The Cumbria Way
Walk the length of Cumbria from Carlisle to Ulverston on a
route that encompasses the county’s astonishing variety of
scenery. Following green valleys through the heart of the Lake
District National Park, this is a walk for anyone who enjoys
this beautiful corner of England.
Detailed information
| Detailed itinerary |
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72 miles with 9 to 14 miles and up to 2,000ft of ascent in
a day. |
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival day
Day 2: Carlisle to Sebergham
Distance: 18½km (11½ miles), with negligible ascent
Our walk starts in the great border city of Carlisle. However, we soon leave streets
and buildings behind as we begin our walk towards the scenic grandeur of the Lake
District, beginning by walking through the pastoral beauty of the Caldew Valley
to Sebergham.
Day 3: Sebergham to Mosedale
Distance: 14½km (9 miles), 600m (2,000ft) of ascent
From Sebergham we walk along the banks of the River Caldew and through wooded
hillsides to the village of Caldbeck, made famous by John Peel whose grave may
be seen in the village churchyard. From here we ascend to the summit of High Pike
(2,157ft), the most northerly of the Lakeland peaks, with fine views back to
Scotland and across to the Pennines. We descend below Great Lingy Hill, walking
past old mine workings along Grainsgill Beck as we head south-east along the valley
to Mosedale.
Day 4: Mosedale to Derwent Bank
Distance: 17km (10½ miles), 310m (1,025ft) of ascent
We begin by retracing our steps along the River Caldew valley with Bowscale Fell
on our left and Carrock Fell to the right. We continue between Knott and Mungrisdale
Common, passing Great Calva to Skiddaw House. Our path turns southward here, away
from the River Caldew which has its source on the eastern slopes of Skiddaw. We
are now in high open country between the masses of Skiddaw and Blencathra. The
path contours Lonscale Fell at 1,250ft along the side of Glenderaterra Valley,
passing below Lonscale Crags. It turns westwards, passing to the north of Latrigg
before descending to Keswick. We then continue the short distance to Derwent Bank.
Day 5: Derwent Bank to Great Langdale
Distance: 23km (14½ miles), 470m (1,550ft) of ascent
We begin the day with an interesting ramble along the creeks,
inlets and bays of Derwentwater below the popular hill, Cat
Bells. From here there are superlative views across Derwentwater
to Skiddaw. The countryside then changes to the lush valley
scenery of Borrowdale, full of ancient woodland and spectacular
rocky crags so typical of the volcanic rock of the central
Lakeland fells. We cross Stonethwaite Beck at Rosthwaite and
follow the beck to enter Stonethwaite Valley. In a mile or
so we branch off into the long valley of Langstrath following
the Langstrath Beck as we ascend beneath the towering heights
of Heron Crag and Sergeant's Crag. Across the beck, to the
right, rises the massive whaleback of Glaramara. We branch
away from Langstrath when we cross Stake Beck and the gradient
increases sharply as we join Stake Pass. The path levels out
on open moorland and then descends steeply into the valley
of Mickleden. We follow Mickleden Beck down below the Langdale
Pikes to finish in Great Langdale at New Dungeon Ghyll.
Day 6: Great Langdale to Sunny Bank
Distance: 22½km (14 miles), 340m (1,125ft) of ascent
We start the day at New Dungeon Ghyll and follow Great Langdale Beck past Elterwater
and Skelwith Force waterfall to Skelwith Bridge. The route turns westwards here
to Colwith Force waterfall, then meanders along high woodland paths to the well-known
beauty spot of Tarn Hows. We continue through woodland to Coniston and then along
the western side of Conistonwater to finish at Sunny Bank.
Day 7: Sunny Bank to Ulverston
Distance: 18½Km (11½ miles), 380m (1,250ft) of ascent
Crossing Torver Beck at Sunny Bank we follow tracks over rough country to reach
Beacon Tarn. As we head towards the hamlet of Gawthwaite we say goodbye to the
Lake District National Park. After leaving the Park we descend to the village
of Broughton Beck and then ascend again to Osmotherley parish church which has
good views of the Coniston fells. Walking along field paths we climb Bortree Stile
for a fine view over Morecambe Bay, then descend to walk along the wooded banks
of Gillbanks Beck towards the market town of Ulverston. We end our walk in a square
near the centre of this small town.
Day 8: Depart after breakfast
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| Dates and prices |
|
| The Cumbria Way |
Sat 24 May 2008 |
7
|
£609 |
| The Cumbria Way |
Sat 20 September 2008 |
7
|
£609 |
Premium single & twin room supplement: £5 per person, per night
Save £45 if you book a non en-suite twin room at Conistonwater
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| Average temperatures |
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| May |
6°C |
15°C |
| Sept |
10°C |
18°C |
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Where you'll stay
You'll stay in our friendly Country House accommodation in
the Lake District, Derwent Bank for
the first 4 nights and Monk
Coniston for the last 3 nights
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