The Cumbria Way | 7 Days
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Hotel accommodations
Explore the long-distance linear route on the Cumbrian Way, designed in the 1970s by members of the Local Walkers Association, through the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Discover mountain lakes (or tarns), habitats for a variety of species such as vendace and char, red squirrel and crayfish. Walk the forest trails among mosses, ferns and lichens, and swampy areas filled with carnivorous plants.
Explore the classic lakeland region amid the villages of Ulverston, Coniston, Great Langdale, Keswick, Caldbeck and Carlisle, as you explore the attractive combination of Cumbria's nature and fascinating heritage.
- Visit the world's only museum dedicated to the comedians Laurel & Hardy.
- Tour Coniston, home of writer Arthur Ransome and artist John Ruskin.
- Visit the Middle Fell Bridge, centre of the plot in the 1945 film "Brief Encounter".
- Visit the Dungeon Ghyll Force Waterfall, described in "The Idle Shepherd Boys" by the poet William Wordsworth.
- Tour Wainwright Fell, one of the 214 moors in the Lake District described in Alfred Wainwright's pictorial guide.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Ulverston
Start this adventure to the south of the Lakelands, in this market town located in the centre of the Furness Peninsula. Explore its old buildings and its labyrinth of cobblestoned streets.
Visit Morecambe Bay, the largest marsh expanse in the UK, with 310 m2, and the Ulverston Canal, from 1796, which although no longer navigable, was a vital part for the town's economy.
Visit Morecambe Bay, the largest marsh expanse in the UK, with 310 m2, and the Ulverston Canal, from 1796, which although no longer navigable, was a vital part for the town's economy.
Overnight in Ulverston
St Mary's Mount
This B&B is set in an acre of peaceful walled gardens with wide views of Ulverston and Morecambe Bay.
Some rooms have a private bathroom and free toiletries. Others have sea or garden views and a flat-screen TV. Enjoy the shared kitchen, lounge with fireplace and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Some rooms have a private bathroom and free toiletries. Others have sea or garden views and a flat-screen TV. Enjoy the shared kitchen, lounge with fireplace and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Ulverston to Coniston 16,5 miles | 26,5 km
Walk north along the trail near River Crake, amid farms and cattle fields to the southern end of Coniston Water, the third largest lake in the Lake District.
Admire the views of Morecambe Bay to the south and, as you ascend, you'll find at the bottom of the village, The Old Man of Coniston, the highest peak in the Furness Fells.
Cross Kiln Bank, the last farm in the village, and take the Access Land trail to climb Beacon Tarn and continue to Coniston Water. Continue along the path along the coast to the village of Coniston.
Admire the views of Morecambe Bay to the south and, as you ascend, you'll find at the bottom of the village, The Old Man of Coniston, the highest peak in the Furness Fells.
Cross Kiln Bank, the last farm in the village, and take the Access Land trail to climb Beacon Tarn and continue to Coniston Water. Continue along the path along the coast to the village of Coniston.
Overnight in Coniston
The Crown Inn
This cosy accommodation, located in the heart of Coniston, offers a traditional British experience with its traditional architecture.
Enjoy its warming atmosphere, excellent home-cooked food and selection of local beers.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Enjoy its warming atmosphere, excellent home-cooked food and selection of local beers.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Coniston to Great Langdale 11 miles | 17,5 km
Traverse fields, lakes, forests and waterfalls before admiring the views of the stunning Langdale Pikes, a group of peaks to the north of Great Langdale Valley.
Follow the route and cross Skelwith Bridge, at the mouth of the valley, and visit its two villages: Chapel Stile and Elterwater. Visit Elterwater, where only a quarter of the houses are permanently occupied, as the rest are holiday homes.
Explore Dungeon Ghyll, a ravine on the north side of the valley that begins on the slopes between Harrison Stickle and Loft Crag peaks, and the 12-metre waterfall at Dungeon Ghyll Force, a site beloved by Victorian poets and described in Wordsworth's "The Idle Shepherd Boys." Don't forget to visit the beautiful Stickle Tarn and the cinematic Middle Fell Bridge.
Follow the route and cross Skelwith Bridge, at the mouth of the valley, and visit its two villages: Chapel Stile and Elterwater. Visit Elterwater, where only a quarter of the houses are permanently occupied, as the rest are holiday homes.
Explore Dungeon Ghyll, a ravine on the north side of the valley that begins on the slopes between Harrison Stickle and Loft Crag peaks, and the 12-metre waterfall at Dungeon Ghyll Force, a site beloved by Victorian poets and described in Wordsworth's "The Idle Shepherd Boys." Don't forget to visit the beautiful Stickle Tarn and the cinematic Middle Fell Bridge.
Overnight in Great Langdale
Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
Located on the magnificent setting of the Great Langdale Valley, this hotel has 12 rooms, some with ensuite showers and others with private bathrooms.
Enjoy the lounge and wood-burning fireplace and relax without a single TV in sight. Get to know Hiker's Bar and try some of the selection of beers or one of Scotland's best whiskies.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Enjoy the lounge and wood-burning fireplace and relax without a single TV in sight. Get to know Hiker's Bar and try some of the selection of beers or one of Scotland's best whiskies.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Great Langdale to Keswick 17,5 miles | 28 km
Take the path to Mickleden, a U-shaped glacial valley, where Great Langdale was divided by the stretch called The Band leading you to Bowfell Peak. Climb the steep fern path to Stake Pass.
