The Cumbria Way - 8 Days

The Cumbria Way - 8 Days

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8 Days From

$1320

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey along The Cumbria Way, traversing the stunning English Lake District from Ulverston to Keswick. This self-guided walking tour offers breathtaking views across Lake Coniston and Derwentwater, and takes you through the picturesque valleys of Langdale and Borrowdale. Enjoy the charm of historic market towns, serene lakes, and iconic peaks like The Old Man of Coniston. Stay in comfortable hotels, guesthouses, and inns, with your luggage conveniently transferred between stops. Each day brings new adventures, from gentle farmland strolls to challenging ascents, all while soaking in the natural beauty and rich history of this iconic region. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • The English Lake District

  • Walking from Ulverston to Keswick

  • Views Across Lake Coniston and Derwentwater

  • Langdale and Borrowdale, two of the prettiest Lakeland valleys

  • Historic market town of Ulverston

  • Summit The Old Man of Coniston

  • Walk along the shores of Derwentwater to Keswick

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive Ulverston

Location: Ulverston

Accommodation Name: Church Walk House

Travel to start point in Ulverston. This is an historic market town close to the shores of Morecambe Bay. There are attractive cobbled streets with cafes and pubs, whilst murals depict the town's history and that of its famous son John Barrow. Another son was Stan Laurel and you can visit the Laurel and Hardy Museum.
Accommodation: Church Walk House is a Grade II listed building and is in the heart of this historic market town. ...more ...less

Day 2 : Ulverston to Lowick Bridge via Beacon Tarn (8 Miles / 13 kms / 4-5 hours)

Location: Ulverston

Accommodation Name: The Red Lion Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Ulverston the way follows gently undulating farmland with views towards Morecambe Bay and the Barrow Memorial. Later there are enticing views of the superb mountains to come. There are frequent stiles and 'kissing gates' along the footpaths. Eventually you divert from the route to find your night stop in the quiet village of Lowick Green or Spark Bridge.
Accommodation: The Red Lion Inn is a traditional British pub. All rooms are ensuite and have a simple modern feel to them.

Day 3 : Lowick Bridge to Coniston (10 miles / 16 kms / 5 hours)

Location: Coniston

Accommodation Name: Meadowdore Cafe & BB

Meals Included: Breakfast

The undulations get bigger as you pass hillside farms and ascend over a pass with views ahead to The Coniston Old Man, Wetherlam and other fells. Descend to Beacon Tarn with an option to ascend a small peak called Beacon Hill for better views. Descend to the shores of Coniston Water and a pleasant walk ensues along the western shores of the lake all the way up to Coniston Village. Once nestled in Coniston you have a full day to explore tomorrow.
Accommodation: Meadowdore Cafe & BB is situated in the centre of Coniston village. Coniston is a superb base for walks and two nights are spent here.

Day 4 : Coniston: free day to summit The Old Man of Coniston or to sightsee

Location: Coniston

Accommodation Name: Meadowdore Cafe & BB

Meals Included: Breakfast

On your free day in Coniston you can summit The Old Man of Coniston, take a trip at Lake Coniston on the steamer, visit Grisedale forest or simply relax in this pleasant place. This is a classic Lakeland landscape and the setting for the book 'Swallows and Amazons' and an inspiration for Beatrix Potter and John Rushkin.

Day 5 : Coniston to Langdale (12.5 miles / 20 kms / 6 hours)

Location: Langdale

Accommodation Name: New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Coniston, you head up into the hills and woods passing the exquisite little lake at Tarn Hows and then flirt with the farms around the beautiful Little Langdale Valley, with a visit to a couple of waterfalls. Eventually you will enter the beautiful Langdale Valley via the stunning walk along Elterwater and then walking through the tiny villages of Elterwater and Chapel stile. There is a final quiet sheep track walk along the side of the valley before dropping down to one of the two iconic hotels cosseted by the famous 'Plkes' high above. This is Lake-land scenery at its best.
Accommodation: Family owned hotel nestles beneath the Langdale Pikes and Pavey Ark in 6 acres of mature gardens and pasture.
IMPORTANT NOTE for night 5: New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. Langdale does not normally accept one night bookings on a Friday or Saturday night so please bear this in mind when choosing your start date. As an alternative, it is sometimes possible to book into Ambleside over a weekend for one night but this does involve a short bus journey (not included in price).

