Crossing Ol’ Blighty – the Coast to Coast Path, England – Day 16 & Final

Date: Thursday, 23 July 2026
Day: 16
From: Grosmont                   To: Robin Hood’s Bay
Start Walking: 803am         End Walking: 206pm
Distance (Planned): 24km      Distance (Garmin): 24.4km
Progress: 301.1/306km
Ascent: 626m                         Descent: 655m
Weather: Warm from the get-go. Sweating buckets!
Stayed At: The Victoria Hotel

General Comments:
• And that’s a wrap on another wonderful adventure. We could hardly believe it today as we walked into Robin Hood’s Bay that after 16 days of walking, we had actually done it.
• I find that when I do these kind of walks, I am only looking at the day in front of me, not at the overall distance. So, it sneaks up on me every single time.
• Just in case you are wondering, we did walk every step of the Coast to Coast Path so I’m not sure why the distance numbers above don’t marry up. I suspect there may have been some small realignment when it became an official National Trail.

• First off though to start the day we had to tackle the VERY steep departure from Grosmont. I could tell you it was a vertical ascent, but that would be fibbing. Let’s just say it was very steep and my heart rate went through the roof. Nothing like a few last UP memories to take with us. 😁
• From there we were back on the moors for a little while, before dropping down into the very pleasant Little Beck Forest and Falling Foss. Very picturesque.
• Unfortunately we also had to walk through some moors that had been severely damaged by wildfires. It was very desolate and not all that attractive, but a good reminder of the power of Mother Nature.

• The piece de resistance though was reaching the coast and the stunning views up to Whitby and Whitby Abbey, and finally Robin Hood’s Bay. We had arrived!
• We made a beeline down to the water and searched around our backpacks for the pebbles we had carried all the way from St Bees on the Irish Sea. Dipping our toes in the North Sea, we tossed our pebbles and then headed to Wainwright’s Bar at The Bay hotel for a celebratory beer! We had done it!

• This has been a truly enjoyable adventure. We have met some wonderful hikers and locals, and the friendships we have made really added to the experience.
• Special thanks to my Partner in Crime for being happy, patient and fantastic hiking company.
• The real star has been the ever-changing landscape with its contrast and at times, challenging terrain.
• And the faultless weather! Yes, a tad warm to start in the Lake District, but to stay dry for 19 days straight is a minor miracle!

Top Tips:
• Services: There is a café at Falling Foss that comes highly recommended and serves delicious cream teas. It opens on weekends in Summer…not Thursdays.
• Waymarking: the guidebook says this stage is poorly signed. We did not find that at all. Sometimes the style of sign changes – you just need to keep your eyes open.
• Thinking about walking the Coast to Coast Path?: Just do it!😊

Thank you to everyone who sent fair-weather wishes. You did an outstanding job of keeping us dry and mud free! Well done, everyone.

And now for the next adventure…😁