Businesses along Coast to Coast Path hope for boost
New National Trail status expected to boost tourism
Businesses located along the renowned Coast to Coast Path are anticipating increased growth and economic opportunities as the route achieves National Trail status later this month.
The 192-mile path, spanning from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire, draws thousands of walkers and cyclists annually.
Elevating the path to National Trail is anticipated to boost visitor numbers, offering fresh prospects for local accommodation providers, cafes, pubs, and attractions.
Cllr George Jabbour, chair of North Yorkshire Council, highlighted the path’s importance, stating, “Tourism is the lifeblood of our communities, supporting jobs and strengthening the local economy across the county.”
Reflecting on his experience walking the path and meeting business owners, Jabbour commented, “It’s fantastic to see people experiencing those benefits close to home, and I’m confident the Coast to Coast’s new national trail status will bring even greater opportunities.”
One such business is the Dales Bike Centre in Fremington, strategically sited on the Coast to Coast route.
Brenda Price, a partner in the business, explained, “Being on the Coast to Coast route would add additional bed nights into our bunk accommodation. We’ve expanded with four new glamping pods with Coast to Coast visitors in mind.”
Price emphasised the meaningful connections her business has formed, saying, “The people we meet and engage with really are wonderful, many have returned time and time again, some have become lifelong friends.”
On the North Yorkshire coast, The Old Drapery shop in Robin Hood’s Bay, opened by Holly Gray’s mother in 1992, benefits from walkers purchasing keepsakes.
Gray shared, “Only this year two gents came in with their Coast to Coast T-shirts saying they’d bought them from us 10 years ago.”
Recalling the past year’s surge in visitors, Gray noted, “We had so much footfall in 2025... One thing they all say is how friendly everyone is.”
Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, remarked on local businesses' welcoming nature, saying, “Beyond the commercial side, many take real pride in contributing to people’s journeys, forming lasting friendships.”
As the Coast to Coast Path adopts National Trail status, local businesses eagerly await the enhanced opportunities this designation promises for their communities.