I Hiked 200 Miles Across England - Part 1 | COAST TO COAST 2024

The Coast to Coast Walk was created by Alfred Wainright in 1973. Last year, I decided that I would hike his famous route. In this episode, I walk from St Bees to Grasmere over three pretty gruelling days - this was much much harder than I imagined. On top of this, it rained and rained! This adventure was also to raise money for ‪@PancreaticCancerUK‬ and in memory of my dad, who died of the disease in 1994 and my friend Amanda who also sadly died of pancreatic cancer in 2023. Please do consider donating a pound or two to Pancreatic Cancer UK (first link below) if you have enjoyed this video. Thanks so much - Ben 🙏
Thanks for watching.
Links:
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www.pancreatic...
My Coast to Coast kit list:
lighterpack.co...
Outdoor Gear Essentials (support a UK outdoor gear provider):
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[@greatwideopen]

Brilliant start mate! I'm loving watching how difficult it is for you, all the rain, the aches and pains; because I know that now you've finished, these hardships will only sweeten the memories of times you triumphed through testing times. Looking forward to the rest and unlocking some great memories. You definitely made the right decision to stop in Grasmere and save the climb to grisedale tarn for the morning👌

[@benhikescamps]

It certainly does teach you about life’s challenges! Thanks Dan! 👍👍

[@colinboxall2692]

Ben - been watching over the last week or so. On Part 4 now. God, I feel your aches and pains. What an effort and never signs of giving up. Mental fortitude is a must on these long distance walks. I completed the C2C around 10 years ago in 10 days. I had a similar Lake District storm at the start. Watching you is prep for my second time next year. Dent is a pain and finding the summit route off the forestry track was a pain. Thanks for sharing. So hoping you’ll complete. Take care. 2 days before I started, a lady on the C2C fell off Anglers crag and succumbed to head injuries. I was careful. Been back along that stretch a few times and gets easier but care is needed. Living in the Lakes as I am lucky enough to do, makes you understand the weather forecast is a ‘guide’ only.

[@emperorsgrandads]

Thanks for sharing this video. I'm heading off to do the trek in a few days and your efforts have made me just buy a waterproof phone case so thanks!

[@ScoutManSteve]

Hi Ben, what a grim start to the trip fella. Already watched up to part 3, but just going through and commenting on each video now. So far really enjoying the series 👊

[@manfredkrain6418]

What Ben presents here happened to me (us, my friend Michel and me) as well. We met Ben on the trail the first days. What he shows and explains about the first days happened to us too. But we have been in a more luxury position and stayed in B&B's, Farms, Hotels etc. so we always had a dry, warm bed. Anyway, for me Ben is the hero!

[@benhikescamps]

I sometimes envied your luxurious accommodation Manfred!!

[@DM_RUNNING]

Enjoyed that, thanks for taking us along, useful food for though and insight ahead of my own c2c attempt in a couple of weeks, day one for me is starting to patterdale though 😬😬

[@Hengists_Wild_Camps]

I've just watched this morning Ben, and what a cracking bit of viewing it was. Respect mate for how you dealt with the weather on the first two days.👍 Also, it was good to see that you didn't hurt yourself too badly with your day 3 tumble. This was really interesting to watch Ben, and I'm looking forward to part 2. Great video mate. 👍🙂

[@benhikescamps]

Ah, thanks so much for that Steve! 🙏 Was a tough start to the adventure. Stay tuned for part 2 mate!

[@Teddy12399]

A suggestion for a bit of kit to add to your pack which will overcome your water in charging socket issue: A magsafe charging block. Just attaches on the back. Loved the video. Will be watching part two tomorrow. 🙌

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks for the recommendation. I already use a Powerbank for chafing when hiking. It’s a wired connection though. Thanks for watching!

[@1stclassadventures]

Really enjoyed watching, looking forward to the next part of your journey. Well done.

[@benhikescamps]

Many thanks Mark!

[@hambo8851]

Wow! There was sure some stunning scenery and views there. There was some serious water there in places. Really superb video, thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to the rest of the series! ATB 🙏👍

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Hambo!

