In this episode, I continue my journey with Rose on day six along the Wainwright Coast to Coast trail, walking from Kirkby Stephen to Keld. We share our experiences navigating unpredictable weather, challenging terrain, and limited resupply options. Highlights include climbing to the mysterious Nine Standards, camping in Keld, and meeting fellow hikers who offer tips on gear, apps, and accommodation.

We reflect on the importance of planning, packing light, and staying flexible. Despite some tough moments, the camaraderie, beautiful landscapes, and small comforts—like a hot shower or a dry bed—make every step worthwhile. This episode offers practical advice and honest insights for anyone considering the trail.

Documentation of the Wainwright Coast to Coast trail, a 188-mile hike from Saint Bees to Robin Hood's Bay.

Experiences and challenges faced by hikers during the journey.

Discussion on the availability and timing of cafes, shops, and accommodations along the route.

Use of navigation tools and apps, such as the Hiker app, for planning and adapting the hike.

Insights on gear selection, including tents, cooking equipment, and clothing choices.

Importance of flexibility in planning, especially regarding accommodation and resupply.

Reflections on the physical demands of the trail and the impact of weather conditions.

Social interactions and camaraderie among hikers encountered along the way.

Strategies for maintaining morale and endurance during long-distance hiking.

Practical advice for future hikers, including packing light and planning for varying accommodation options.

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In this episode of The Outdoors Station, I share the ups and downs of days four and five on our Wainwright Coast to Coast trek. The Lake District’s steep climbs, wild camping, and unpredictable weather left us physically and mentally drained.

After a tough stretch to Shap and with the pressure of ensuring we arrived at future destinations on time we decided to skip a boggy 20-mile section by taxi, finding much-needed rest at a welcoming guesthouse in Kirkby Stephen. Though we felt a bit guilty, the break revitalised us for the journey ahead. Sometimes, enjoying the adventure means knowing when to pause.

Introduction and Recap (00:00:03) Host introduces the episode, recaps previous days, and sets up the context for days four and five.

Morning at Grizedale Tarn (00:01:47) Rose and Alan wake up at Grizedale Tarn, describe the wild camp, and prepare to head to Patterdale.

Admiring Dry Stone Walls (00:04:42) Discussion about the impressive dry stone walls seen on the descent to Patterdale.

Breakfast Search in Patterdale and Glenridding (00:07:26) Struggles to find breakfast in Patterdale, eventually eating at Glenridding’s Lakeside Cafe.

Climbing Out of Patterdale (00:10:14) Preparing for the next climb, discussing wild camping options and the need for a shower.

Reaching the Col to Angle Tarn (00:11:05) Update from the col, enjoying the scenery and planning the route towards Shap.

Lunch and Progress Update (00:12:31) Lunch break after a good climb, reflecting on the day’s progress and route details.

Final Climb and Descent to Haweswater (00:13:44) Description of the final climb, descent to Haweswater, and considerations for wild camping.

Long Day Ends at Haweswater (00:14:57) Arriving at Haweswater after a long day, searching for a wild camp spot, and reflecting on the day.

Setting Up Camp in the Rain (00:17:35) Pitching the tent just before rain, discussing weather changes and the need for comfort.

Day Five: Exhaustion and Early Start (00:18:58) Morning of day five, both walkers exhausted after a rough night, preparing to head to Shap.

Leaving the Lake District (00:20:07) Leaving the Lake District, passing through Burnbanks, and observing local wildlife and signage.

Reflections on Fatigue and Logistics (00:21:55) Discussing tiredness, food shortages, and the benefits of B&Bs and Sherpa services.

Arrival and Rest in Shap (00:23:50) Arriving in Shap, finding food and rest, and considering the next stage to Kirkby Stephen.

Decision to Skip to Kirkby Stephen (00:27:11) Choosing to take a taxi to Kirkby Stephen due to exhaustion and lack of transport options.

Recovery at Kirkby Stephen (00:29:16) Staying at a B&B, recovering, resupplying, and reflecting on the decision to skip a section.

Episode Wrap-Up and Reflections (00:32:51) Reflecting on the rest day, feeling recharged, and closing out part three of the series.

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In this episode of The Outdoors Station, I share part two of our Wainwright Coast to Coast adventure with Rose. We recount two tough days crossing the Lake District, from scrambling around Ennerdale Water’s rocky southern shore to the steep climb up Loft Beck and over to our campsite at Seatoller.

