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An epic hike through the beating heart of Lakeland — Cumbria Way

Martin Holzer

An epic hike through the beating heart of Lakeland — Cumbria Way

Hiking Collection by Alex Foxfield

5

days

6-7 h

/ day

76.9 mi

7,350 ft

7,425 ft

The Cumbria Way is an enchanting hike through the heart of England's largest and most-loved national park, the Lake District.

Exploring majestic mountainous scenery, shimmering lakes, grand fells, waterfalls, woodlands, and pastures, the Way travels 70 miles (112 km) from Ulverston near Morecambe Bay to finish in the historic city of Carlisle.

The route cuts right through quintessential Lakeland landscapes; passing Coniston, Langdale, Borrowdale, Derwentwater, Skiddaw Forest, and Caldbeck. It’s a low-level route along valley floors for the most part but does explore some high-level and exposed sections, too.

As the walking is not as challenging as you might expect for Lakeland, this trail is a great choice for anyone who is new to long-distance hiking and is a wonderful introduction to the national park.

For anyone looking for something a little more challenging, though, there are plenty of worthy hill-bagging detours to choose from along the way. Iconic giants such as Coniston Old Man, the Langdale Pikes, and Blencathra loom over you, simply begging to be conquered.

The route broadly comprises three sections with two very different characters. The southern and northern sections explore farmland pastures. Just a note, these pastures will be filled with cows in summer which might cause a problem for people with a dog.

The centre section—over Stake Pass, between Langdale and Keswick, and across Back o'Skiddaw and High Pike to Caldbeck—is classic Lakeland fell walking and is typically the most enjoyable part.

The most common way to walk the Cumbria Way is from south to north, as per this Collection. However, there is nothing stopping you from completing it the other way.

In this Collection, we split the route into five stages. Of course, you can split up each stage into as many days as you are comfortable with. You can also walk any single stage, or a couple of stages, in isolation.

Every stage finishes close to accommodation, even if there are only a few options nearby. However, places to stay are not always abundant so it is worth planning in advance and scheduling any rest days accordingly.

If you are planning to arrive by public transport, you can catch a train to Ulverston railway station, which has direct trains from Manchester, Carlisle, and Lancaster, among others, and has connecting services around the UK. It is then a ten-minute walk to the start of the trail. To get home, it is a short walk from the end of the trail to Carlisle railway station, which has direct services to Newcastle, Birmingham, and London, among others, and connecting services around the UK.

If you are planning to arrive by car, your best bet is to negotiate with a hotel or B&B a rate to stay for a night either side of your hike in Ulverston. To get back, there are direct trains between Carlisle and Ulverston.

On The Map

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Cumbria Way

73.3 mi

6,800 ft

6,875 ft

Last updated: June 15, 2022

Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.

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Tours & Highlights

  • Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

    Stage 1: Ulverston to Coniston — Cumbria Way

    Expert
    07:07
    16.2 mi
    2.3 mph
    1,325 ft
    1,300 ft
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    The first stage of the Cumbria Way takes you over the Lake District boundary into the wild landscape of the national park.

    

    From Ulverston, the trail climbs steadily to Old Hall Wood and then ascends sharply to reach a high point near Knotallow Tarn.

    

    The trail continues through undulating farmland and you

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • Expert
    06:18
    13.9 mi
    2.2 mph
    1,575 ft
    1,375 ft
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Lonely fells, pretty tarns, and waterfalls combine to make this highlight-filled hike through some of Lakeand's most treasured valleys one to remember.

    

    From Coniston, the trail ascends through farmland and woodland to Tarn Hows, a picturesque tarn surrounded by mountains and pines.

    

    You hike along a wonderful

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • Expert
    07:22
    16.1 mi
    2.2 mph
    1,625 ft
    1,675 ft
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    This stage takes you high between the fells before dropping to one of the Lake District’s most picturesque lakes, Derwentwater.

    

    From Great Langdale, the trail heads along valley before a sharp climb to Stake Pass.

    

    You then descend through the rugged landscape to Black Moss Pot, a pool on Langstrath Beck

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • Expert
    07:26
    15.3 mi
    2.1 mph
    2,600 ft
    2,350 ft
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Isolated fells and far-reaching views await you on this challenging hike across the rough, serene and beautiful Northern Fells.

    

    With 2,525 feet (770 meters) of elevation gain, this stage has the most ascent of any on the Way and will really test your mettle.

    

    From Keswick, it is a short but sharp ascent

    by Alex Foxfield

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  • Expert
    06:25
    15.4 mi
    2.4 mph
    250 ft
    750 ft
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    The final stage of the Cumbria Way is one long and gradual downhill; from rugged uplands to gentle farmland and finishing in the Great Border City of Carlisle.

    

    Before leaving Caldbeck, it is worth paying a visit to St Kentigern’s, a pretty Grade I-listed church that is steeped in history.

    

    You leave the

    by Alex Foxfield

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Collection Stats

  • Tours
    5
  • Distance
    76.9 mi
  • Duration
    34:37 h
  • Elevation
    7,350 ft7,425 ft

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