Cumbria Way

The Cumbria Way is a linear long distance footpath in Cumbria, England passing through the towns of Coniston and Keswick. It also passes through the Langdale and Borrowdale valleys. The majority of the route is inside the boundaries of the Lake District National Park.

This 112km route through the heart of the Lake District National Park links the two historic Cumbrian towns of Ulverston and Carlisle. The route cuts through classic Lakeland country via Coniston, Langdale, Borrowdale, Derwent Water, Skiddaw Forest and Caldbeck. It is a primarily low-level long distance footpath but does contain some high-level exposed sections.


The Cumbria Way was originally devised in the 1970s by local Ramblers' Association members. The waymarking of the entire route was completed by volunteers and national park staff in May 2007.

Cumbria Way map


The route can be walked in either direction but is described here as south to north1 beginning at the trail head of Ulverston (grid reference SD284785) and ending in Carlisle (grid reference NY400554).

  1. Ulverston to Coniston
  2. Coniston to Langdale
  3. Langdale to Keswick
  4. Keswick to Caldbeck
  5. Caldbeck to Carlisle

Planning Your Holiday

Many people now walk the Cumbria Way with help. At the most basic level there are companies who will carry your luggage from B&B to B&B each day, so you only need to carry a day pack. At the top level they will organize the accommodation, ferry you to and from the start point each day and provide guides. We're not going to try to list them here as the list of people offering such services changes all the time but Google is your friend.

If you prefer to plan your own holiday then we can recommend the WalkLakes roomfinder to help you find the accommodation you need anywhere in the Lake District.

Other Useful Information

  1. There is a good argument to be made for doing it from north to south as the finish at the north end is, frankly, disappointing, whereas at the southern end in Ulverston there is a sizeable monument which, although it may not be to everybody's taste, does at least celebrate your achievement more than being dumped at the foot of some steps next to a brick wall.

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