# Cumbria Way

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70-mile footpath in Cumbria, England

Cumbria Way Waymarker and logo Length 112 km (70 mi) Location Cumbria, England Established 1970s Trailheads Ulverston Carlisle Use Hiking Elevation gain/loss 2,973 m (9,754 ft) Highest point High Pike, 658 m (2,159 ft) Difficulty Challenging Season All year Waymark Name on green disc Website www.cumbriawaywalk.info Trail map Carlisle Caldbeck High Pike Keswick Great Langdale Coniston Ulverston

The **Cumbria Way** is a linear 112-kilometre (70-mile) [long-distance footpath](/source/Long-distance_footpath) in [Cumbria](/source/Cumbria), England. [1][2][3] The majority of the route is inside the boundaries of the [Lake District](/source/Lake_District) [National Park](/source/National_parks_of_England_and_Wales). Linking the two historic Cumbrian towns of [Ulverston](/source/Ulverston) and [Carlisle](/source/Carlisle%2C_Cumbria), it passes through the towns of [Coniston](/source/Coniston%2C_Cumbria) and [Keswick](/source/Keswick%2C_Cumbria). The route cuts through Lakeland country via [Coniston Water](/source/Coniston_Water), [Langdale](/source/Langdale), [Borrowdale](/source/Borrowdale), [Derwent Water](/source/Derwent_Water), [Skiddaw](/source/Skiddaw) Forest and [Caldbeck](/source/Caldbeck). It is a primarily low-level route with some high-level [exposed](/source/Glossary_of_climbing_terms#E) sections.[4]

## History

The Cumbria Way was originally devised in the 1970s by local [Ramblers Association](/source/Ramblers_Association) members. The [waymarking](/source/Waymarking) of the entire route was completed by volunteers and national park staff in May 2007.[5]

## Route

The route can be walked in either direction but is described here as south to north beginning at the [trailhead](/source/Trailhead) of [Ulverston](/source/Ulverston) and ending in [Carlisle](/source/Carlisle%2C_Cumbria).

### Stage 1: Ulverston to Coniston

Coniston Water seen from the North

The route leaves the urban area of [Ulverston](/source/Ulverston), birthplace of [Stan Laurel](/source/Stan_Laurel), and heads north towards the village of [Gawthwaite](/source/Gawthwaite) and the boundary of the [Lake District National Park](/source/Lake_District). The trail, which consists primarily of field paths at this stage, leads to the settlement of [Sunny Bank](/source/Sunny_Bank) and the shore of [Coniston Water](/source/Coniston_Water), the western [shoreline](/source/Shoreline) of which is followed before reaching the settlement of [Coniston](/source/Coniston%2C_Cumbria).[6] [Grizedale Forest](/source/Grizedale_Forest) is visible to the east of the lake with [Coniston Old Man](/source/Coniston_Old_Man) and [Dow Crag](/source/Dow_Crag) being visible to the west on approach to Coniston. This stage is approximately 24 km (15 mi) in length.

### Stage 2: Coniston to Langdale

[Langdale Pikes](/source/Langdale_Pikes)

The route leaves Coniston heading in a [NNW](/source/Boxing_the_compass) direction through [woodland](/source/Woodland) towards [Tarn Hows](/source/Tarn_Hows). The way involves some road walking as it passes through the [villages](/source/Villages) of Colwith and [Skelwith Bridge](/source/Skelwith_Bridge). The [Langdale Pikes](/source/Langdale_Pikes) soon become visible as the route leaves Skelwith Bridge in a [NNE](/source/Boxing_the_compass) direction, passing [Elter Water](/source/Elter_Water) before entering the [Great Langdale](/source/Great_Langdale) [valley](/source/Valley).[7] This stage is approximately 17.5 km (11 mi) in length.

