The Cumbria Way: Crossing the Lake District
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of England's Lake District with "The Cumbria Way: Crossing the Lake District" tour. This self-guided walking adventure takes you from the historic market town of Ulverston to the vibrant city of Carlisle, covering picturesque landscapes and charming villages along the way. Highlights include breathtaking views of Lake Coniston and Derwentwater, the serene Langdale and Borrowdale valleys, and the opportunity to summit The Old Man of Coniston. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in guesthouses and hotels, with daily luggage transfers and a comprehensive information pack to guide your way. This tour offers a perfect blend of active exploration and cultural sightseeing, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and avid walkers. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Ulverston
Location: Ulverston
Accommodation Name: Church Walk House
Meals Included: Breakfast
Make your own way to the 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 km / 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.
IMPORTANT NOTE for night 5: New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. Langdale does not normally accept 1 night bookings on a Friday or Saturday night so please bear this in mind when choosing your start date. It is sometimes possible to book you into Ambleside over a weekend for 1 night but this does involve a bus journey (not included in price).
Day 6 : Langdale to Borrowdale (8 miles / 12.8 kms / 4 hours)
Location: Langdale
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 Guest house 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 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.
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 Guest houses around the town. There is a large choice of places to eat.
Day 8 : Keswick to Caldbeck (15 miles / 24 km / 7-8 hours)
Location: Keswick
Accommodation Name: Oddfellows Arms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave the fleshpots of Keswick for some remote walking across the fells, to the north of Skiddaw. On the way a short diversion to the peak of Latrigg presents one of the best views of the Lakes - it is unlikely that after this you will see that many people today. There are two possible routes the normal one via High Pike has two sections where the route is not so easy to follow on the ground and good visibility and some map reading ability is required. This is a couple of miles shorter than the ‘bad weather route’ which should be undertaken if there is any doubt about weather, visibility, or your abilities of navigation. You will be able to make the decision about the route at just before the half way stage of the walk, by the most remote youth hostel in Britain – Skiddaw House. From High Pike (658m / 2158ft), the last bastion of the Cumbrian mountains and the highest point on the Cumbria Way you gradually descend into the pretty old mill village of Caldbeck.
Accommodation: Oddfellows Arms is an attractive old pub in the centre of Caldbeck.
Day 9 : Caldbeck to Dalston, train to Carlisle (10 miles / 16.1km / 5 hours)
Location: Carlisle
Accommodation Name: Abbey Court B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast
An easier and more scenic day as you follow the delightful Caldbeck and Caldew Rivers all the way to the village of Dalston. Due to major roadworks on outskirts of Carlisle, the usual walk into the city is closed at the present time. From Dalston you need to take an hourly train or occasional bus into the City of Carlisle. It is a very different kind of day, with some woodland and pastoral undulations passing some interesting old farms and a castle. Once in Carlisle, a small city, there are opportunities to visit both the castle and cathedral, the official end of the Cumbria Way is in the Market square.
Accommodation: For two nights we stay at Abbey Court B&B which is a family run guesthouse, centrally located in Carlisle.
Day 10 : Arrangements end after breakfast
Location: Carlisle
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Carlisle for your onward journey.
What's Included
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Accommodation
9 nights hotel/guesthouse/inn -
9 breakfasts
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9 nights accommodation guesthouses and hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available
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One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 18kg
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Digital information pack including route notes & maps
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Emergency hotline
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GPX Files
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Lunch, dinner and drinks
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Entrance fees
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Travel insurance
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
What's Not Included
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Lunch, dinner and drinks
Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included in the package.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions and sites are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Travel to the starting point in Ulverston and from the end point in Carlisle is not included.
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses, including laundry and phone calls, are not covered.
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Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
A supplement fee will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Guide - this is a self guided holiday
This is a self-guided holiday, and no guide is provided.
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Excess Luggage
Any excess luggage beyond the one piece per person limit is not included.
Accommodation
9 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
Make your own way to the start point in Ulverston. From Dalston, you need to take an hourly train or occasional bus into the City of Carlisle. Depart Carlisle for your onward journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in hotels, guesthouses, and inns for 9 nights. The rooms generally do not have baths, but some hotels/guesthouses may have a separate room with a bath available to guests. The accommodation is on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, one piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 18kg, will be transferred from inn to inn.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 9 breakfasts. Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided holiday. You will receive an information pack with route notes and maps, and GPX files are provided for navigation assistance.
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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.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
The walks involve some long days and steep climbs and descents, although generally undulating. Mixed weather can be expected, and the route is not recommended for first-time walkers.
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What happens if I need urgent assistance during the trip?
You will have access to an emergency hotline for any urgent needs during your trip.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, additional costs include lunch, dinner, drinks, entrance fees, travel insurance, travel to the start and from the end point of the trip, personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, unscheduled transfers, and a supplement fee if you are traveling solo or book a single room. Excess luggage beyond the one piece per person limit is also not included.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights include walking from Ulverston to Carlisle, views across Lake Coniston and Derwentwater, exploring Langdale and Borrowdale valleys, summiting The Old Man of Coniston, visiting the Castlerigg Stone Circle, and hiking to the head of Langdale along the Mickleden Valley.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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Book with Confidence
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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.
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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: Crossing the Lake District
10 Days Starting in Ulverston, England and ending in Carlisle, England
Visiting: Ulverston, Coniston, Langdale, Keswick, Carlisle
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WCD
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