[@rebthirteen8012]

Only just discovered your channel Ben whilst searching the Coast to Coast UK hike. I have to say your honesty, and warts and all account is one of THE best accounts I’ve seen of this walk. It can rain a lot in The Lakes and north of England, and you handled it extremely well! Refreshing to watch. I suspect some others videos of this walk are heavily edited to make it appear the walk/hike when camping is a breeze. I very much doubt that lol, especially in wet or hot conditions! Fellow walkers/hikers/wild campers such as myself, appreciate the honesty as depicted in your videos on this walk! So thanks for that! I’ve subscribed to your channel as a result of your Coast To Coast hike/walk. Tip: always keep a bag of rice about your rucksack in a ziploc bag to dry out your iPhone etc in case of dampness from rain. Your iPhone etc will happily dry out in there and you can easily replace that rice as you go along. Great videos Ben! 👍 Keeping it real ⛺️ 🥾 on the trails 😀👍

[@stehume]

Great video Ben, looking forward to part two. I love hiking in the bad weather takes me back abount 43 years ago when I was about 12 when my dad would tale me and my brother across the north York Moores doing things like the lyke wake walk and the Cleveland way......always seemed to rain more then it didn't, All the best to you

[@benhikescamps]

Many thanks

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Looks like a lovely challenge haha...Reminds me of Southern Upland Way here in Scotland but I had a pretty much perfect weather 2 months ago and was chased by cows thru the fields few times lol

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks for watching!

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Tricky start mentally with the rain. I feel for you. I walked a bit in the lakes a couple of years ago and it's on another level compared to anything down south. Fair play to you.

[@benhikescamps]

Very true. Thanks for watching Dan. Currently on episode 1 of your SDW 👍

[@MrJezster]

Excellent Video - Loved it!! Would be grateful for the Grasmere B&B reference.

[@benhikescamps]

That’s very kind! B&B was the Victorian House Hotel right next to the Co-op. Cost around £87 for a double room with breakfast included. Very nice place.

[@rooksfoot1184]

Looked absolutely Brutal-iful.... Cheers

[@benhikescamps]

Was indeed brutalful!!😂

[@Adventures_with_Sog]

Ey up me duck. Really enjoying this fella 👍

[@SmarteeeOutdoors]

Fabulous first instalment of your adventure, and a great job enduring that weather! Looking forward to the next episode. Cheers.

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks!

[@howardpotts5763]

Fair play mate ! Absolutely shocking weather 😢

[@grahamseward112]

Really great video. It looked brutal with the weather, such a shame, but the lake District really is stunning! Can't wait for part two. 🤘

[@benhikescamps]

Many thanks Graham!

[@patgreen1309]

Well done for keeping going Ben. Great video, really shows how brutal but beautiful the scenery is.

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Pat!

[@Cosplayvicar]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the drone shots. What amazing views as well.

[@benhikescamps]

Cheers Cris!

[@SimonOutdoors]

Mate I also went dangerous side of ennerdale water, it took forever! And it rained when I left black sail hut! But was fine before. Looks like you had rough weather! Great edit! Look forward to the next one

[@benhikescamps]

Cheers Simon. My campsite owner that night said someone sadly lost their life trying to get round the Anglers Crag side last year. 😥 I really did wonder what I’d let myself in for there. Was proud to get through it and especially when the rain got bad!

[@SimonOutdoors]

@@benhikescamps 👍🏻 I also remember trying to get to Grasmere and it seemed to take forever! Brilliant! Loved the plug for part 2! Hope you’re ok after the falls. I remember I fell at least twice fully on my arse! Can’t wait for the next one

[@benhikescamps]

Correct on that!!

[@stevesmith5717]

Wow Ben the views are amazing and the first couple of days were punishing in that weather.

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Steve. Was a pretty epic first three days.

[@andsoistopped]

Just incredible.

[@wishdarkstalkaz4050]

Just stumbled on this & love the way you’ve documented your hike. I did this a few months back as my first trail back after knee surgery & yup...that walk up to Dent is great never-ending “fun” & nobody told me about the scrambling on the right side of Ennerdale Water either...!!! Managed to get to Black Sail end of first day but not allowed to pitch outside so had to drop down to the water edge. Day 2 ended in Grassmere at their YH that was actually closed due to staff shortage so free night in their grounds...! Just seen you’ve since posted part2 so off to watch that now. ATB .Wish.

