Hiking England's Coast to Coast Way

Walk with me across England’s lovely Coast to Coast Way. Experience the satisfaction of leaving the Irish Sea and in less than two weeks’ reaching the North Sea, having walked across mountains and valleys, rich agricultural pasture, dales, upland moors and fells. Get acquainted with the gently humorous characters who share the journey, and notice how this simple act of putting one blistered foot in front of another can change your life.

Jean Goulden invites the reader to walk with her across England’s lovely Coast to Coast Way. The adventure starts at the Irish Sea and passes through the beautiful and rugged Lake District, the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, and the sweeping North York moors to its satisfying conclusion at the North Sea. As the adventure unfolds, the reader is introduced to the gentle humor, and understated courage of the characters Jean meets on the way. Some of these characters, not only her hiking companions, but also those who have trodden these paths before, prompt Jean and the reader to take a look at the adventures of their lives. The author hikes despite a vision disability and shares how this and some of the other setbacks of her life have shaped her outlook and her hopes for the future. Jean engages the reader with subtle sensitivity, her mischievous sense of humor and her obvious delight in being outdoors, hiking The Coast to Coast Way. This is a journey of setbacks and delights that is a joy to read.

Jean Goulden lives in Concord MA. Her other adventures have led her across the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru, along the Camino de Santiago de Compostella, Spain and whitewater rafting down the Grand Canyon. When not hiking or preparing for a hike, Jean practices yoga and is a keen swimmer. She is interested in social justice issues and has for many years volunteered with adults who have developmental disabilities. Among her cherished aims is the desire not to “rust” out, but to “wear” out.