Walking The Cumbria Way

Discover the Cumbria Way, a rewarding long-distance walking route spanning 117 km (73 miles) through the heart of the Lake District National Park from Ulverston in the south to Carlisle in the north. Typically completed in 5 to 8 days, this classic trail follows gently rolling valley paths with optional high-level alternatives, offering a memorable multi-day journey that blends manageable walking with dramatic views of lakes, mountains, and quiet Cumbrian countryside.

This expertly crafted Cicerone guidebook, written by seasoned author John Gillham, equips you with everything needed to plan, prepare, and enjoy the Cumbria Way with confidence. Combining clear route descriptions, helpful mapping, practical planning tools, and insightful background on the region’s landscapes and attractions, it is the ideal companion for walkers tackling this classic long-distance walking trail.

The route is split into five stages (19 – 26km) with detailed route descriptions and 1:50,000 OS mapping to help you keep on track through the Lake District
Alternative mountain routes are included, offering optional high-level days over iconic upland terrain such as the Coniston Fells, Glaramara and Skiddaw, for walkers seeking more challenging summit experiences
Route summary and facilities tables detail accommodation, refreshments and public transport at key towns and villages along the route, such as Ulverston, Coniston, Great Langdale, Keswick, Caldbeck and Carlisle
GPX files are available to download as a digital navigation alternative for the Cumbria Way
Insights on when to go, with safety notes for poor weather and winter considerations for tackling Stake Pass and High Pike, are included


From the quaint town of Ulverston, the Cumbria Way allows you to traverse the entire Lake District on a walk that combines mostly valley walking with the chance to add more dramatic mountain sections for fit, adventurous hikers. This guidebook gives you the tools and confidence to explore the full breadth of scenery, heritage, and character that make the Cumbria Way a standout long-distance route in northern England.

Seasons

official way can be done year-round using B&Bs or Easter to October using campsites. The mountain route is best saved for spring, summer and autumn

Centres

Ulverston, Torver, Coniston, Elterwater, Great Langdale, Rosthwaite, Keswick, Bassenthwaite, Caldbeck, Dalston and Carlisle

Difficulty

official Cumbria Way is easy with only two places where the inexperienced walker can go wrong (in mist) - Stake Pass and High Pike. The mountain routes require mountain experience and the knowledge of how to use a map and compass

Must See

official route visits Coniston, Tarn Hows, Great Langdale, Stake Pass, Derwentwater, Back o' Skiddaw and Caldbeck, while the mountain route adds the Coniston Fells, Glaramara, Skiddaw and Knott

Map key

Introduction

The main route
The mountain routes
Wildlife and plants
Geology (Ronald Turnbull)
When to go
Getting there
Accommodation
Safety
Planning your itinerary
What to take
Maps
Using GPS
Using this guide

The Cumbria Way

Stage 1 Ulverston to Coniston (or Torver)
Stage 2 Coniston to Great Langdale
Stage 2A Torver to Great Langdale - mountain route
Stage 3 Great Langdale to Keswick
Stage 3A Great Langdale to Keswick - mountain route
Stage 4 Keswick to Caldbeck
Stage 4A Keswick to Caldbeck - mountain route
Stage 4B Keswick to Caldbeck - foul weather route
Stage 5 Caldbeck to Carlisle

Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Facilities summary table
Appendix C Accommodation stage by stage
Appendix D Useful contacts