parts of the walk, planning ahead is essential. 

• Breakfasts: All accommodations on our self-guided tours include breakfast.
• Lunches: Many accommodations provide packed lunches since options can be limited in remote sections.  
• Dinners: If your accommodation doesn't offer a dinner menu, pubs or restaurants are usually easy to find for dinner. The Macs app will offer dining recommendations too. We suggest making reservations in advance, particularly in villages and small towns. Check out our food and drink guide for inspiration.
• Hydration: Always carry enough water. Refill whenever possible at accommodations or public facilities. If you have a filtration bottle, you'll be able to refill at streams and becks and have safe drinking water. 

Packing for Unpredictable Weather  

As we know, the UK is famously unpredictable when it comes to the weather. From blazing sun to sudden showers, you’ll want to be prepared for it all.  

Waterproof gear is crucial. Keep yourself dry with a waterproof jacket, trousers, and a backpack cover.  
Layering is key to staying comfortable no matter the temperature. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a fleece or sweater, and finish with your weatherproof jacket.  
Gloves and hats are useful even in summer, especially on chilly mornings or windy days.

Managing Pack Weight  

If your journey involves flying, your airline may have a different luggage allowance than the one stated for your trip. Ensure you follow the weight limit set by Macs to avoid a fee. Our local luggage transfer partners set these limits to ensure their colleagues can carry and lift your luggage with minimal risk of injury. 

Here’s how to keep your luggage light: 

• Choose multi-functional gear, like walking trousers that convert to shorts.  
• Pack travel-sized versions of toiletries.  
• Skip the “just in case” extras. Stick to the necessities - you’re not trekking through complete wilderness, after all.

Small items that'll make a big difference  

Sometimes, it’s the little things that elevate your walking experience. Here are some additional items that seasoned walkers swear by: 

• Camera gear: A lightweight camera or phone with extra memory for capturing the stunning landscapes.  
• Portable battery pack: Keep your devices charged for photos and navigation.  
• Earplugs: For peaceful nights in case of noisy neighbours.  
• Lightweight scarf or buff: Handy for keeping warm or protecting against the sun.

Handy Walking Tips for the Coast to Coast  

• Take care of your feet. Change socks if they get wet en route, and apply foot balm to prevent blisters.
• Start early. Mornings are cooler and less crowded, plus it gives you plenty of time to explore your overnight destination.  
• Plan rest days. If time permits, schedule a day off halfway through to recharge and explore at a more relaxed pace. You can arrange this on some of our trips with our adventure specialists.
• Download the Macs Adventure app. All your trip info, including your route, navigation instructions, and accommodation details, will be at your fingertips -even offline! The app can still plot your location on the route without internet access.

Final Thoughts to Set You Off on the Right Foot  

Tackling Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk is about more than crossing the country - it’s about discovering the world on your own terms, finding joy in each step, and enjoying every stunning view.

When you’re packing, remember the golden rule: lightweight and essential. Whether it’s your daypack or your luggage, every item you bring should serve a purpose. For even more walking hacks and packing tips, check out our guide to what to take on a self-guided adventure. Now, lace up your boots, double-check your checklist, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy every mile!