Day 6 : Langdale to Borrowdale (8 miles / 12.8 kms / 4 hours)

Location: Borrowdale

Accommodation Name: B&B in Stonethwaite or Rosthwaite

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hike to the head of Langdale, along the Mickleden Valley - then over the Stake Pass (1600ft / 480m) between Bow Fell and the Pike of Stickle. In good visibility, you could decide to extend the walk by visiting one or more of the Langdale Pikes from the pass, however this will add at least 2 hours onto the walk. Then it’s down steeply into the remote Langstrath and then Greenup Valleys and onto Borrowdale, first passing Stonethwaite and then Rosthwaite.Accommodation: the Royal Oak Hotel in Rosthwaite has been welcoming guests for almost 200 years. There's a restaurant and a bar. If not available, you will stay in a number of possible places in either Stonethwaite or Rosthwaite. A couple of the B&Bs do not have ensuite facilities as they are listed buildings.

Day 7 : Borrowdale to Keswick (8.6 miles / 14 kms / 4 hours)

Location: Keswick

Accommodation Name: B&B or guesthouse in Keswick

Meals Included: Breakfast

A walk through the delightful woodlands of Borrowdale, a possible diversion can be made to the village of Grange for coffee before a walk along the shores of the island studded Derwentwater to Keswick, - a lively and attractive market town at the heart of the Lake District. On the way there is time for a sharp climb up to the ever popular Cat Bells (1479ft / 451m) or from Keswick you could visit to the Castlerigg Stone Circle. If you want to climb Skiddaw the mountain that towers over the town, you will need to stay an extra night here.
Accommodation: In the market town of Keswick that nestles beneath the giant Skiddaw by the shores of Derwentwater, you will stay at one of a number of comfortable B&Bs and guesthouses around the town. There is a large choice of places to eat.

Day 8 : Arrangements end after breakfast

Location: Keswick

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip concludes after breakfast.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights hotel/guesthouse/inn

  • 7 breakfasts

  • 7 nights accommodation guesthouses and hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available

  • One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 18kg

  • Digital information pack including route notes & maps

  • Emergency hotline

  • GPX Files

  • Lunch, Dinner and drinks

  • Entrance fees

  • Travel insurance

  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip

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What's Not Included

  • Lunch, Dinner and drinks

    Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included in the tour package.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees to attractions and sites are not covered.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip

    Transportation to the starting point in Ulverston and from the end point in Keswick is not included.

  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls

    Personal expenses, including laundry and phone calls, are not covered.

  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

    Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.

  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room

    A supplement fee will apply for solo travelers or those booking a single room.

  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

    This is a self-guided holiday, so no guide is provided.

  • Excess Luggage

    Any luggage exceeding the 18kg limit is not included in the transfer service.

Accommodation

7 nights hotel/guesthouse/inn. Described is the normal accommodation that we use on this tour. At the time of booking please be aware that other places might be used instead, if these choices are full or closed for whatever reason. Rooms generally do not have baths. The main reason being that they take up a lot of space, some hotels/guesthouses may have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests, but in the main it is showers. ...more ...less

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including raincoat, lunch supplies, waterbottle, warm top, camera etc.

Grading

Some long days and steep climbs and descents. Generally however undulating. Mixed weather can be expected. We would not recommend the route for first time walkers.

Mode of Transport

Travel to start point in Ulverston. This is an historic market town close to the shores of Morecambe Bay. There are attractive cobbled streets with cafes and pubs, whilst murals depict the town's history and that of its famous son John Barrow. Another son was Stan Laurel and you can visit the Laurel and Hardy Museum. ...more ...less

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 7 nights of accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, or inns. Rooms generally do not have baths, but some hotels or guesthouses may have a separate room with a bath available to guests. The main accommodation types are ensuite facilities where available.

  • What should I carry during the walks?

    As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including a raincoat, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and camera.

  • Is this tour suitable for first-time walkers?

    The tour involves some long days and steep climbs and descents, although it is generally undulating. Mixed weather can be expected, and it is not recommended for first-time walkers.

  • What happens if the usual accommodation is full or closed?

    If the usual accommodation is full or closed, other places might be used instead. The described accommodation is the normal type used on this tour, but alternatives may be arranged if necessary.

  • Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

    Yes, a supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room. Additionally, personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, unscheduled transfers required during the trip, and excess luggage are not included in the tour price.

  • Is there an emergency support system in place during the tour?

    Yes, there is an emergency hotline available as part of the tour inclusions.

  • What is the luggage transfer policy?

    One piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 18kg, will be transferred from inn to inn.

  • Is the tour guided or self-guided?

    This is a self-guided holiday, so there will not be a guide accompanying you.

  • What are the meal arrangements during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 breakfasts. Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included.

  • What happens on the free day in Coniston?

    On the free day in Coniston, you can summit The Old Man of Coniston, take a trip on Lake Coniston on the steamer, visit Grisedale forest, or simply relax in the pleasant surroundings.

  • Self-guided holidays - inclusions

    We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

  • Trip Grading & Preparation

    Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.

  • Route notes

    While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.

  • How our self-guided holidays work

    Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

G. Simons(Slough)  

The Cumbria Way - 8 Days

4 Oct 2021

The Cumbria Way had everything I wished for. Great scenery and friendly people. UTracks' organisation was faultless.

D. Winchell(New York, USA)  

The Cumbria Way - 8 Days

28 Aug 2017

We found the small book and simple map provided more usable on the trail, but the Sherpa supplied material was a good supplement. Enjoyed the constantly varying scenery.

Roger Shelton(Maldon, VIC, Australia)  

The Cumbria Way - 8 Days

31 Aug 2022

Great walk, good variety of accommodation and food choices

M. Hall(United States)  

The Cumbria Way - 8 Days

15 Jun 2024

It was wonderful to arrive from the US to England, and not have to worry about any of the travel details. The accommodations were comfortable (especially after a long day of hiking), the provided instructions and GPS maps were detailed enough to keep us from getting lost, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. I highly recommend the experience and the company. ...more ...less

Amy Miller(, Washington, United States)  

The Cumbria Way - 8 Days

24 Jun 2023

The walking was more difficult than anticipated. For instance, we didn't know on our first day there would be 21 stone stiles to get over, some more difficult than others. This considerably slowed us down. Due to the unseasonably warm weather, we decided to bus part of the way to cut down the length of the walks in final 3 days. Maybe we over estimated our fitness, the heat drained our energy. The accommodations were good, and our luggage was transported every day without problems. If I were to do another tour, I would likely choose one with easier, shorter days of walking. Navigation directions with the GAIA GPS app made way finding satisfactory, if not always easy. ...more ...less

A. Jernigan(Huntsville, United States)  

The Cumbria Way - 8 Days

14 Jun 2024

This was an absolutely amazing holiday! Everything was absolutely wonderful. Our accommodations were always lovely and the hosts were friendly and helpful. Having our bags transported for us each day was easy and reliable - most times the hosts even put them in our rooms for us! We always felt so well cared for. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone and I will definitely be taking another walking holiday! ...more ...less

J. Spencer(Issaquah, United Kingdom)  

The Cumbria Way - 8 Days

1 Aug 2023

This was an amazing adventure!!! The beauty of the walk, the kindness of the B&B hosts, the excellent breakfasts -- we loved The Cumbria Way!

Robert Oliver(VIC, AU)  

The Cumbria Way - 8 Days

14 Jul 2022

Cumbria Way was a wonderful walk. Great scenery with great variety in the surroundings - woodlands, open meadows, mountain streams, fresh air, rugged hills, lakes, etc. It had it all. The route notes were excellent and the accommodation was good.

Liz Piper(York)  

The Cumbria Way - 8 Days

12 Aug 2021

So nice to have a holiday!

C. Kerlin(USA)  

The Cumbria Way - 8 Days

1 Jun 2023

This is a wonderful walk. The scenery is spectacular. The accommodations were quite nice, with welcoming hosts and in good locations. This is not the easiest walk, though. Walkers should be aware that many of the paths are very rocky and require careful navigation, thus possibly taking longer than the itinerary indicates. ...more ...less

Read all 17 reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Monday

Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025
$1320 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

The Cumbria Way - 8 Days

8 Days Starting in Ulverston, England and ending in Keswick, England

Visiting: Ulverston, Coniston, Langdale, Borrowdale, Keswick

Tour operator:

Walkers' Britain

Tour code:

WCW

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1320 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 27-Mar-2025 but subject to change.