Hi Derek,
Did you get away at the end of January for the coast to coast walk?
I'd be interested on how it went!!

Andy

Thanks Alex & Catharine, your comments are very helpful and much appreciated!

Hi Derek,

You should have the advantage that the YHAs that are open won't be closed due to school parties. There are also a number of bunk barns. These vary hugely from sleeping on a cold concrete slab with no hot water to (relative) luxury. East Applegarth Farm (3 miles west of Richmond) has converted a former cow byre and was particularly good. The Sherpa Van service gives lots of accommodation information.

Good luck. It's a terrific journey!

Thanks Sue for being so helpful and quick with your replies. I was beginning to think poorly of the LDWA membership, but you have redeemed my faith.
Wishing there were more like you!
Thanks again, Derek.

Hi Derek
No, I set off after breakfast and arrived by 5pm (ish) as I remember. You're more likely to be early than late, but several of the overnight stops (not Ennerdale Bridge) have a cafe that's even open in February! Have a good trip.

Thanks Sue, I appreciate your thoughts and assistance. Did you have any trouble getting the miles in each day before it started to get too dark?

You should be OK for accommodation as far as Richmond if you stop at Ennerdale Bridge, Borrowdale, Patterdale, Shap, Kirkby Stephen, Thwaite/Muker & Richmond. I did this in February a few years ago (even though most YHs weren't available, there were b&bs and pubs, although this made it more expensive). There's also an alternative coast to coast route from (I think) Arnside to Saltburn by sea via Kirkby lonsdale, Ingleton, Hawes, Leyburn etc.

Thanks Peter, you are probably right. Any thoughts from anyone else?

Of course you're mad, you are an LDWA member.

I have done several LDPs in February in the past. They pose different problems, more clothing to be carried/worn, fewer B&Bs open, shorter daylight hours. Before tackling the C to C why not try a shorter route. My favorite trip was The Bowland Dales Traverse. Garstang to Richmond one February about six years ago the silent, snowy entry to Malham on day two was quite magical and the climb up a frozen Gordale Scar a challenge.

I'm thinking of walking Wainwright's Coast to Coast in late January 2008. Am I mad? Poor daylight hours, weather, Youth Hostels closed etc. Advice would be gratefully received. My wife thinks I'm daft!
I've done Cleveland, Cotswold, Cumbria, Dales Way etc. but all in the summer.