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Hiker walking along a stone path through an autumn valley beneath green and russet hills

Walking The Cumbria Way

The Cumbria Way is one of the Lake District’s classic long-distance walks, travelling from Ulverston to Carlisle through lakes, valleys, woodland and fells. Usually completed as a five to seven-day walking holiday, the route passes Coniston, Great Langdale, Borrowdale, Keswick and Caldbeck. Primarily low-level but with some more demanding sections, it is a rewarding multi-day walk for experienced walkers and first-time long-distance walkers alike. 

Hiker in a red jacket overlooking a lake, wooded hills and patchwork fields beneath an overcast sky.

Safety Tips

Good preparation is particularly important when walking the Cumbria Way over several days. Check each day’s distance, ascent and terrain alongside the latest weather forecast and sunset time. Carry an appropriate route map, waterproofs, warm layers, food and water, and make sure your phone is charged. Some Cumbria Way stages cross remote or exposed ground, so be prepared to change your route or use lower-level options when conditions deteriorate.

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Need To Know

Day 1: Ulverston to Coniston

Distance: Approx. 15 miles / 24km  |  Walking time: Around 7 hours  |  Ascent: Approx. 615m 
 
The Cumbria Way starts at The Gill in Ulverston, quickly leaving the town for farmland and quieter countryside. The route climbs through the Blawith Fells towards peaceful Beacon Tarn before descending towards Coniston Water. The final miles follow the lakeshore, with views towards the surrounding mountains growing increasingly dramatic as Coniston village approaches. 

White lighthouse standing on a rocky grassy hill beneath a dramatic blue evening sky near Ulverston.

Ulverston Start Point

The traditional Cumbria Way start is at The Gill, close to the centre of Ulverston. Walkers soon leave the streets behind for Gill Banks, farmland and open countryside, with views back towards Morecambe Bay before the Lake District landscape begins to take over. Ulverston also has a railway station, making it a convenient starting point for visitors travelling by public transport. 

Lone hiker walking along a mountain path above a misty valley under a blue sky

Blawith Fells & Beacon Tarn

The first real taste of Lakeland comes around the Blawith Fells and Beacon Tarn. The route remains relatively low-level, but there are several climbs and sections that can become wet underfoot. From Beacon Tarn the landscape begins to feel noticeably wilder, with Coniston Water soon appearing ahead and the higher Lake District fells forming the backdrop to the walk. 

Village street in Coniston with cafés, traditional buildings and a rugged Lake District fell behind.

Coniston Water & Coniston Village

The final part of Day One follows woodland and lakeside paths beside Coniston Water before reaching Coniston village. After a full first day, Coniston provides accommodation, pubs, cafés, shops and opportunities to restock food and supplies ready for the next stage of the Cumbria Way itinerary. 

Day 2: Coniston to Great Langdale

Distance: Approx. 12 miles / 18km  |  Walking time: Around 5 hours  |  Ascent: Approx. 550m

Leaving Coniston, the Cumbria Way climbs gently through woodland and lower fells towards Tarn Hows, before continuing through the landscape around Colwith and Skelwith Bridge. Elterwater marks the approach into Great Langdale, where the unmistakable Langdale Pikes begin to dominate the view. Cafés, pubs and village facilities along this stage make it one of the easier days for food and refreshment stops. 

Frost-covered reeds beside still water reflecting trees and sunlit fells at dawn in Elterwater.

Tarn Hows, Little Langdale, Elterwater

Tarn Hows provides an early scenic highlight before the walking route continues through woodland, farmland and waterfalls towards Skelwith Bridge. From here, the route follows Elter Water towards Elterwater village and Chapel Stile, with the Great Langdale landscape gradually opening ahead. It is a varied day of valley walking, woodland and classic Lake District scenery without the sustained climbing of later stages. 
Sunlit mountains surrounding a calm lake beneath a clear pale-blue sky.

Great Langdale & the Langdale Pikes

By the end of the day, the Langdale Pikes tower above the valley and give this section a distinctly mountainous feel. Great Langdale has long been a favourite base for fell walking, with pubs, accommodation and places to eat around the valley. Rest well: the following Cumbria Way stage contains one of the route’s most significant climbs as you cross towards Borrowdale. 

Day 3: Great Langdale to Keswick

Distance: Approx. 15 miles / 24km  |  Walking time: Around 8 hours  |  Ascent: Approx. 650m

For many walkers, this is the standout section of the entire Cumbria Way walk. The day begins beneath the Langdale Pikes before following Mickleden towards Stake Pass. After the main climb, the route drops into remote Langstrath before arriving in Stonethwaite and Rosthwaite in the heart of Borrowdale. From there, riverside, woodland and Derwentwater paths lead north towards Keswick. 