The following day, we climb once again before heading down to Grasmere before tackling the ascent to Grisedale Tarn. We discuss the challenges of finding water, heavy packs, and sparse facilities, but also the camaraderie with fellow walkers and the joy of wild camping by tranquil tarns. Despite exhaustion and aching muscles, the stunning scenery and small acts of kindness made every step worthwhile.

Introduction and Route Overview (00:00:20)
Background on the Wainwright Coast to Coast, its national trail status, and episode coverage of days two and three.

Leaving Fox and Hounds, Day Two Begins (00:02:45)
Starting day two, reflections on the previous night’s stay, campsite, and breakfast at Fox and Hounds.

Ennerdale Water Approach and Water Challenges (00:05:08)
Discussion of water scarcity, route along Ennerdale Water, and anticipation of reaching Black Sail YHA.

Ennerdale Water South Shore Experience (00:11:16)
Detailed account of the tough, rocky south shore path, scramble, and comparison to the north shore.

Forestry Track to Black Sail YHA (00:15:15)
Long, exposed forestry track to Black Sail YHA, fatigue, and need for rest and refreshments.

Black Sail YHA Stop and Loft Beck Climb (00:17:32)
Cool reception at Black Sail, tea break, and steep ascent up Loft Beck towards Honister Slate Mine.

Arrival at Seatoller Farm Campsite (00:19:52)
Reaching Seatoller Farm campsite, facilities, shower logistics, and reflections on the day’s challenges.

Day Three Begins: Seatoller to Grasmere (00:24:55)
Start of day three, campsite review, pub visit, and plans for the day’s climbs and route.

Climbing Lining Crag and Grasmere Arrival (00:28:59)
Tough ascent over Lining Crag, arrival in Grasmere, and much-needed café stop.

Climb to Grizedale Tarn and Wild Camp (00:31:14)
Evening climb out of Grasmere, wild camping at Grizedale Tarn, and reflections on the day’s difficulty.

Day Three Recap and Reflections (00:36:36)
Summary of day three’s route, terrain challenges, gear considerations, and the physical toll of the walk.

Final Thoughts and Episode Close (00:42:49)
Closing remarks, advice for future walkers, and preview of the next episode’s route.

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In this episode of The Outdoors Station, I share the start of my 12-day adventure on Wainwright’s Coast to Coast trail with my walking companion, Rose. We reflect on the challenges of carrying heavier packs after a long break, meet fellow hikers like Ingrid from Holland and Don from Pittsburgh, and discuss the joys and surprises of the journey.

We talk about the trail’s changing landscapes, the camaraderie among walkers, and the realities of hiking and camping along this iconic British route. Join me as we recount our first day’s highs, lows, and memorable encounters walking from St Bees to The Fox and Hounds Inn, Ennerdale Bridge.

Episode and series introduction, context about the Coast to Coast hike, and background on the trail.

Host’s Return and Hiking Philosophy (00:01:33)

Host discusses time since last episode, hiking style, and approach to packing and comfort.

Arrival at St Bees and Start of the Hike (00:02:57)

Describes arriving at St Bees, the village, and the official start of the Coast to Coast walk.

First Climb and Route Planning (00:04:15)

Details the initial steep climb, route logistics, and plans for camping and budgeting.

Trail Atmosphere and Early Impressions (00:06:45)

Observations on other hikers, trail atmosphere, and the unique social aspect of the route.

Comparisons to Other Trails and Accommodation (00:09:06)

Comparing Coast to Coast to other hikes, accommodation experiences, and budgeting tips.

Coastal Walking and Weather Observations (00:13:19)

Reflections on weather, walking conditions, and the need for sun protection.

Settling into the Hike and Scenery (00:14:39)

Discussion about adjusting to hiking with packs, muscle memory, and enjoying the landscape.

Walking Rhythm and Trail Community (00:16:19)

Getting into a walking rhythm, overtaking and meeting other hikers, and forming trail connections.

Meeting Ingrid from Holland (00:17:18)

Introduction to Ingrid, her hiking background, and reasons for choosing the Coast to Coast.

Ingrid’s Trail Experiences Abroad (00:18:33)

Ingrid shares stories from hiking in Brittany, France, and the GR20 in Corsica.

