The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Nicholls, David. You Are Here. HarperCollins, 2024.

David Nicholls's novel You Are Here is set in the English countryside in the present day. Written from the third person point of view and in the past tense, the novel traces the protagonists Marnie Walsh's and Michael Bradshaw's experiences as they hike the Coast to Coast trail. For the sake of clarity, this guide employs the present tense and a linear mode of explanation.

Thirty-eight-year-old Marnie Walsh lives alone in Herne Hill, London. She has a remote job as a proofreader and copy-editor and since her divorce from Neil six months prior, has spent almost all of her time alone. Then one December, her friend Cleo Fraser invites her over for a New Year's party. Reluctant to spend time around other people, Marnie backs out of the plans. The next day, however, she regrets doing so and accepts Cleo's offer to take a three-day hike with her and her friends.

Meanwhile, 42-year-old Michael Bradshaw feels irritated when his friend and colleague Cleo Fraser insists that she and her friends join him on the nature walk he is planning for his winter holiday. Ever since Michael's wife Natasha left him nine months prior, Michael has resisted spending time with other people. He prefers to focus on his job teaching geography to high schoolers and taking long walks alone in his spare time. However, per Cleo's encouragement, he agrees to let her and some acquaintances join him on the first three days of his Coast to Coast walk.

Marnie and Michael are skeptical of each other when they meet in St. Bees to begin their hike. Michael seems like a curmudgeonly science nerd, while Marnie seems like a socially inept city slicker. However, when the two start talking on the trail, they find themselves engaging in easy and diverting banter.

Two days into the walk, Cleo, her son Anthony, and their friend Conrad drop out of the walk, eager to get back to their usual lives. Marnie decides to stay on with Michael despite her unfamiliarity with nature and hiking. Michael feels annoyed that she is compromising his solitude, but reminds himself to be nice.

Marnie and Michael spend the next several days walking the trail together. Michael identifies various landforms, rocks, birds, and trees for Marnie. Marnie opens up about her ex-husband, failed marriage, and uncertainty about having kids. At the end of each day, the two stop at a hotel and spend the evening drinking and eating dinner together. Then one night, Marnie invites Michael back to her room. The two end up kissing and engaging in foreplay until the lodge landlady insists that Michael return to his own room.

The next morning, Marnie feels excited and hopeful about what is emerging between her and Michael. Michael also likes Marnie, but a text from Natasha confuses him. He responds to his ex, agreeing to meet up when his path intersects with her new hometown. He says nothing about his plans to Marnie.

When Marnie and Michael reach Richmond, Marnie privately decides that she will finish the hike with Michael if he invites her. Michael does not extend the invitation because he is eager for her to leave so he can see Natasha. The two part ways. Afterwards, Marnie wanders around town, reflecting on her relationship with Michael. Realizing she wants to spend more time with him, she returns to his hotel, confesses her feelings, and suggests they keep walking together. Michael agrees, but his manner is jumpy and strange. When Marnie notices he ordered a bottle of champagne and shaved his beard, she demands to know what is going on. He admits that Natasha is coming over and that he is still in love with her. Hurt and embarrassed, Marnie leaves and returns to London.

Michael is shocked when Natasha arrives at the hotel visibly pregnant. She insists she wanted to tell him that she and her new boyfriend are starting a family in person. They go out to dinner and discuss the sale of their old home. Natasha admits she still loves Michael but Michael realizes they need to move on.

In the months following, Marnie settles back into her life. She often thinks about Michael, but she focuses on herself instead of contacting him. Even when he texts her an apology, she does not respond. Instead, she tries dating, rekindles old friendships, and starts spending more time going out around the city. Meanwhile, Michael has a brief, casual relationship with another woman, too. He sells the house and distances himself from Natasha. Then one day, he takes his students on a field trip to London. He contacts Marnie, asking to meet up. The two reunite in the city. Michael apologizes for everything that happened and professes his love. He then invites Marnie to walk the final two days of the trail with him, as he never finished the walk alone. Hesitant but touched, Marnie promises to consider his invitation. She then gives him a present when they part ways. Afterwards, Michael opens the box. Inside is a new shirt.