A new passport scheme has been introduced along England’s Coast to Coast route as part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic activity in rural communities ahead of the route’s reclassification as a National Trail in 2025.
Stretching 190 miles from Cumbria to North Yorkshire, the Coast to Coast path currently attracts around 6,000 walkers each year. The passport, developed by the Richmond Yorkshire Community Interest Company and backed by multiple local authorities and stakeholders, is intended to turn this foot traffic into a more measurable economic benefit for small businesses situated along the trail.
Participants can collect stamps from 80 registered venues, such as local pubs, shops, cafés, and attractions. Many of these venues are offering small incentives to encourage additional spending. The initiative is expected to drive greater dwell time and transactional activity in areas that rely heavily on seasonal tourism.
The scheme precedes a £5.8 million investment from Natural England, aimed at upgrading infrastructure to meet National Trail standards. Stakeholders anticipate that formal National Trail status will boost the route’s visibility, drawing increased visitor numbers and enabling more consistent income streams for hospitality and retail operators along the corridor.
The programme is being positioned as a model for how public-private collaboration can support rural regeneration through experiential tourism.
