Matthews Coast To Coast Blog 

 

Revd Canon Dr Matthew Rhodes sets out on Easter Monday on an epic challenge, covering 192 miles over 13 days on the Coast-to-Coast walk. The route, made famous by Alfred Wainwright, goes from St Bees in the West to Robin Hood’s bay in the East and is almost as many miles as the spire is tall in feet.  Matthew is doing the challenge to help raise money for our Save our Spire appeal.

 

Day 11 - Friday 17th April 2026 (Late afternoon)

He did it! Matthew has completed the Coast to Coast walk in 11 days with no break, raising money for St John’s Ranmoor Save our Spire appeal. He has arrived in Robin Hood’s Bay!! ❤️👏

Watch Matthews video message here

Photos to follow....

Day 11 - Friday 17th April 2026 (Morning Update)

Day 11 for Save our Spire: Grosmont-Robin Hood’s Bay, 15.5 miles. The Final Day. 🎉 
This morning Matthew and Alan left Grosmont Station, where heritage services are operated by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Line. Both Matthew’s knees need support now, so Cathy summoned up her medical school bandaging skills! 
We are so thankful for all the love and prayers that have come our way. Cathy is also thankful for the beautiful wildflowers and blossom she’s seen on her travels. Also for delicious carrot cake and coffee at Pescado Lounge in Whitby, with bonus pretty shell decorations. They kindly gave me my second coffee on the house as well. 😊 And there’s a nearby working fast EV charger. Phew. 
Matthew is in good heart and we are overwhelmed that due to your extraordinary generosity, Matthew has raised an amazing £13,820 (including Gift Aid). And the donations keep rolling in, thank you so much. It has helped him greatly when the walk has been tough. So nearly there! 🙏 



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Day 10 - Thursday 16th April 2026 (Evening Update)

Blakey Ridge-Grosmont, 13 miles, evening update. Matthew and Alan made good time on a sunny day on the penultimate leg of the walk. They made a steady descent through beautiful villages and rolling hills. Blisters and knees are ok!

A first glimpse of the North Sea reminded us of the Irish Sea at St Bees, which feels like a long time ago. We’ve met so many kind people, and are overwhelmed by your supportive messages and generous donations. Including from a lovely couple Cathy met outside a pub! Thank you. 🙏

Day  10 - Thursday 16th April 2026 (Morning Update)

Blakey Ridge-Grosmont, 13 miles. Matthew has Alan as a walking companion today! It’s a sunny, windy day for a walk over the North York Moors. They’ll walk from high heather moorland down into the picturesque Esk Valley, passing landmarks like Fat Betty, Glaisdale, and Egton Bridge. He’s tired and achey but Matthew was fortified by a delicious breakfast at Wainstones Hotel, beautifully refurbished by a local businessman and employing many local people like the lovely Diane. 
Cathy continues her tour of fabulous cafes at The Old Chapel Tea Room in Castleton, Angela kindly shared news of Matthew’s walk and provided lovely coffee and cake as well. And a piano! 
Cathy did some blister care first thing and glad to say they are under control! So proud of Matthew keeping going and smashing his target. You can still donate and every penny will go to the appeal. Thank you so much for your generosity. ❤️ 

Day 9 - Wednesday 15th April 2026 - (Evening Update)

Ingleby Cross-Blakey Ridge 21 miles. The sun was shining at the start…but in the afternoon the heavens opened! Today Matthew walked through rain and the Wain Stones, a landmark beloved of Wainwright. His blister plaster did a great job and he’s fine. The poles came into their own especially on very steep climbs. There were wonderful views from the Cleveland hills towards the North Sea. And at the Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge he found a roaring fire, a pint and two familiar faces! Alan and Pauline Heath made a welcome appearance. Alan will be walking alongside Matthew to the end of the path. 
Cathy meanwhile was meandering her way through the North York Moors National Park, enjoying views of beautiful countryside, including Westerdale Cricket Club, a rural club based in North Yorkshire known for its picturesque setting.
This feels like the home straight of an epic journey and it’s good to be nearing the end. Your support and donations make it all worthwhile, thank you. Every penny will go to Save our Spire and you can still donate here:

 

Day 9 - Wednesday 15th April 2026 - (Morning Update)

The sun shone on Matthew as he set off on this strenuous and demanding walk through the North York Moors. It has six steep climbs (including Arncliffe Wood, Live Moor, and Urra Moor), old railway paths, and great views. A shout out to Peter Lowe who loaned his OS maps to Matthew with the walk highlighted; a great help. Matthew has now walked 140 miles from St Bees Head in 8 days with no break! 
Cathy returned to The Joiners Shop for excellent coffee & tiffin to keep her strength up 😊. She found this beautiful card by local artist Em J featuring Ingleby Incline, a tricky part of today’s walk. Matthew is feeling better, the knee is improving but blisters now a problem and we’re on the second pack of blister plasters: photo below (not for the squeamish!)
Your donations make it all worthwhile, thank you so much,  and watch for more news in the video!!

