Cumbria Way

Arrival to Ulverston or Coniston depending on the accommodation availability.

This walking stage features the many becks, stiles, farmyards and field paths between Ulverston and Gawthwaite on the southern boundary of Britain’s largest National Park. There are patches of craggy moorland around Beacon Tarn and the rough but distinct paths along the lovely wooded shoreline of Coniston Water. Look out for dragonflies and adders on the Blawith Fells and enjoy wonderful views across Morecombe Bay towards the Three Peaks area in Yorkshire.

The second day of the Cumbria Way offers marvellous mix of mostly rolling farmland, woodland, fells and becks. The lovely burn running beside the small village of Elterwater marks the entrance to Great Langdale, a large U-shaped glacial valley overlooked by the dramatic rocky summits of the Langdale Pikes, Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle and Pike of Stickle.

Today’s route on the Cumbria Way gives you a real taste of Lakeland’s rugged and scenic splendour, and the walking is consequently harder for a time. Secluded Mickleden and Langstrath valleys sandwich this stage’s highest point at the top of Stake Pass (about 480 metres). Under the bluff of Eagle Crag, the rough and sometimes wet paths by Langstrath and Stonethwaite Becks converge. The trail follows the crystal-clear waters of the river Derwent as it meanders through lovely Borrowdale before you take the public bus to Keswick.

First, you travel by bus back to Rosthwaite. Today you will continue along the wooded western shore of Derwent Water towards Keswick at its northern end.

If you booked the 5-night tour today you can depart from Keswick and continue your journey (we hope you have enjoyed your Cumbria Way walking holiday!). If you booked our 7-night tour, you can continue to Caldbeck.  The distinctive character of this stage is rough windswept moorland that opens out below the bulks of Skiddaw and Blencathra mountains. Between Skiddaw House and Nether Row, there is an alternative low-level route via Whitewater Dash waterfall for poor weather conditions or the less intrepid.

You will admire heather-clad slopes and extensive views across to the distant North Pennines via the infant River Caldew, enjoying an ascent of High Pike – the highest point of your journey at 685 metres.

You will walk today through Cumbrian countryside rarely seen by visitors and looks deceptively easy compared to other more upland stages. In between the picturesque village of Caldbeck, Dalston and the bustling city of Carlisle is a generous helping of old bridges, stiles and gates. The trail keeps largely to woodland and farmland paths and tracks alongside the winding course of the River Caldew.

Depart after breakfast.