Part two of Andrew Walsh’s 2026 charity challenge: walking England from the Irish Sea to the North Sea in seven consecutive, marathon-distance days.
One fundraising journey. Two extraordinary challenges.
Part 1 — Great Wall of China
Completed in May 2026. Andrew spent five days trekking for up to seven hours a day across steep, wild and remote sections of the Great Wall of China, raising funds for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust.
Part 2 — Coast to Coast
30 July–5 August 2026. Seven marathon-distance stages following the Coast to Coast route from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay — approximately 192 miles across northern England.
The Coast to Coast challenge
The route begins beside the Irish Sea at St Bees and finishes at Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea. It crosses the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, with long remote sections, major climbs and descents, and seven days of sustained endurance.
Most walkers take around two weeks. Andrew’s plan is to complete it in seven days, with every day covering at least marathon distance.
The seven-day plan
Day 1 — Thursday 30 July
St Bees to Rosthwaite
From the Irish Sea into the Lake District mountains.
Day 2 — Friday 31 July
Rosthwaite to Shap
The hardest mountain stage, crossing high Lakeland passes and Kidsty Pike.
Day 3 — Saturday 1 August
Shap to Keld
Open moorland, limestone scenery and long remote sections.
Day 4 — Sunday 2 August
Keld to Richmond
Classic Yorkshire Dales scenery with faster valley trails.
Day 5 — Monday 3 August
Richmond to Ingleby Cross
A long mental-endurance day across rolling countryside.
Day 6 — Tuesday 4 August
Ingleby Cross to Glaisdale
A tough North York Moors stage with steep climbs and exposed terrain.
Day 7 — Wednesday 5 August
Glaisdale to Robin Hood’s Bay
The final push to the North Sea finish line.
Why Andrew is doing it
Addenbrooke’s technology saved Andrew’s life after a scan following a car crash revealed a 27 mm growth in his thyroid. He is taking on these challenges to support Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust and its work towards new cancer research and children’s hospitals.
“They saved my life. When I heard they needed support for a cancer research hospital and a children’s hospital, I knew I had to try my hardest.”
Andrew Walsh
Support the challenge
Every donation, share and message of encouragement helps. Donations are handled securely through Andrew’s official JustGiving page and go directly to Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, registered charity number 1170103.
Route information is based on the Coast to Coast Path promoted by National Trails. The route is approximately 192 miles; final daily distances may vary because of route choices, diversions and GPS measurement.