Walk the Cumbria Way
The Cumbria Way is a 73-mile / 117 km long-distance path running from Ulverston to Carlisle. The route crosses the Lake District National Park from south to north, connecting farmland, lakes, wooded valleys and mountain landscapes before continuing through the countryside of northern Cumbria towards Carlisle.
Beginning in Ulverston, close to Morecambe Bay, the Cumbria Way heads north through rolling countryside towards the southern Lake District. The route reaches Coniston Water before continuing to Coniston, beneath the surrounding Coniston Fells.
From Coniston, the path continues through the central Lake District, passing Tarn Hows, Colwith Force and Skelwith Force before reaching Elterwater and Great Langdale. The Langdale Pikes rise above the valley as the route continues towards the head of Langdale.
Beyond Great Langdale, the Cumbria Way climbs across Stake Pass before descending through Langstrath into Borrowdale. The route reaches Rosthwaite and then follows woodland and riverside paths north through the valley towards Derwentwater.
Following the western shore of Derwentwater, the path reaches Keswick, one of the principal towns of the northern Lake District. From Keswick, the Cumbria Way leaves the central Lakes and heads into the quieter upland landscape north of the town, crossing the country commonly known as Back o' Skiddaw.
The route continues through the northern fells towards Caldbeck before leaving the Lake District and entering lower farmland and river valleys. From Caldbeck, the final section follows the countryside north towards Carlisle, where the Cumbria Way finishes in the historic border city.
Across its length, the Cumbria Way connects the southern edge of the Lake District with its central valleys, lakes and northern fells before continuing into the countryside around Carlisle. It can be walked from end to end or explored through shorter sections using towns and villages along the route as bases.
Overview
Distance: 73 miles / 117 km
Typical duration: 5–6 walking days
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Ulverston
Finish: Carlisle
Terrain: Farmland, lakeside paths, woodland, mountain valleys, upland passes, riverside paths and open fell country
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