[@nobbylad7598]

Cracking episode 👌Looking forward the the rest of the series. I set off from Ulverston on the same day as you & walked the Cumbria Way. delightful weather wasn't it 🤣

[@benhikescamps]

Absolutely glorious Nobby! 😂

[@southcoastoutdoorsuk6301]

Mate that was brutal last leg well done for pushing through 👍 And many thanks for the mentions hope the food went down well 🙏

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Col!

[@benhikescamps]

Food was so nice thanks mate. Thanks again!

[@kashmiryy8820]

Excellent video, almost forgot how bad the weather was 😅. Looking forward to pt2 - Martin

[@benhikescamps]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ksgonewild]

Awwwww Ben, what an amazing video! Bless you with that horrendous relentless rain… the terrain in The Lakes is brutal but OMG it’s so so beautiful! I love it there so much…. Hopefully next year we can get there once my back is sorted. You absolutely did the right thing to stop and I really felt for you because it felt like you were apologising but you have done so so well! I really admire you for going so you know what, I can’t make that it’s too far and stopping sooner. I wish more people did that. Cannot wait for Part 2!! Xxx

[@benhikescamps]

Ah, thank you Karen!!

[@Peteablokeoutdoors]

Stirling effort Ben, some horrible weather you had their mate. Looking forward to the rest of your videos. 🤟👊

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Pete!

[@scotbotvideos]

Great effort, Ben. You really embraced-the-suck (Appalachian Trail thru-hike term) on this one.

[@benhikescamps]

Haha! Yes, I’ve heard that term before! Thanks v much for watching and commenting.

[@WalksWithOlly]

I've known people walk away from a trail at the point of wet kit and clothing... Glad to see you kept going and I look forward to part two - and more rain, by the looks of it!!

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks!

[@snorkherder]

Great effort Ben, Shame about the wind and rain thus far, I would have worn hiking boots for this one, good ankle and sole support. Your trail runners, may a little too flexible for that kind of a hike. Good luck with the rest of the adventure :)

[@benhikescamps]

Who knows!?? Thanks for watching it all Snork!

[@mikeday8295]

Well done Mate

[@benhikescamps]

many thanks Mike.

[@BurtonOutdoors]

Well done Ben 👏 enjoyed this viddy, one question, did you take a spare pair of glasses with you? Us visually challenged people have to think about losing our sight! I'd be stuck if I lost mine on such an epic adventure

[@benhikescamps]

Cheers Lee. The answer is no and I know wondering if that was such a good idea! I had duct tape on hand for repairs though!

[@bigearsbridge4732]

Well you haven't put me off trying this at some point 😂 It does look pretty tough and you had some horrendous weather. Looking forward to seeing the rest, well done.

[@benhikescamps]

You’d love it BB! 🗻

[@RustyOutside]

Good video mate, looks like you had even worse rain than I did!

[@benhikescamps]

Haha! Thanks

[@MissPlummm]

Ben Fogle who?! Ben Hikes and Camps is where it’s at! So proud of you mate. Ledge! xx

[@benhikescamps]

Ah thanks!

[@barryconway]

gruelling, Ben, but nicely presented. Good job.

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks!

[@raffaeleantonucci9098]

Wonderful Ben!

[@benhikescamps]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davewatts2032]

Well done mate great cause and effort 👍

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks 👍 appreciated Dave!

[@mphunty]

Thanks for the wonderful video, brought back so many wonderful memories of my coast to coast last year, especailly the brutal weather! I started with 2 day heatwave followed by rain for the next 10 with some gale force winds thrown in the mix. My most memorable moments being on blakely ridge heading through the gales and terrantial rain shouting "is that all you ********* got!" followed by 5 hours drying next to the fire in the pub chatting with fellow walkers. Loved the walk, maybe more now then when i was doing it cause it was very tough mentally and phsycially. As a solo hiker and quite and introvert the interactions with fellow walkers helped to keep me going, not falling victim within my within my own head. Looking forward to the next part, I am sure you will finish strong!

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks for sharing your C2C experience. The walk really does throw everything at us eh! Thanks for watching. 👍👍

[@michaelfinn1317]

Fair play for making the effort mate, you stuck it out in pretty terrible weather and that’s ok if you want. Me I’ve been hiking 50 years, and there would be no way anybody could persuade me not to stay at Black Sail with the conditions outside. Each to his own. Hope you finished the Coast to Coast and had better days.

