Cumbria Way Long Distance Path Directory

A long distance walk of 70 miles in the Lake District National Park. The Cumbria Way is also a designated National Trail. Maps, statistics and gpx route file for the walk are included.

Walking towards Keswick from the north on the Cumbria Way

A well-loved 70 mile route through the heart of the Lake District National Park, linking the two historic Cumbrian towns of Ulverston and Carlisle. The route cuts through classic Lakeland country via Langdale, Borrowdale, Coniston, Derwent Water and Caldbeck with plenty of scope for high-level detours. There are a few sections of high, exposed ground but mainly the route keeps to the valleys, providing an excellent introduction to the area. The Way was originally devised by local Ramblers' Association members in the mid-1970s. It is now signed although the waymarking may not be as comprehensive as some other routes.

Google Maps Open Source Maps

The best web sites for General Information and Planning:

Dik's Cumbria Way The complete Cumbria Way resource centre for people wishing to plan and prepare for their walk through the magnificent scenery of Cumbria.
Ramblers Association Comprehensive site providing details on the route. Includes an accommodation guide, booking service providers, maps required.

The best web sites for Guided Walking:

None available at present

The web sites that organise accommodation and/ or baggage transfer:

Lake District Baggage Transfer provide a reliable baggage transfer service, collecting your bags each morning and delivering to you onward accommodation, whether that be a hotel, hostel or Bed and Breakfast.
Absolute Escapes offer self-guided walking packages including accommodation and baggage transfer for the whole walk.
Contours Full range of self guided walking services. Very good web site navigation.
Celtic Trails Full self guided walkers service.
Discovery Travel Full self guided walking service.
Mickledore Full support service. Has an option for the walk with shorter stages.
Sherpa Van Renowned baggage transfer service. Accommodation also organised on request if the baggage service is used. Full costs of the service are provided online.

The best web sites for you to plan your accommodation:

S H Systems Excellent range of accommodation. Just type in the location to bring up a list of accommodation in the area. You can sort by price, postcode or rating.
Independent Hostels Guide specialise in independent hostels and bunkhouses on and near the route.
The Sherpa Van Project The most complete web listing of accommodation for the walk.

The best personal journals of the walk:

The Pighole Team Congratulations to Ann Baxter, Jane Salt, Mike Riley, Nick Barber, Ken Hodgkinson, Sean Bond, Gordon Darlington, Neil Scott, Alison Bond and Dave McNeaney for providing the funniest of reports.

The essential sites for safety advice and emergency services:

Ramblers Association Practical walking advice on keeping safe including a guide to map reading, navigation and a detailed list of the essential gear required on a long distance walk.
Mountain Rescue UK You may need them so take their advice.

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Feedback and Suggestions:

I am always pleased to received feedback on the structure and content of the website. I also welcome suggestions on how I can improve the website which may include new areas to cover, new walks or route alterations to existing walks. To contact me with feedback and/ or suggestions please complete the Walking Englishman Feedback Form. Thank you.

(Note: Walking without proper preparation can be dangerous. Information and downloads on this website are provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check the material and use accordingly. Postscript: My walk reports are not route guides and should not be treated as such. They are written with personal reflections of my walks)