Sunlit view across Borrowdale Valley, with green patchwork fields, winding river, woodland and rugged Lake District fells beneath a cloud-filled blue sky.

Into Borrowdale

Crossing Stake Pass brings a dramatic change of scenery as the path descends into Langstrath and the long Borrowdale Valley. This section feels more remote than much of the route, surrounded by some of the Lake District’s best-known fells. The descent eventually reaches Stonethwaite, followed by Rosthwaite, where walkers return to village facilities, food and accommodation after the higher ground. 

Hiker with a red backpack walking three dogs along a country lane towards a white cottage in a green valley.

Stonethwaite & Rosthwaite

Rosthwaite sits directly on the Cumbria Way and makes a natural overnight stop for walkers who would rather split this demanding stage over two days. A six-day Cumbria Way itinerary divides Great Langdale to Rosthwaite into approximately 7 miles / 11km, followed by around 8 miles / 13km from Rosthwaite to Keswick, allowing more time to enjoy Borrowdale rather than pushing through a single long day. 

Aerial view of Keswick beside Derwentwater, with autumn woodland and snow-covered Lake District fells under a cloudy sky.

Derwentwater to Keswick

From Borrowdale, the walking becomes gentler as the Cumbria Way follows woodland and lakeside paths beside Derwentwater towards Keswick. The scenery remains unmistakably Lakeland, with views across the water towards Catbells and the surrounding fells. Keswick provides extensive accommodation, places to eat, outdoor shops and supplies, making it an ideal point to restock before heading into the quieter northern fells. 

Day 4: Keswick to Caldbeck

Distance: Approx. 15 miles / 23km  |  Walking time: Around 8 hours  |  Ascent: Approx. 900m

Leaving Keswick, the Cumbria Way climbs towards Latrigg and the landscape beneath Skiddaw, before entering the Glenderaterra Valley between Skiddaw and Blencathra. Beyond Skiddaw House, walkers can choose between high-level and lower-level route options towards Caldbeck. This is one of the more remote Cumbria Way stages, with no refreshments between Keswick and Caldbeck, so carry everything needed for the day. 

Two hikers with backpacks and a dog walking along a mountain ridge above a rugged valley.

Northern Fells & Route Options

The northern fells feel very different from the busier central Lake District. Beyond Skiddaw House, the high-level route crosses High Pike, at approximately 658m and the highest point of the Cumbria Way. A lower-level alternative is available and may be the more sensible choice in poor visibility, strong winds or difficult weather. Check your Cumbria Way map and forecast before committing to either route. 
Sunlit woodland stream flowing over stones between mature mossy trees and wild greenery

Caldbeck

The descent eventually reaches Caldbeck, a traditional Cumbrian village and the final overnight stop on the standard five-day itinerary. After the exposed terrain of the northern fells, it provides a welcome return to lower ground and village facilities before the gentler final stage towards Carlisle. 

Day 5: Caldbeck to Carlisle

Distance: Approx. 15.5 miles / 25km  |  Walking time: Around 7 hours  |  Ascent: Approx. 190m 

The final day leaves the Lake District fells behind and follows the River Caldew north towards Carlisle. Compared with the previous stages, the terrain is gentler and faster, passing through countryside, woodland and villages before gradually entering the city. Dalston provides shops and cafés along the way, making this a more straightforward final day after the mountains. 

A winding stream flowing through a lush green valley beneath a cloudy sky.

Caldew Valley & Dalston

Much of the final walking distance follows the River Caldew through farmland and the quieter countryside north of Caldbeck. The route passes through or close to villages including Dalston, where walkers can find shops and refreshments. From here, increasingly well-surfaced paths and cycleways follow the river corridor towards Carlisle. 
Red sandstone church tower with crenellations and Gothic windows beneath a cloudy blue sky

Finishing in Carlisle

Carlisle marks the northern end of the Ulverston to Carlisle journey and the completion of the Cumbria Way. Its railway station provides useful onward public transport for walkers heading home, with bus and taxi connections also available at the station. Check travel arrangements and any route diversions before beginning the final stage. 
Cosy lounge with a fireplace, patterned orange wallpaper, leather chairs and warm lamps

Stay at The Royal Oak on the Cumbria Way

Set directly on the Cumbria Way in Rosthwaite, The Royal Oak is perfectly placed for an overnight stop in the heart of Borrowdale. Splitting Great Langdale to Keswick here creates a more relaxed six-day itinerary, leaving time to enjoy one of the route’s most beautiful sections. 
Our walker-friendly rooms offer somewhere comfortable to recharge, while our drying room takes care of wet boots and kit. Refuel with fresh Cumbrian food and order a packed lunch for £12 per person before continuing towards Derwentwater and Keswick the following morning. 

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