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks very much for watching. 👍

[@TheWalkingKev]

Some very challenging conditions but some beautiful scenery when the skies cleared. Captured the toughness of the walk and the grind of walking this kind of trail.

[@benhikescamps]

Many thanks. 👍

[@hedleythorne]

Jealous of this trip, can't wait to see the video! Here we go

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Hedley. Part 2 imminent!!

[@Wrighty_Outside]

Hi, I done several walks for charity and there are times when you are low and times when you are high. You just have to remember why or who you are doing it for and this gives you extra energy to carry on. Well done for doing this and I wish you luck and best wishes and will follow the rest of your walk. Well done Paul.

[@benhikescamps]

Many thanks Paul and well said.

[@o.bsoutdoors3871]

This blew us away, and it is only part 1! Huge respect to you Ben, you showed tremendous grit and strength of character to keep going through the relentless rain 🌧😳. The lakes is one of the most beautiful places in the UK, this trail crossed some of our most loved areas, but man, the terrain can be challenging, particularly when you add in the rain making the rocks super treacherous, we both hid behind our hands when you fell 😮. We are glad you still appreciated the incredible beauty though, and were also helped and inspired by your lovely hiking companions. Definitely the right move to stop in Grasmere and regroup! Hopefully ready for the next leg, we know we are! Can't wait for part 2. Outstanding stuff 😊🙌 All the best, Shell and Pete 👍

[@benhikescamps]

Bless ya both! Thanks so much for those kind words. Part 2 imminent!!! 🙏🫡

[@Ericidryfly]

Ben watching part one of your C2C hike makes me thank the gods for the beautiful weather I had on my C2C hike in May 2023. Only had a total of two days of rain. Looking forward to part 2

[@benhikescamps]

Part 2 has more rain! Hehe!

[@TheJPJT1234]

Be heading on my adventure in October... kinda hoping for less rain 😅

[@benhikescamps]

Fingers crossed for you! 🤞

[@ProcyonAlpha]

In retrospect , do you think walking boots would be a better option ? Thanks guy the videos and well done mate

[@benhikescamps]

Hi PA. If I were to do this again, I’d stick with trail runners. They’re so much lighter, flexible and dry out quite quickly with no real issues. They also expel water as soon as it enters the shoe when submerged. This is harder to do with walking boots. Thanks for watching!

[@AlbertOutdoorsUK]

What an epic adventure Ben. I’m re-living my trip and remembering how hard it was. Thank you so much for filming your long distance hike, it looks a lot more challenging than when I did it but somehow you managed to film it too. You’re doing a brilliant job editing and presenting your backpacking trip. This should be on the T.V. 👍

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks so much Al. Really glad you’re enjoying it.

[@HikingForHealth1]

Enjoyed watching that Ben. Was well edited and put together. It’s amazing how the weather can affect moods when hiking and relentless rain is always tough. Looking forward to part 2 👍🏻👏🏻🏕️🙂

[@benhikescamps]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks 👍🙏

[@coh8825]

Amazing ben thank you for this. I spotted myself in your first campsite! It really brings back how horrendous the weather was. Our tents broke on the Ennerdale camp and now i can see why. We did do the south side of the lake but ankle deep in water as the lake burst it’s banks! We bailed into that YHA and sorted ourselves out. And then your trailer for part 2 - more rain!!! Brilliant to re-live it.

[@benhikescamps]

Is this Clare?? Glad you enjoyed re-living it!

[@dcaudwell]

Wonderful! V challenging conditions so, well done! You’ve certainly been baptized into the typically unpredictable, Lake District weather!

[@benhikescamps]

That’s one way of describing it yes!!

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Quite a start to your adventure Ben.

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Hardy 👍

[@MarkWebb-v1t]

Nice meeting you on Dent hill and to see you survived the rain in good spirits. Enjoyed your video. Best of luck.

[@benhikescamps]

Hello Mark! Wow! It was great chatting to you early on in the trail. Really appreciated it. Hope all is well with you. 🙂👍

[@moyahaigh9593]

A great start

[@LynneHoller]

What month did you hike? My husband and son and I hiked the C2C this May and had variable weather but a total of only 2 days +/- of rain -- your experience makes ours look so easy... You capture the beauty and ruggedness of the Lakes District! Enjoy your realistic portrayal of an amazing but tough experience.