### Stage 3: Langdale to Keswick

[Derwent Water](/source/Derwent_Water) seen from [Castle Crag](/source/Castle_Crag)

The route leaves [Langdale](/source/Langdale) and travels alongside Mickleden beck, with the mountain of [Bow Fell](/source/Bow_Fell) to the west and [Langdale Pikes](/source/Langdale_Pikes) to the east. After a significant gain in elevation the route crosses [Stake Pass](/source/Stake_Pass) before descending via Langstrath beck and turning towards the villages of [Stonethwaite](/source/Stonethwaite) and [Rosthwaite](/source/Rosthwaite%2C_Borrowdale%2C_Cumbria). The route subsequently follows the [River Derwent](/source/River_Derwent%2C_Cumbria) before reaching [Derwent Water](/source/Derwent_Water) where it follows the [shoreline](/source/Shoreline) path to reach the town of [Keswick](/source/Keswick%2C_Cumbria). The mountains [Skiddaw](/source/Skiddaw) and [Blencathra](/source/Blencathra) may be visible to the north.[8] This stage is approximately 24 km (15 mi) in length.

### Stage 4: Keswick to Caldbeck

[Skiddaw](/source/Skiddaw) seen from [Borrowdale](/source/Borrowdale)

After some [urban](/source/Urban_area) walking on the exit from Keswick, the route crosses the [A591 road](/source/A591_road) before ascending past [Latrigg](/source/Latrigg) into the [Skiddaw Group SSSI](/source/Skiddaw_Group_SSSI) towards Skiddaw House [Youth Hostel](/source/Youth_Hostels_Association_(England_%26_Wales)). After crossing the area of [fells](/source/Fell) known as Back o'Skiddaw the route passes [High Pike](/source/High_Pike_(Caldbeck)) and the [Caldbeck Fells](/source/Caldbeck_Fells) before leaving the [SSSI](/source/Site_of_special_scientific_interest) and descending towards the village of [Caldbeck](/source/Caldbeck).[9] This stage is approximately 22.5 km (14 mi) in length.

### Stage 5: Caldbeck to Carlisle

[Carlisle](/source/Carlisle%2C_Cumbria)

After leaving the village of Caldbeck this final low-level section of the route follows the course of the [River Caldew](/source/River_Caldew) to the city of [Carlisle](/source/Carlisle%2C_Cumbria), [Cumbria](/source/Cumbria)'s county town. The route passes through the [villages](/source/Villages) of [Sebergham](/source/Sebergham), [Buckabank](/source/Buckabank) and [Dalston](/source/Dalston%2C_Cumbria) primarily following [woodland](/source/Woodland) and [farmland](/source/Arable_land) [public footpaths](/source/Rights_of_way_in_England_and_Wales) and [bridleways](/source/Bridleways).[10] This stage is approximately 24 km (15 mi) in length.

## Geology and biology

### Flora and fauna

The [tarns](/source/Tarns) encountered on the route provide a habitat for a wide range of species including [vendace](/source/Coregonus_vandesius), [charr](/source/Salvelinus), [crayfish](/source/Crayfish) and [schelly](/source/Schelly).[11]

The [red squirrel](/source/Red_squirrel) can be found in woodland encountered on the route.[12]

The high [precipitation](/source/Precipitation_(meteorology)) in the [ancient woodland](/source/Ancient_woodland) encountered throughout the route provides a favourable habitat for [mosses](/source/Moss), [liverworts](/source/Marchantiophyta), [ferns](/source/Fern) and [lichens](/source/Lichen). The boggy areas encountered, particularly on the high-level parts of the route, provide a habitat for [carnivorous plants](/source/Carnivorous_plants) including [sundew](/source/Sundew) and [butterwort](/source/Butterwort).[13]

## Connecting trails

The route connects with the Allerdale Ramble, [Cumbria Coastal Way](/source/Cumbria_Coastal_Way), [Coast to Coast Walk](/source/Coast_to_Coast_Walk), [Hadrian's wall path](/source/Hadrian's_Wall_Path), Cistercian Way, Eden Way and [Windermere Way](/source/Windermere_Way).

## Further reading

The following [Ordnance Survey](/source/Ordnance_Survey) [maps](/source/Map) cover the route:

- Explorer 1:25k sheets OL4, OL5, OL6, OL7 and 315

- Landranger 1:50k sheets 85, 90 and 97

Other maps available:

- Cumbria Way XT40 (Waterproof Route Map), Harvey Map Services [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-185137424-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-185137424-3).

The following [guidebooks](/source/Guidebook) detail the route:

- The Cumbria Way and the Allerdale Ramble, Jim Watson, [Cicerone Press](/source/Cicerone_Press), [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-85284-242-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-85284-242-0)

- The Cumbria Way, Anthony Burton, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-85410-615-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-85410-615-5). Aurum Press.

