Rishi Sunak has welcomed the start of work on making the world-famous Coast to Coast Walk a National Trail, with work now underway on preparing a proposal for National Trail designation to maintain and upgrade the long-distance path which brings thousands of walkers to the Yorkshire Dales every year. 

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is looking forward to working with Natural England and local partners to designate the Coast to Coast long distance footpath as a National Trail.

The feasibility work will be taking place during the current year with a view to Natural England presenting a formal proposal to Government early in Spring 2022.

Nick Cotton, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Member Champion for Recreation Management said: “The designation of the Coast to Coast as a National Trail is a key objective within our National Park Management Plan 2019-2024 and we’re delighted that this is now a big step forward to making it a reality.

“There’s a lot of work to do between now and next spring working with landowners and local communities as well as our neighbouring National Parks and Local Authorities, and of course Natural England who have the statutory responsibility for National Trails”.

The 182-mile Coast to Coast path runs from St Bees in the west passing through Orton, Kirkby Stephen, Ravenseat, Keld, Reeth and Marske in the Yorkshire Dales National Park before continuing to Robin Hood’s Bay in the east.