What is the best budget trekking pole set for the Coast to Coast walk?

The Coast to Coast walk—spanning 190 miles from St Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea—is one of Britain's most iconic long‑distance trails. It traverses the Lake District fells, the Pennine hills, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors. This varied terrain demands reliable trekking poles, but you don't need to spend a fortune. The best budget set for this trek is the Decathlon Forclaz MT900, priced at approximately £55.

Why the Forclaz MT900 is the best budget choice

At £55, the MT900 offers features that rival poles costing £100+. It has 7075 aluminium shafts—lightweight (about 250 g per pole), strong, and durable for the rocky and muddy sections of the Coast to Coast. The lever locks (cam locks) are reliable and easy to adjust, even with sweaty or gloved hands—essential for the wet British weather. Cork grips provide comfort and moisture control, reducing blisters on long days.

Replaceable tungsten carbide tips mean you can swap worn tips rather than replacing the whole pole—a cost‑effective feature for a 14‑day trek. The poles collapse to a compact 65 cm, fitting easily into a backpack or suitcase for travel.

How it compares to other budget options

• Decathlon Forclaz MT100 (~£25): Cheaper, but twist locks tend to slip in mud, and the tips are non‑replaceable. Fine for gentle day walks, but risky on a multi‑day trek.
• Mountain Warehouse Trekking Poles (~£35–£40): Often have lever locks and replaceable tips, but the build quality is lower—locks may loosen, and shafts can bend under heavy load.
• Eurohike budget poles (~£20): Not recommended—flimsy, unreliable, and likely to fail on the Pennine moors.

Other essentials for the Coast to Coast

• Spare tips: Carry a spare pair of carbide tips (around £10). The abrasive gritstone and limestone on the route can wear tips quickly.
• Pole bag: Protect your poles during travel—a padded bag from Decathlon (£15) is sufficient.
• Maintenance kit: A small hex key to tighten lever locks and a bit of lubricant can extend the life of your poles during the trek.

Where to buy

• Decathlon UK – In‑store or online (decathlon.co.uk). The MT900 is usually in stock, with occasional sales.
• Go Outdoors – May stock Forclaz, but prices can be higher; check for price‑match.
• Amazon UK – Sometimes has the MT900 at a similar price, but verify the seller.

Alternative if you need even cheaper

If your budget is strictly under £40, consider the Mountain Warehouse Trekking Poles with lever locks. They are adequate if you are a confident walker who doesn't plan to apply heavy force on descents. However, for the Coast to Coast's steep descents and rocky paths, the extra £15 for the MT900 is well spent—it gives you peace of mind and avoids the frustration of failing gear mid‑trek.

Final verdict

For the Coast to Coast walk, the Decathlon Forclaz MT900 at £55 is the best budget set. It offers professional‑grade features—7075 aluminium, lever locks, cork grips, and replaceable tips—at a price that won't break the bank. It is lightweight, durable, and proven on long‑distance trails. Avoid sub‑£30 poles with twist locks, and don't be tempted by unknown brands. Invest in the MT900, carry spare tips, and you'll have reliable support for the entire 190‑mile journey. Happy trekking.