The Cumbria Way

Suitable for regular hikers with some long-distance experience, as long as you’re comfortable on hills.

The trail follows a mix of well-trodden footpaths, rocky trails, lakeside and woodland paths, and a few short stretches of country lane. Most of the route runs through the valleys, but there are some steep climbs and descents, with rock steps and switchbacks in places. A few sections can feel remote and exposed, so you’ll need to be sure-footed and comfortable with heights. After rain, some trails can get muddy and boggy, though most are well maintained. Before your trip, we recommend getting out regularly on hilly hikes, and checking the daily distances and elevation gain in your itinerary.

This route is graded moderate. Daily difficulty can vary within the tour, so some days may feel a little easier or tougher than the overall rating suggests.

Take the high road?

• High Pike (optional): Between Keswick and Caldbeck, you can take an optional high-level route over High Pike (2,159 ft / 658 m). It’s a great way to add a summit to your hike, but it’s quite exposed, so only attempt it in good weather.

You’ll stay in a mix of handpicked 3 and 4-star B&Bs, guesthouses, country pubs and small hotels, each chosen for its warm welcome and local charm. Every room has a private bathroom, either en suite or nearby, and breakfast is always included.

Want a rest day? We recommend adding an extra night in Keswick, around the halfway point of the route. It’s a lively lakeside town and a hub for adventure in the Lake District, with plenty of pubs, restaurants, museums and local hikes to enjoy.

Yes, solo travellers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

Breakfast is included each morning, while lunch and dinner are up to you. Many accommodations can provide a packed lunch on request, which you can book and pay for on arrival. Our app also highlights recommended lunch spots along the way. For dinner, you can eat at your accommodations or at nearby pubs and restaurants.

You can hike the Cumbria Way from April through October, starting on any day that suits you. Spring and fall are our personal favorites, with fresh green valleys in spring and golden bracken on the hills in fall. That said, there’s never really a bad time to hike it.

We also offer this trip in the quieter shoulder months of March and mid- to late October. The towns and villages are more peaceful and the trails less crowded, but be prepared for cooler temperatures, wind, rain and muddy trails.

Some villages have minimum-stay rules on weekends, especially in Great Langdale. If your dates are affected, you may stay in a nearby town, such as Coniston, for a night or two, with a round-trip taxi transfer included.

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved to your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg/44lbs per person.

It's vital that you adhere to these limits. Heavier bags, or additional items might not be transferred, and you may be charged locally. Airlines may have different allowances, but our luggage handlers do not have the same capacity or equipment, and their health and safety is our priority.

There are small arrows or plastic discs marking the way as 'Cumbria Way' throughout the trail, though since this isn't an official National Trail (it was created by the Ramblers Association), signage isn't always as frequent as you might expect.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Recommended Reading
Although not essential, if you'd like more information on the route, we recommend:
Guidebook - Cumbria Way: Rucksack Reader
Map - Cumbria Way: Harvey Map (a copy will be posted to you if your tour is confirmed within postage cut-off dates)

Getting to the start

The easiest way to reach Ulverston is by train. Most trips follow two simple steps:

1. Get to Lancaster. Lancaster sits on the West Coast Main Line, with frequent trains from London Euston, Manchester and Glasgow.
2. Change for Ulverston. From Lancaster, take the scenic Furness line along the coast to Ulverston.

Arriving by plane?

• London airports: Most travelers from North America fly into London. From there, make your way to London Euston station, then take the train to Ulverston, changing at Lancaster. Allow around 3 to 4 hours from Euston.
• Manchester Airport (MAN): The closest major international airport, with some direct flights from North America. Trains run from the airport to Ulverston, taking around 2 hours 20 minutes.

Getting home from the end

Getting home from Carlisle is easy. The city sits on the West Coast Main Line, with frequent direct trains to:

• London Euston: Around 3 hours 30 minutes
• Manchester Airport: Around 2 hours 15 minutes
• Glasgow: Around 1 hour

Flying home?

• London airports: Take the train from Carlisle to London Euston, then connect to your departure airport.
• Manchester Airport (MAN): Take the direct train from Carlisle.
• Glasgow Airport (GLA): Take the train from Carlisle to Glasgow, then a short bus or taxi ride to the airport.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.

You must have valid travel insurance to book with Macs Adventure. Your policy must cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and cancellation of your holiday.

Start with a smile in Ulverston

Before you set off, stop by the Laurel and Hardy Museum, a quirky tribute to Ulverston’s most famous son, Stan Laurel. Then look up to Hoad Hill, where the Sir John Barrow Monument keeps watch over the town like a lighthouse. It’s the perfect send-off.

Meet Bluebird in Coniston

Coniston is where Donald Campbell made his famous attempt on the world water speed record. Visit the Ruskin Museum to see his restored jet boat, Bluebird K7, and hear the story behind it. If you have time, take a cruise on Coniston Water aboard the Victorian steam yacht Gondola.

Don’t miss the tea shop at Grange

As you leave Borrowdale and head toward Keswick, the little village of Grange is home to a much-loved tea shop. Trust us, you’d be foolish to hike past without stopping for a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

Make the most of Keswick

Keswick is the perfect place for a rest day. Hop on a Keswick Launch boat to explore Derwentwater, visit the quirky Derwent Pencil Museum, or catch a show at the Theatre by the Lake. There’s plenty to fill a day, even if your legs need a break.

Pay a visit to John Peel in Caldbeck

Caldbeck is the final resting place of John Peel, the huntsman made famous by the old folk song “D’ye Ken John Peel.” Find his grave in St Kentigern’s churchyard, then refuel at the Priest’s Mill café by the river.