- The Cumbria Way, John Trevelyan, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-85568-197-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-85568-197-8). Dalesman

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ldwa_1-0)** ["Cumbria Way"](https://ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Cumbria+Way). [Long Distance Walkers Association](/source/Long_Distance_Walkers_Association). Retrieved 29 January 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-cicerone_2-0)** Gillham, John (11 February 2015). [*The Cumbria Way*](https://www.cicerone.co.uk/the-cumbria-way) (First ed.). [Cicerone Press](/source/Cicerone_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781852847609](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781852847609). Retrieved 29 January 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-walk_3-0)** ["The Cumbria Way Walk"](https://www.cumbriawaywalk.info/). The Cumbria Way Walk. Retrieved 29 January 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Ramblers_Association_Paths_-_Cumbria_Way_4-0)** ["Paths. Recreational Route: Cumbria - Cumbria Way"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080516082529/http://www.ramblers.org.uk/INFO/paths/cumbria.html). Ramblers Association. Archived from [the original](http://www.ramblers.org.uk/info/paths/cumbria.html) on 16 May 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Marking_the_way_5-0)** Crawford, S (30 May 2007). ["Marking the way for walkers"](http://beta.cumberland-news.co.uk/1.74045). Cumberland News. Retrieved 17 May 2008.[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-stage_1_6-0)** ["STAGE 1 Ulverston to Coniston"](https://web.archive.org/web/20050413105900/http://www.ulverston.net/pdfs/Cumbria_Way_pdfs/Stage_1.pdf) (PDF). Ulverston Tourist Information Centre. Archived from the original on 13 April 2005. Retrieved 29 January 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-stage_2_7-0)** ["STAGE 2 Coniston to Langdale"](https://web.archive.org/web/20050413093919/http://www.ulverston.net/pdfs/Cumbria_Way_pdfs/Stage_2.pdf) (PDF). Ulverston Tourist Information Centre. Archived from the original on 13 April 2005. Retrieved 29 January 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-stage_3_8-0)** ["STAGE 3 Langdale to Keswick"](https://web.archive.org/web/20050413113710/http://www.ulverston.net/pdfs/Cumbria_Way_pdfs/Stage_3b.pdf) (PDF). Ulverston Tourist Information Centre. Archived from the original on 13 April 2005. Retrieved 29 January 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-stage_4_9-0)** ["STAGE 4 Keswick to Caldbeck"](https://web.archive.org/web/20050413093138/http://www.ulverston.net/pdfs/Cumbria_Way_pdfs/Stage_4.pdf) (PDF). Ulverston Tourist Information Centre. Archived from the original on 13 April 2005. Retrieved 29 January 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-stage_5_10-0)** ["STAGE 5 Caldbeck to Carlisle"](https://web.archive.org/web/20051221063330/http://www.ulverston.net/pdfs/Cumbria_Way_pdfs/Stage_5.pdf) (PDF). Ulverston Tourist Information Centre. Archived from the original on 21 December 2005. Retrieved 29 January 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Special_Properties_11-0)** ["Lake District Special Properties"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080510084002/http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/index/understanding/specialqualities.htm). The Lake District National Park Authority. Archived from [the original](http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/index/understanding/specialqualities.htm) on 10 May 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-squirrel_12-0)** ["Wildlife"](https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/learning/forteachers/ks2wildlife). [Lake District National Park](/source/Lake_District_National_Park). Retrieved 29 January 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Cumberland_Mountain_Flowers_13-0)** ["Cumberland Mountain Flowers"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080720162849/http://www.floraofthefells.com/info/cumbmountflowers.htm). Flora of the Fells. Archived from [the original](http://www.floraofthefells.com/info/cumbmountflowers.htm) on 20 July 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2008.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Cumbria Way](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Cumbria_Way).

- [Ramblers](https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-finder/areas/lake-district/the-cumbria-way.aspx)

- [Long Distance Walkers Association](https://ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Cumbria+Way)

- [The Cumbria Way Walk](https://www.cumbriawaywalk.info/)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Cumbria Way](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumbria_Way) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumbria_Way?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.