Cumbria Way
Total distance covered; 76 miles (123kms)
6 days walking, based in Keswick
This 123kms (76 miles) walk, which runs from Ulverston in the south of the county to Carlisle in the north, provides an excellent introduction to the splendours of the Lake District National Park. Every bend of the path on this magnificent walk offers a new and breath-taking view.
From Ulverston the route passes through the hinterland below the Coniston Fells to enter the National Park just south of tranquil Beacon Tarn, then down over Blawith Fell to the shore of Coniston Water, and along the lakeshore to Coniston village. A climb onto the flank of Tom Heights and past picturesque Tarn Hows leads over into Little Langdale and along to Skelwith Bridge.
From Skelwith Bridge the route wends its way past Elterwater and along the beautiful green valley of Langdale to cross Stake Pass and then descends into lonely Langstrathdale and on to Rosthwaite and dramatic Borrowdale. We walk through Borrowdale and along the peaceful shores of Derwentwater to reach Keswick. From Keswick the route follows the Glenderaterra river into the wild country beyond Skiddaw and then onwards to the village of Caldbeck. From Caldbeck we make our way into Carlisle to reach journey’s end at the city’s historic castle.
For some additional interest, Day 4 will include taking the water taxi across Derwentwater from Keswick to Lodore and walking past Lodore Falls, along the Watendlath Beck and around Watendlath Tarn to re-joining the Cumbria Way at Rosthwaite.
Highlights include tranquil Tarn Hows, a favourite spot of author Beatrix Potter, Colwith Force (waterfall) in its dramatic wooded setting, the thunderous waterfall at Skelwith Bridge, the high crossing of Stake Pass with its exhilarating views, Watendalth Tarn with its picturesque packhorse bridge, the views along Cat Bells from Hawes End on the shore of Derwentwater, lonely Skiddaw House, and arrival at Carlisle Castle.
The timing of the holiday should see some beautiful autumn colours in the deciduous woodlands along Little Langdale, Great Langdale and in Borrowdale.
What's included in the price of this holiday?
Holiday Options 2023
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Ulverston to Coniston 15 miles (24kms)
Day 2: Coniston to Old Dungeon Ghyll (Langdale) 11 miles (18kms)
Day 3: Old Dungeon Ghyll to Rosthwaite 9 miles (15kms)
Day 4: Rosthwaite to Keswick, with loop to Watendlath Tarn 11 miles (18kms)
Day 5: Keswick to Caldbeck 15 miles (24kms)
Day 6: Caldbeck to Carlisle 15 miles (24kms)
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