A DOCUMENTARY hosted by a Blackadder actor that traces the iconic Coast to Coast route will air on Channel 5 tonight.

Actor and passionate amateur historian, Sir Tony Robinson, embarks on the epic journey, stepping off the beaten track to uncover the history, the heritage and the hospitality of northern England.

At nearly 200 miles long the route straddles the north of England, crossing the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors.

Sir Tony’s journey starts on the west coast of Cumbria, ending at Robin Hoods Bay on the North Yorkshire coast.

As Sir Tony travels through diverse countryside, he will journey into Britain’s religious and industrial past - tracing the historical threads that tie this part of the country together.

And along the way, he will roll up his sleeves to work alongside the people who live and work in this dramatic landscape.

Travelling through the Lake District Sir Tony rolls up his sleeves to make his own lunch, discovering the upper crust origins of the perfectly portable travelling snack, the scotch egg.

On the shore of Ennerdale, he meets a farmer taking a pioneering approach to protect the natural environment and tries his hand at brewing the perfect pint at a family run firm producing craft ale for thirsty walkers.

Deep in the mountains that flank the Honister Pass, Tony mines the ancient history of slate extraction and meets the local businessman trying to keep this fragile industry alive.

The first leg of his journey ends at England’s most remote Youth Hostel, Black Sail Hut, a tiny isolated building deep in the fells that has been a welcome sight for walkers as a place to rest overnight for over 80 years.

Tony Robinson: Coast to Coast airs tonight, 8pm on Channel 5.