Coast to Coast Survey 2025

We want to hear how you feel about, and how you want to be involved with, 14 topics ranging from volunteering opportunities to branding and waymarking. The online survey will be open from Friday 7th November 9am to Friday 28 November 5pm. If you require the survey in another format, please get in touch. This is your chance to help ensure that the Coast to Coast Path National Trail (C2CPNT) becomes a shared community asset that delivers environmental, social, cultural, and economic value, now and into the future. If you have any questions about the project, please contact [email protected]

Existing research has identified 14 topics that are relevant to community engagement with the trail. In the next section each topic is introduced and then followed by three questions: a) how important this topic is to your community, b) whether you currently engage with this topic, and c) if and how you would like to be involved going forward. At the end of the survey we asked if we have missed anything, and if there is anyone else we should talk to. Your feedback will influence the final Community and Local Business Engagement Strategy and Action Plan used by trail managers.

The new national trail will have received investment in both infrastructure (surfacing, furniture such as steps and gates etc; and signage) as well as work to improve information provision (eg on the internet and through guidebooks etc).

Research suggests that it is important for C2CPNT managers to work with the communities and businesses through which the route passes, ensuring that communities feel heard and are clear about how they can influence actions going forward.

Research suggests that consistent and high quality waymarking, branding and information is important for accessibility, enjoyment and safety on the C2CPNT. The C2CPNT design guide, which will be used by all managing bodies, should help to achieve this.

While Wainwright's coast to coast route was for walkers, the new trail has sought to improve access for all. While the trail remains walker centric, there is potential for parallel routes or complementary multi-use solutions for riding and cycling for example. Research also shows that it is important to enable people to access short sections of the trail, to increase the number of people that will engage with the trail.

Research suggests that while many members of the community are willing to support maintenance of the C2CPNT, volunteering efforts should be well-structured and could include volunteer coordination systems, specific roles, and structured training.

Research so far has highlighted public concern over visitor-related issues such as litter, improper camping, parking congestion, and disturbance to wildlife. Recommendations to address this concern include visitor education campaigns following the The Countryside Code, alongside systems for monitoring and reporting issues.

Some local residents and businesses have expressed concern about potential overcrowding during peak summer months and the negative impacts of unmanaged high visitor volume. They suggested strategies to encourage more year-round and off-peak use of the trail to relieve pressure in summer. Strategies to encourage off-season visits could include, lower prices, highlighting seasonal experiences, marketing tailored to flexible travellers, highlighting slow and meaningful tourism at quieter times, ensuring off-season transport, and proving weather appropriate information.

Research has highlighted transportation to trailheads and rural areas as a major barrier to engagement. Connecting sections of the trail with public transport hubs and promoting these routes enables shorter walks and benefits people with disabilities, older adults, younger people, and others who rely on public transport.

Communities along the route include families and young residents, and improving access to local greenspace such as on the C2CPNT can boost quality of life for these groups. In addition the C2CPNT could provide schools and other youth groups with opportunities for environmental education and experiential learning. Many young people seek practical conservation or outdoor volunteer opportunities the C2CPNT could provide these.

National Trails are increasingly using digital technology to improve engagement, from mobile apps and interactive maps to digital storytelling and virtual volunteering. For example, users could report issues (e.g. blocked paths, litter, broken gates) through apps, real-time trail condition updates (e.g. weather or path closures) could be made available, and digital challenges/badges used to motivate younger users.

Research so far has revealed that many communities along the C2CPNT have a strong sense of pride in their area’s heritage, culture and landscapes. The trail passes through many sites of cultural and historical significance – from ancient hill forts to medieval monasteries and traditional villages – and there is an opportunity to celebrate these. There is clear potential to harness local identity and pride through activities such as storytelling, interpretation panels, partnerships with local museums or history groups, and marketing that highlights each community’s character and sense of place.

Research shows that the amount, quality and variety of support businesses (such as accommodation, food and drink, transport providers and guides) along the trail will strongly influence engagement with the C2CPNT. While some of this provision will increase organically, actions could be taken to accelerate progress.

Financial contributions like sponsorship and fundraising play an important role in the sustainable management of many trails, and for fundraising schemes to work well, they should be formalised.

Thank you. Your feedback will influence the final Community and Local Business Engagement Strategy and Action Plan used by trail managers.