Cumbria Way – 6 nights / 5 days walking

About this trail

The Cumbria Way is a great way to experience the beauty of the Lake District without tackling lots of strenuous terrain. The route affords wonderful views of classic Lakeland scenery and also takes in numerous attractive towns and villages.

It uses low level routes through the more mountainous parts of the central Lakes, with just a couple of climbs and descents where it crosses passes. Either side of the central section, the walk traverses pasture and farmland.

Terrain and navigation

The route is reasonably well marked and well-trodden. On sections that run through pastureland, it can be sometimes be tricky to identify exactly where the path crosses a field, so the ability to map read and navigate is important. The path will vary in type from crossing grassy fields, to following stony paths and occasionally small, metalled lanes.  On the few sections of higher ground changes in weather can limit visibility, so again, map reading skills may be required.  The highest point on the walk is High Pike, the most northerly of the larger Lakeland fells.  Here you can choose an alternative route if you prefer although this will add 2.5 miles to your journey.

Route elevation

Highest point: 656 metres
Total ascent / descent: 2718 metres / 2735 metres

Included as standard in the price

The price quoted is per person and is based on two people sharing a room. It includes:

• Carefully selected, en-suite bed and breakfast accommodation*
• Daily luggage transfers to your accommodation**
• All the necessary maps and guidebooks for your walk
• Route notes and maps detailing how to find your B&B at the end of each day
• The cost of any transfers that are required from the route to your accommodation if we are unable to book you into a B&B within easy walking distance of the trail
• Information about any special facilities offered by your hosts (eg hot tub or licensed bar)
• Suggestions and contact details for places for an evening meal each day
• Telephone support if required
• Advice from our team on travel to and from the start and end of the trail.

*En-suite is always chosen unless all options are booked out, in which case private bathrooms are sought. Customers are always consulted about non-en-suite options before details are finalised.

**Standard package includes one piece of baggage per walker, up to a maximum weight of 20kg. Additional bags can be transferred but incur an additional cost. Please enquire if you need this service.

Packed lunches and evening meals

The cost of these is not included in our standard package. All the accommodation providers we use offer packed lunches to keep you well fed during your walk. Payment is made directly to your hosts. Similarly, if you have an evening meal either at your accommodation or another local establishment, you pay them directly for it.

Optional extras that can be provided by Discovery Travel

Discovery Travel specialises in providing completely tailor-made services to our clients. This means that if our standard published itineraries do not suit our customers’ needs, we are always happy to discuss ways in which we can adjust accommodation, shorten or lengthen itineraries and distances to make for the perfect trip.

We also offer the following services to make for a seamless holiday:

• Transport to and from the start and finish of a trail
• Airport transfers
• Minibus and driver service, in particular for large groups where multiple accommodations are required each night and transfers are frequently required at the end of the day’s walk

If you are interested in any of the above or have any particular requirements, please do contact us to discuss your needs.

Make more of your break

If you would like to pause during your walk and explore one of the overnight locations for longer, you are free to select and add extra days to your holiday at any of your overnight stops. Prices for extra days are quoted above and will be added to the total cost of the holiday. If the itineraries on our website do not quite meet your requirements please do get in touch to arrange a bespoke trip.

Below are some suggestions for good places to spend an extra day or so.

Coniston

Take a boat trip on Coniston Water onboard the oldest steam yacht in the North of England. 

Langdale

The breathtakingly beautiful area of Langdale is well worth an extra day, particularly if you like the idea of some additional walking on higher, more challenging terrain. Circular day walks up to the Langdale Pikes and Stickle Tarn are particularly popular.

Keswick

Situated at the northern end of Derwent Water, Keswick is a hub for outdoor activity enthusiasts, offering opportunities for water-based activities as well as climbing and cycling. It’s also a popular tourist destination and has plenty of good pubs, restaurants and independent shops to enjoy.   

When to go

The weather in the UK can vary hugely so be prepared for all weathers whatever time of the year. April, May and June are when everything comes to life so it is very green, wild flowers are abundant and blossom abounds. July and August tend to be the warmest months, but it is rarely so warm as to be uncomfortable for walking. September is one of the most pleasant times in the countryside and is quieter as most people with children have finished their holidays. By October the days are getting shorter and the weather can be much more changeable.

Getting to and from the trail

By Air: Carlisle does have a small airport with some domestic and European flights.  Larger airports, including for inter-continental flights, are located at Glasgow and Manchester.

By Rail: There are mainline train stations at Carlisle and Ulverston, with services from all parts of the UK. For train times and fares visit National Rail Enquiries.

Got a question about travel? If you need any advice about travel to and from your walk please get in touch with Discovery Travel and we will be happy to help.