The Cumbria Way - 8 Days & 7 Nights
8 Days & 7 Nights 4.7 Read 58 reviews- Walking the Cumbria Way from South to North across the English Lake District
- Picture perfect Lakeland views of Tarn Howes and the Coniston fells
- The breathtaking, rugged beauty of the Lake District
- The famous Cumbrian hospitality
- The bustle of the Lakeland towns and galleries
What To Expect
Trip Type:
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Activity:
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.
This trip is suitable for:
Solo Travellers
Ideal if you have an interest in:
- Long-Distance Trails
Grade & Terrain
Even though you are in the hilly Lake District this route tends to stick to the low-level trails. This means you get to enjoy stunning views from the valley floors, without having to climb endless hills and summits.
The route starts among farms and fields and then runs through Lake District National Park. The first real climb is to the top of Stake Pass between Great Langdale and Borrowdale, apart from that there is little elevation gain in the first section just north of Ulverston.
IMPORTANT the Keswick to Caldbeck section goes over the summit of High Pike (part of the Northern Fells), which does feel more exposed. There is an alternative lower-level route we offer in your routes note that we recommend if you would rather not do this section. If you are walking in bad weather or poor visibility, we recommend also opting for the low-level route.
Navigation
The way is generally well waymarked, especially where the route leaves roads but it tends to be less well marked in fields and in the fells. Sometimes there are small arrows or plastic discs with small writing indicating ‘Cumbria Way’. To allow you to switch off, and enjoy your adventure, this trip utilizes our free, detailed Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app. The app allows you to easily locate yourself on the trail using offline mapping.
Accommodation Information
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. You will stay in carefully selected 3 or 4-star B&B's, Guest Houses, country pubs and small hotels. Your room will always have an ensuite or private bathroom. A delicious breakfast is always included.
Accommodation Location
We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in your itinerary. Occasionally, because of limited availability, there is the option to be accommodated at an alternative location. In the unlikely event that we have to accommodate you elsewhere, we will advise you of this before confirming your booking.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we will always try and accommodate you subject to availability. A single supplement is payable. This trip is also available to solo walkers although again a supplement will apply.
- Hand picked B&B, Guest House and small hotel accommodation in en-suite rooms
- Door to door baggage transfer
- A detailed digital information pack
- Access to the Macs Adventure smartphone App
- Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem
- Travel to the start or from the finish of the walk
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Equipment
- Extra nights
When To Go
The Cumbria Way is available to start daily between April and October. Select which itinerary you would prefer and then select your preferred start date. There is never a bad time to be walking the Cumbria Way, but our personal favourites are spring and autumn.
Please note that as there are some restrictions in Great Langdale and Rosthwaite with 1 night bookings at the weekend, we may have to book you for 2 nights in either Coniston or Keswick with return transfers which we will include in the cost.
Getting to the Start
Ulverston is easily reached by train from Manchester Airport (2h20) or London (3h20). See National Rail Enquiries for details. It is also serviced by National Express coaches and easily reached by car.
You can find information for travelling to and from Cumbria by clicking on the Traveline Website.
Getting from the End
Carlisle is on the West Coast mainline and regular trains will whisk you back to London (3h55), Manchester (2h10) (with a change at Preston or Wigan) or Ulverston (2h05) (Change at Lancaster).
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person. Please ensure that you do not bring more than one bag of 20kg, as if this occurs, the luggage transfer company will ask you to pay an additional fee (approx. £8.50 per day, per bag). This additional payment, should it be necessary, needs to be made locally to the driver and in cash. Any additional bags need to labelled as if they are not labelled we cannot guarantee that they will reach you at the next accommodation.
If you are travelling from far afield and do have more than one bag it is possible to arrange for the extra luggage to be stored whilst you are on the tour for a fee of £25 per bag. These additional bags would be picked up at your accommodation at the start point (St Bees or Kirkby Stephen) and dropped off wherever you finish depending on the itinerary you choose to do. Please contact us if you are interested in this option.
General Information
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.
Walking Direction
We recommend you walk from Ulverston to Carlisle as you will have the wind at your back.
Equipment
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and trousers), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
As this tour is available through our Macs Adventure Smartphone App you will be using your smartphone. Keeping the device in flight mode will keep the battery from running out too quickly, however, always ensure your phone is fully charged before setting off; if you doubt the battery will last throughout the hike, it might be beneficial to bring a power bank.
Travel Insurance
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Ulverston and overnight Day 2 Ulverston to Coniston 16.5 miles / 26.5 km Day 3 Coniston to Great Langdale 11 miles / 17.5 km Day 4 Great Langdale to Rosthwaite 9 miles / 14.5 km Day 5 Rosthwaite to Keswick 8 miles / 13 km Day 6 Keswick to Caldbeck 15 miles / 24.5 km Day 7 Caldbeck to Carlisle 15.5 miles / 25 km Day 8 Depart CarlisleThe Macs Adventure Way
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