Comparing Hiking in France, UK, and Holland (00:19:15)

Differences in terrain, accommodation, and hiking culture between France, UK, and Holland.

Trail Costs and Food Comparisons (00:21:05)

Discussion on the cost of hiking in different countries and food experiences on the trail.

Ingrid Departs; Entering Cleator (00:22:21)

Ingrid leaves the group; we enter Cleator and note the lack of amenities.

Walking with Don and Mike from Pennsylvania (00:23:13)

Conversations with American hikers about their motivations and impressions of the UK.

Reflections on UK Trails vs. US Trails (00:24:43)

Comparing UK and US trails, freedom to roam, and the appeal of walking in England.

Rest at Wath Bridge and Trail Fatigue (00:27:46)

Resting at Wath Bridge, feeling the effects of the day, and reflecting on training and equipment.

Camping Plans and End-of-Day Reflections (00:30:34)

Discussing evening plans, campsite costs, and the challenge of carrying weight.

Episode Wrap-Up and Next Episode Preview (00:31:22)

Thanking listeners, previewing the next episode, and encouraging feedback and subscriptions.

Podcast Outro (00:32:04)

Closing credits and directions to more content from The Outdoors Station.

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“Across the Sahara, through the Congo rainforest, and into the hearts of strangers—Ken & Marie pedal into the unknown. This is a story of connection, kindness, and the wild beauty of Africa.”

Welcome to “Cape to Cape,” a two-part podcast that follows Kenneth Jørgensen and Marie Stoubæk on a once-in-a-lifetime bikepacking adventure. Over 518 days and 30 641 km, they pedalled from the icy North Cape in Norway to the sun-baked tip of South Africa—crossing Europe’s heartlands, Morocco’s Atlas ranges, the endless Sahara, and the lush Congo Basin rainforest.

As freelancers, Ken and Marie from bikepackers.dk live light. By owning only their bikes and the essentials, they’ve saved enough between contracts to fund their boldest expeditions. This minimalist approach isn’t just about cost-cutting—it’s about opening space for wonder. Every kilometre brings fresh faces, unexpected conversations, and the chance to discover how little you need to feel rich.

Crossing into Africa, the terrain transforms: endless dunes, jagged mountains, then the humid greens of the Congo Basin. Along the way, strangers become friends. In one dusty remote village, a family shared palm wine beneath a baobab; in the rainforest, laughter echoed over rain-slicked paths. These aren’t just pit stops—they’re the heart of our story.

Lessons from the Road

Perspective Shifts: Daily dilemmas—finding water, fixing flats—turn each choice into a lesson.

Human Connection: Hospitality appears in every village; shared meals remind us of our shared humanity.

Joy in Simplicity: When your home is two wheels, every sunrise feels like a celebration.

Join the Ride

In just two episodes, we condense an odyssey of half a millennium of days. If you crave stories of raw adventure, laid-back wisdom, and the thrill of truly seeing the world, “Cape to Cape” is your next podcast obsession. Hit play, and let Ken & Marie show you how far a dream (and a bicycle) can take you.

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“A 30,000 km dream begins on the icy cliffs of Norway. Join Ken & Marie as they cross the continent, climb the Atlas Mountains, and discover the joy of slow travel on the road to Africa.”

Welcome to “Cape to Cape,” a two-part podcast that follows Kenneth Jørgensen and Marie Stoubæk on a once-in-a-lifetime bikepacking adventure. In 2024 over 518 days and 30 641 km, they pedalled from the icy North Cape in Norway to the sun-baked tip of South Africa—crossing Europe’s heartlands, Morocco’s Atlas ranges, the endless Sahara, and the lush Congo Basin rainforest.

In Part One, we’ll meet Ken & Marie from bikepackers.dk, uncover why they chose frugality over possessions, hear about some of their previous adventures and ride along through Europe into Morocco.

Our journey begins at Norway’s North Cape, where biting winds and ethereal scenery set the tone. We explore their previous bikepacking exploits, dig into their planning rituals, and ride alongside as they navigate Europe’s roads—through rolling vineyards, Alpine passes, and historic hamlets—until the Sahara looms on the horizon.

In Part Two, we brave the Sahara’s sandstorms, sip palm wine under African skies, and share stories of kindness that transformed their journey.

Get ready for a story of endurance, wonder, and the simple power of two wheels.

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