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 5 - 11th April 2026 (Before the walk)

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 (before the walk)

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. 🙏



 

DONATE HERE

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

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!