Day 8 - Tuesday 14th April 2026 - (Evening Update)

Richmond-Ingleby Cross 22.5 miles: evening update. Glad to say day 8 is complete! Today’s walk across the low-lying Vale of Mowbray was a change from mountainous terrain.  But it’s a long walking day. And yes the poles were helpful! Including for getting a dog’s ball out of a tree…
While she was waiting Cathy enjoyed a warm welcome (and delicious ice cream) at The Joiners Shop. Matthew arrived at the Bluebell Inn tired but happy, and can’t believe there’s only 3 days left. And how generous you have all been! Thank you. 🙏

Day 8 - Tuesday 14th April 2026 - (Morning Update)

Coast to Coast Day 8 for Save our Spire: Richmond-Ingleby Cross 22.5 miles. Matthew set off in good heart after a fabulous breakfast at the Castle House B&B.  And thanks to the lost property box he has walking poles to help his knee, appreciate your advice!  We’re on the edge of Yorkshire Dales National Park here, high above the River Swale in Swaledale. We’ve seen many beautiful stone field barns or ‘cow houses’. As we leave the area, some photos below of these amazing buildings with info. 
As Matthew walked yesterday, Cathy enjoyed coffee and cake with a view and visited Keld Heritage Centre. In the 1790s a minister raised £700 ‘on begging tours of the country’ to build the church and school!! 😊
The social history on display was amazing, including an ancient wooden foetal heart stethoscope very similar to today’s version! 
Your messages of support, prayers and donations are keeping us going, it has been tough at times but Matthew is doing well. Well over halfway now! Thank you all. 🙏

 

Day 7 - Monday 13th April 2026 - (Evening Update)

Keld-Richmond: evening update. He did it! Matthew made it to Richmond in good time today, and we’re enjoying being in this lovely place. He saw grouse, the river Swale and Old Gang lead smelting mill, a scheduled ancient monument. Also good to see the team working so hard to improve this important footpath. 
Thanks for all good wishes and  advice, his knee is sore but he is managing. It is really helping to see the donations total rising, people are being so generous.  Thank you. 🙏

 

Day 7 - Monday 13th April 2026 - Morning Update

Coast to Coast Day 7 for Save our Spire: Keld-Richmond: 21.5 miles. Matthew set off in glorious sunshine on his longest walk, estimated time 9 hours! 
Cathy is updating with her medical hat after many supportive messages. At Easter weekend we both had Norovirus. Matthew couldn’t take Easter weekend services, a great sadness. So grateful to Alison and Malcolm for cover and being fabulous. Amazingly, we departed on Easter Monday and thank God for that. After that illness Matthew developed a chest infection and worsening asthma, huge thanks to Coniston Medical Practice who did a phone consultation as he walked and prescribed antibiotics. It’s now much better! 💊 😮‍💨 
I mentioned a muddy walk caused a knee injury. A shout out to the fab Anita from Oakbrook Green Cross Chemists in Sheffield who advised me to bring ibuprofen gel, with that and Matthew‘s improvised knee support he’s coping well. 😊
Matthew is determined to carry on, inspired by your generous donations, we are overwhelmed by the love and support. Thank you. We give thanks to God that we’ve got this far! And yes, Matthew is still smiling. 🙏

Day 6 - Sunday 12th April 2026 - (Evening Update)

Kirkby Stephen-Keld: 13 miles. Evening update for the middle day of the walk. Matthew enjoyed walking with John, Ian, Alan, and Meg the dog up Nine Standards Rigg. This 662 metre (2,172 ft) hill in the North Pennines, Cumbria is just outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park boundary. It has nine ancient, large stone cairns. Cathy and Alison joined for an evening meal, good to be together in great company.  So many beautiful views of stunning scenery in this area of outstanding natural beauty. Hills of the North, rejoice!