[@DartmoorPaul]

Brilliant Here we go on a challenge and an adventure that we have watched many months in the planning. Excited to follow, Ben. Very poignant the 2 stones and it’s a wonderful thing you are doing to raise money and awareness for Pancreatic Cancer. August in England eh and 19 miles on day 1😮

[@benhikescamps]

Really appreciate those comments Paul and thank you for watching! 🫡

[@michaelgatford6194]

You've certainly been through it all, Ben, but made a good start. Glad you got some company along the way. Hope you enjoyed your full English.

[@benhikescamps]

LOVED the Full English! Thanks Michael 👍

[@romac9516]

Great film, I've never been so pleased for another person that it eventually stopped raining 🥲 Looking fwd to part II

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks 👍

[@lenrice7482]

I did it with 2 mates about 29 years ago, so I've wore the trails down a bit for you! ha ha Keep going brother - I can't believe you are managing to make top quality videos on the way too! We planned it for 10 days and took 14 after a few pub rest days! Robins Hoods Bay is gorgeous and you will be soon paddling in the sea! ha ha keep it up brother

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks for preparing the way for me and for watching!

[@pauledwards499]

Absolutely brilliant effort, the B&B was the right call. Looking forward to the next one 👍

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed it!

[@kimberlym4289]

You're a brave soul with all of that rain and the overflowing streams. Thank you for taking us with you! I can't wait for the next part!

[@benhikescamps]

You are so welcome!

[@wendymaguire2041]

Cheer up, plums.

[@Bluemerleoutdoors]

Awesome video Ben I fell in love with the lakes last year doing the Cumbria Way it was my first time in the Lake District and it was better than I could ever imagine. I'm doing the tour of the lakes hike (97miles) next month then the coast to coast next year so can't wait to see the rest of your journey il probably watch it a couple of times before I do it

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks for that!! Good luck next month. 👍🥾🥾

[@andrewjohnalbrighton6140]

Absolutely fantastic so far , Ben . I have partially seen some of the Coast to Coast treks as done by other youtubers and have stopped watching after the first few minutes. This was mainly because the only showed us the better highlights of the trip . Whereas you keep in the drama, good and bad in to show us the truth as well as a good and sometimes great adventures. Thanks for sharing time and effort with us all and I hope you do well with your fundraising .

[@benhikescamps]

I really appreciate that feedback. Thanks! 🙏👍

[@ysgolgerlan]

Thanks for the video and very well done. It is a worthy cause. 👍

[@benhikescamps]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@paultownley5825]

Been looking forward to this 🙌

[@user-ui8iv6tk8z]

looking forward to this thanks Ben

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks!

Interessantes Video. Gruss Jürgen 🤠

[@benhikescamps]

Danke!

[@Bluemerleoutdoors]

Cant wait for this

[@MrAndRob]

Great Video mate and amazing effort. Random question, would you recommend the Cascadias still? and did you size up at all when you got them

[@benhikescamps]

Many thanks. 👍 I sized up one size and it made such a difference. I had no blisters for the whole journey. They were very comfortable and did the job.

[@MrAndRob]

@@benhikescamps thanks mate, i normally go half a size up in my hiking shoes, from an 11 to a 11.5, but had seen some say there was no need and fit true.

[@KiwiJohn1951]

What's your base pack weight, Ben? I'm really enjoying your trek!

[@KiwiJohn1951]

Perhaps a Camino next year? I'm attempting my 2nd on the del Norte.

[@benhikescamps]

Just under 15kg with food and water. Many thanks for watching.

[@daveoutdoors44]

26.38 Its why they call the hills 'the fells'. Great video so far mate.

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Dave!

[@lewisgardner1660]

It could have been worse just think how you would have coped if it was in the heigh 30s

[@benhikescamps]

Exactly!

[@bernardscott1783]

You might find it easier and safer wearing proper boots mate especially carrying a big pack

[@benhikescamps]

@@bernardscott1783 Love my trailrunners. I’d do the whole thing again in trailrunners. Boots are for some people but not for me. Thanks for watching.