The Cumbria Way Walk

The Cumbria Way is an exhilarating journey through some of the most beautiful and contrasting landscapes of the county of Cumbria. Stretching from Ulverston to Carlisle the route offers 70 miles of walking through some of the most scenic and inspiring landscapes in Britain, including the enchanting Lake District.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Ulverston, a pretty town located between the shores of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District National Park, surrounded by rolling countryside. Interesting fact - Ulverston is the birthplace of Stan Laurel (of Laurel and Hardy fame) the Laurel & Hardy museum is on Upper Brook St. Overnight Ulverston.

Day 2: Walk to Coniston 14 miles/22.4 kms Walk the banks of Ulverston Canal, the deepest and widest in England, built in 1796 to bring goods from Morecambe Bay to the town centre. Continue around Beacon Tarn (and perhaps visit Beacon Fell for its glorious views of the Coniston Fells) and on the shore of Coniston Water. Overnight Coniston.

Day 3: Walk to Great Langdale (Dungeon Ghyll) 12 miles/19.2 kms Tarn Howes, surrounded on three sides by thick woodland, offers glorious views of the Langdale Pike. A short diversion to Colwith Falls is recommended before crossing the River Brathay, passing close to Skelwith Force waterfall and onto Elterwater, probably the least visited lake and one of the prettiest villages in the lakes. Finish with stunning views of the Langdale Pikes in front of you. Overnight Gt. Langdale.

Day 4: Walk to Keswick 15.6 miles/25 kms. The Cumbria Way leaves Dungeon Ghyll by traversing the lower slopes of the Langdale Pikes. The top of the pass is marked by a cairn after walking the moraines of Mart Crag Moor. Perhaps a short detour to Black Moss Pot, much loved by hardy mountain swimmers. The route heads towards Greenup Gill where after crossing a footbridge over a delightful watersmeet, (overlooked by formidable looking Eagle Crag), follow a stony track into Rosthwaite. Follow the River Derwent downstream (choice of stepping stones or a bridge). The route now leads through the steep, wooded Jaws of Borrowdale to Gowder Dub, a good place for cooling hot feet! Short diversion worthwhile to Grange for refreshments, before continuing through Manesty Wood to the shore of Derwentwater. Delightful walking alongside the lake (though a ferry is available) to Keswick for overnight.

Day 5: Walk to Caldbeck 14/16 miles/22.4/25.6 miles. Choice of high level route or low level route today. Experienced walkers may like to take the high route over High Pike, the highest point on the Cumbria Way at 2157ft/658m, with great views as far as the Scottish hills, whilst others may prefer the slightly longer low-level route that skirts the fells. The low-level route is easier and safer if the weather is bad. The 12th century St Kentigern's Church at Caldbeck is the resting place of the renowned local huntsman, John Peel. Overnight Caldbeck.

Day 6: Walk to Carlisle 14 miles/22.4 kms Cross the river near the church and continue into Sebergham. Head downstream along a riverside path by the delightful River Caldew to Rose Castle, the official residence of the Bishop of Carlisle. Later rejoin the River Caldew and a stretch of the Hadrian Wall path to Cummersdale and finally to journey's end at the Market Cross in Carlisle.

Day 7: Departure after breakfast.

This tour is possible over 7 nights with a 2 night stay in Keswick with a circular walk.

Price

£745 per person based on two people sharing one room (6 nights)

Single supplement £250 - 6 nights

£870 per person based on two people sharing one room (7 nights)

Single supplement £280 - 7 nights

Practical Information:

Accommodation:

Accommodation in Bed and Breakfasts and country inns or small hotels, all rooms with private bathrooms.

Sometimes it may be necessary to book a bed and breakfast with shared bathrooms, but we would liaise with you to explain why and give you other options (i.e an upgrade to a better hotel) if no other accommodation was available.

WHAT TO TAKE

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit

WHEN TO GO

April to October. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well in advance (and may require an alteration to the programme).

GETTING THERE:

The closest airport would be Manchester, other options could be Glasgow, Birmingham or London airports.

TRAIN - The Furness line, north from Lancashire or south from Carlisle is a scenic coastal journey which calls at Ulverston. Direct services from Manchester Airport to Barrow in Furness also call at Ulverston.

INCLUDED:

6 nights B and B accommodation; 6 breakfasts; luggage transportation; route notes and maps.

NOT INCLUDED:

Lunches, dinners, drinks, insurance, anything not mentioned in programme.

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.