Day 6 - Sunday 12th April 2026 -(Morning Update)

Kirkby Stephen-Keld: 13 miles.-Matthew set off in good form with companions today! With a connection with Hannah from choir, John, Ian and Alan joined in. He spoke to St John’s congregation today on the phone. Alison asked a crucial sandwich-related question; he didn’t answer so I can reveal it’s strawberry jam! 🍓
Cathy is enjoying being chief sandwich and tea-maker, driver, planner and first aider. A proud moment when lack of knee supports was solved by improvising with an elbow support… the blister plasters also do a great job! We’ve had all weather but it’s so beautiful here. With many fab coffee shops; posting this from Tufton Mews cafe in Appleby-in-Westmorland. As ever, thank you for generosity so far.

Day 5 - Saturday 11th April 2026 (evening update)

Shap-Kirkby Stephen: 20.5 miles, evening update! All is well (including the knee) as Matthew completed a long day. Thanks for support and messages. He was even smiling at the end despite heavy rain. He crossed the M6 and enjoyed Yorkshire Dale sights, including a traditional barn and limestone pavement. A sunny afternoon gave spectacular views of the valley, and Cathy passed Britains highest inn. Was then wonderful to have a meal with a family connected to our choir. Tomorrow he will not walk alone…. 

 

Day 5 - 11th April 2026 (Morning Update)

Shap-Kirkby Stephen: 20.5 miles.  This walk is the longest yet for Matthew, and we need your prayers as his knee is sore after a muddy walk yesterday.  He set off in good spirits and this is described as a 'gentle' walk which sounds good! It snowed in the night and there are beautiful views of snow on the mountains. It's sunny now and Cathy is enjoying coffee at Tebay services as the car charges. Thank you for comments and encouragement on these posts, and kind donations, it is really appreciated by Cathy and Matthew.



 

Day 4 - 10th April 2026  (After the walk)

Coast to Coast Day 4 completed!! It was another tough one for Matthew, muddy and slippy today. But there were beautiful views of Angle Tarn, Goldrill Beck and even some snow! It was a relief to pick him up in Shap and get him back to rest after a much needed pint of lemonade…In the meantime, Cathy sorted out photos and posting including the old-fashioned version of sending a postcard to her Mum! It’s wonderful to see the fundraising total going up, thank you. 🙏



 

Day 4 - 10th April 2026 (morning update)

Coast to Coast Day 4 for Save our Spire: Patterdale-Shap: 15.5 miles. We expected rain but the sun is shining on Ullswater and birds are singing! Matthew set off early in good spirits, supplied with his Simnel cake plus welcome flapjacks from the Sullivans household! Plus peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Cathy's spirits were lifted this morning in the beautiful St Patrick's Church, Patterdale. Spot their 150th Anniversary Hymn written by Revd Dr Fred Kaan! As ever, heartfelt thanks to our generous donors.
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Day 3 - 9th April 2026

Coast to Coast Day 3 for Save our Spire. Rosthwaite-Patterdale: 16 miles. We’ve got some fantastic news to share today!

Watch Matthew’s video to hear all about it: CLICK HERE

Day 3 was tough for Matthew with 9 hours walking in hail, wind and rain. His legs tell the tale…and helpfully his phone informed him that 40,835 steps is more than he usually does!! But he saw stunning landscapes, Herdwick sheep, and sunshine as he arrived in Patterdale ready for a hot bath and cup of tea. And it makes it worthwhile to see your generous donations coming in, including in memory of special people; he is deeply grateful. 🙏



 

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Day 2 - 8th April 2026

Ennerdale Bridge-Rosthwaite: 15 miles. On a beautiful sunny day, Matthew is climbing a total ascent of up to 1,409m (4,600ft), crossing high fells near Black Sail and Honister Pass. In the meantime, if you've been wondering what Cathy is up to alongside organising and comms, she is posting on facebook while enjoying delicious coffee and flapjack at the highly recommended The Gather Ennerdale!



 

Day 1 - 7th April 2026  - and he is off!

Coast to Coast Day 1: St Bees-Ennerdale Bridge: 14 miles. Matthew is on his way! It's a beautiful morning in St Bee's. He dipped his boots in the sea and took a pebble from the beach. Cathy & Matthew said Psalm 121 together on the beach: 'I will lift up my eyes to the hills...the Lord will keep your going out and coming in from this time on and for evermore.' The route is highlighted on the map photo. Thanks as ever for all generous donations so far!