Descend on the other side of the pass towards Langstrath, a long valley with the River Beck at the bottom. Walk to the great Blea Rock and join the Greenup Edgar path before crossing Rosthwaite Bridge and taking the Borrowdale Valley path.
Admire Castle Crag, a charming drop overlooking Derwent Water. Follow the path by the River Derwent, and reach the village of Grange, then cross Manesty Park and Brandelhow. Step into the lakeside path and cross Greta Bridge and head to the centre of the town of Keswick, located in the middle of Skiddaw Mountain and Derwent Water.
Descend on the other side of the pass towards Langstrath, a long valley with the River Beck at the bottom. Walk to the great Blea Rock and join the Greenup Edgar path before crossing Rosthwaite Bridge and taking the Borrowdale Valley path.
Admire Castle Crag, a charming drop overlooking Derwent Water. Follow the path by the River Derwent, and reach the village of Grange, then cross Manesty Park and Brandelhow. Step into the lakeside path and cross Greta Bridge and head to the centre of the town of Keswick, located in the middle of Skiddaw Mountain and Derwent Water.
Overnight in Keswick
Babbling Brook Guesthouse
Enjoy mountain views in each of the five rooms in this Victorian house, including free Wi-Fi, TV, towels, tea and coffee making facilities, biscuits and central heating.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Keswick to Caldbeck 17,7 miles | 28,6 km
Today's walk will take you to the stunning Glenderaterra Valley, located between Lonscale Fell and Blencathra. You will walk across remote moorland as you cross through the Lake District National Park. During this walk, you will see Little Tarn, Orthwaite Farm and the Whitewater Dash Waterfall.
You'll progress past rivers and farmland to picturesque and historic Caldbeck, the northernmost village in the National Park and one of the most remote in the region.
You'll progress past rivers and farmland to picturesque and historic Caldbeck, the northernmost village in the National Park and one of the most remote in the region.
Overnight in Caldbeck
Denton House
This family-friendly B&B is located in the village of Hesket Newmarket, near Caldbeck. It offers views from the back of the house to the open fields and the Caldbeck Fells.
It has seven bedrooms, most with bathroom, TV, tea and coffee making facilities. Enjoy the lounge with comfortable sofas and a wood-burning stove, the books and games available, or a pint of real ale produced by the Hesket Newmarket Brewery.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It has seven bedrooms, most with bathroom, TV, tea and coffee making facilities. Enjoy the lounge with comfortable sofas and a wood-burning stove, the books and games available, or a pint of real ale produced by the Hesket Newmarket Brewery.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Caldbeck to Carlisle 15,5 miles | 25 km
Start the route to the edge of the northern hills, fields and forests, pass the bridge and follow the path on the edge of the forest and then, River Caldew. Take the road to Sebergham and visit St. Mary's Church, before taking the hedged route to Bell Bridge.
Continue along the river to Rose Bridge, and get to know Rose Castle, the palace belonging to the Bishops of Carlisle, from 1340. Advance along the forest trail to Bridge End and cross the River Caldew over Hawksdale Bridge along to the entrance of the 'Cowens' industrial zone at Ellers Mill.
Continue your way through the mill, along the river path, until you reach the asphalt road that leads to the city of Carlisle, where you can visit the Tullie House Gallery and Museum, Carlisle Cathedral, and Market Square
Continue along the river to Rose Bridge, and get to know Rose Castle, the palace belonging to the Bishops of Carlisle, from 1340. Advance along the forest trail to Bridge End and cross the River Caldew over Hawksdale Bridge along to the entrance of the 'Cowens' industrial zone at Ellers Mill.
Continue your way through the mill, along the river path, until you reach the asphalt road that leads to the city of Carlisle, where you can visit the Tullie House Gallery and Museum, Carlisle Cathedral, and Market Square
Overnight in Carlisle
Langleigh Guest House
This charming accommodation combines comfort and hospitality in a strategic location, just minutes from the city centre.
It stands out for its cosy atmosphere and friendly hosts who will make you feel at home. Enjoy its comfortable and well-decorated rooms, delicious breakfasts and personalised attention.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It stands out for its cosy atmosphere and friendly hosts who will make you feel at home. Enjoy its comfortable and well-decorated rooms, delicious breakfasts and personalised attention.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Carlisle
For the return, take a train to London Airport or Manchester Airport, on a tour of approximately 4 hours and 2 hours, respectively.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
The best option is to get to London Airport or Manchester Airport. Then, you can take a train, on a 4-hour 30-minute journey from London or 2 hours and 30 minutes from Manchester to Ulverston.
Another alternative is to take a bus or travel by car from one of these airports.
For your return from Carlisle, you'll need to take a train to London Airport or Manchester Airport on a journey of approximately 4 hours and 2 hours respectively.
Another alternative is to take a bus or travel by car from one of these airports.
For your return from Carlisle, you'll need to take a train to London Airport or Manchester Airport on a journey of approximately 4 hours and 2 hours respectively.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is classified as of medium-low difficulty and is mostly made over gentle valley paths, riverside trails and some easy ascents and descents to the mountain tops within the National Park.
Although you don't need walking experience, we recommend having an active lifestyle and a good level of fitness. You can prepare before your trip by doing daily walks and cardiovascular exercises to improve your physical endurance.
What is the best time of year to complete this route?
The route is available between April and October, so any time you choose between these months will give you an amazing experience, as the weather in spring is pleasant and cool for walking.
In summer, the lakes and flowers create beautiful scenery on the route and in autumn, the trails are not very crowded.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
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