Alfred Wainwright's world-class Coast to Coast Path is now a designated National Trail.
The 6 million pound upgrade of the famous British walking trail, which includes new signage, is due for completion next year.
There’s a nod to Wainwright with the use of his AW initials - a heart-warming gesture to the much-loved author and fell-wanderer.
The distinctive acorn is the icon for a national trail in the UK and you can also see it here on Wainstones, a rocky outcrop in the North York Moors.
The Coast to Coast long distance walk has been a firm favourite with hikers since it was first described by Wainwright in 1973. It starts at St Bees on the west coast and runs through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks, ending at Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast.
Around 6,000 people a year walk the whole route, but many more enjoy sections of it as day walks.
But what does that mean? What difference does being a National Trail make?
There are 16 existing National Trails including the King Charles III England Coast Path which is being opened in sections. The Coast to Coast will increase that number to 17.
National Trails are special – they are the best long-distance routes in England and Wales, and so it is right that the Coast to Coast is joining the family.
National Trails receive funding from government and are managed to an agreed set of Quality Standards by local authorities working through Trail Partnerships. Work is underway to bring the Coast to Coast up to National Trail standard, with the opening planned for late 2025.