St Bega's Way and Way Back
9 routes
40:08
133km
3,340m
The Way Out - This route connects the two churches in the Lake District dedicated to St Bega. From St Bees you travel inland through the beautiful West Cumbrian scenery and the breathtaking Lake District before reaching the simple C12th chapel of Bassenthwaite that has inspired countless literary figures, including Wordsworth and Tennyson. Along the way you will see the Cumbrian coastal plain; lakeland fells such as the Scafells, Ennerdales, Great Gable, Skiddaw and others; the rewilded lands of Ennerdale Water; lakes such as Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake; the shire-like Borrowdale and, of course, the beloved herdwick sheep.
The Way Back - This route swaps the start and end points but goes a different way, along which you will see some of the same landscapes as on the first route but from a different perspective, and new sights too. There are the lakes Crummock Water, Buttermere and Wastwater; fells Yewbarrow, Buckbarrow and Sale; the church and famous yew tree in Lorton Vale; Buttermere Church; the ancient farming landscape surrounding Wasedale Head Church; Gosforth’s tall Viking-age cross and nearby holy well and then, finally, St Bees Priory.
You can get more information on this pilgrimage route from the British Pilgrimage Trust website (britishpilgrimage.org/portfolio/st-begas-way-and-way-back).
Visibility:
Anyone
Activities
1. St Bega's Way Back - Day 1 - from Thornthwaite to High Lorton
15.1km
04:32
530m
300m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2. St Bega's Way Back - Day 2 - from High Lorton to Buttermere
16.5km
04:33
200m
370m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3. St Bega's Way Back - Day 3 - from Buttermere to Boot
11.6km
04:33
620m
660m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4. St Bega's Way Back - Day 4 - from Boot to Gosforth
16.9km
04:33
250m
160m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5. St Bega's Way Back - Day 5 - from Gosforth to St Bees
15.9km
04:30
280m
430m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6. St Bega's Way - Day 1 - from St Bees to Ennerdale Bridge
14.5km
04:22
510m
300m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7. St Bega's Way - Day 2 - from Ennerdale Bridge to Buttermere
16.4km
04:22
200m
140m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8. St Bega's Way - Day 3 - from Buttermere to Grange
11.3km
04:22
490m
670m
Expert hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
9. St Bega's Way - Day 4 - from Grange to Thornthwaite
15.4km
04:21
260m
270m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Collection Stats
Activities
9
Distance
133 km
Duration
40:08 h
Elevation
3,340 m
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