wainwright coast to coast
 

Am trying to choose a company for a self-guided tour of the Wainwright Coast to Coast. We're looking at Packhorse, Sherpa Walking Tours, Contours and Mickledore. Any input on any of these will be helpful!

I would I could give a first hand review of one of these companies as I've been dreaming of doing the C-2-C for about a year now. I keep looking at this provider...(just to make it more difficult...?)
http://www.north-west-walks.co.uk/

I just got back from the C2C in August and we used Sherpa. They did a great job - jumping the luggage from hotels, B&B's, and even a private home - and never missed a lick. The bags were always there when we came stumbling in after a day's hike. I can't talk to the other companies but I will definitely recommend Sherpa. If you go, I'd be happy to provide any additional info - and even sell you the maps we used. You will have a great time.

Ditto re Sherpa--they are pros on this and have great accommodation. There are several good (and cheaper) alternatives but as walking the C2C is usually a one-shot pop, maybe it's worth the extra? I have heard good things about Mickledore and Packhorse but not booked with them personally. What you want is bags delivered on time where you are headed, really good maps and reasonable distances, a good bed, hot bath and hot food. Once you have walked a long distance path you get in to booking it yourself. Alternatively, go with your gut--my guess is they are all reasonably good and as Wainwright accurately mapped out each day's walk you can figure in your capacity and rest days (def take at least one). Have you seen the Wainwright DVD series including C2C?

I've done a short (three day) walk along Hadrian's Wall with Contours. They were fine; some other people I met were doing the same with Mickledore and were quite content with the service. I suspect they're all much of a muchness.

Here's someone who did it with Sherpa:
http://www.slowtrav.com/tr/tripreport.asp?tripid=800