The Furness Way
This trail across the southern Lake District, from the shores of
Morecambe Bay to the Irish Sea, is a journey of immense
scenic beauty. Walking mainly in the old Furness region of
Lancashire, you’ll enjoy sweeping estuaries, rolling fells and
beautiful Lakeland valleys.
Detailed information
| Detailed itinerary |
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76 miles with 11 to 14 miles and usually up to 1,900ft of
ascent in a day; (one day of 3,000ft). |
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival day
Day 2: Arnside to Brigsteer
Distance: 18½Km (11½ miles)
We start from the pier on the front at Arnside soon leaving
the village to cross Arnside Moss and reach the first of several
pele towers to be seen at Hazelslack. Passing through woodland
and the Deer Park at Dallam Tower we cross the River Bela
to skirt Milnthorpe and reach the village of Heversham. Soon
after leaving the village we pass Levens Hall, following the
River Kent through parkland and walking by lanes to Sizergh
Castle, a fine house in the care of the National Trust. A
modest ascent takes us along a ridge with fine views over
the Lyth Valley and then past the isolated Helsington Church
before descending to Brigsteer to meet our coach.
Day 3: Brigsteer to Lindale
Distance: 21km (13¼ miles)
Leaving Brigsteer we enter the Lake District National Park
and follow lanes to Crosthwaite. Soon we begin the ascent
of Whitbarrow Fell, the highlight of the day with superb views
over southern Lakeland. The descent from its highest point,
Lords Seat, is through pleasant woodland to the hamlet of
Witherslack. The Way now follows and crosses the River Winster
before rising to provide further good views from the southern
flank of Newton Fell. A short descent brings us to our destination
at Lindale.
Day 4: Lindale to Penny Bridge
Distance: 19km (12 miles)
The day starts in fine style with an ascent up Hampsfield
Fell to the highest point reached so far on the walk and fine
views over Morecambe Bay and the surrounding limestone outcrops
from the hospice at its summit. Descending over the open fell
we reach the interesting village of Cartmel with its priory
and 14th century gatehouse. Leaving the village the Way takes
to the lanes to ascend Ellerside, a broad undulating ridge
commanding fine views over Greenodd Sands and the Leven Estuary.
The descent is by way of Bigland Tarn and woodland to reach
the River Leven which is followed through the nature reserve
at Roudsea Wood to the once thriving port of Greenodd. It
is a short step from here to the adjoining hamlet of Penny
Bridge where we rendezvous with our coach.
Day 5: Penny Bridge to Monk Coniston
Distance: 22½km (14 miles)
The Way at first stays close to the River Crake which is crossed
at the hamlet of Spark Bridge and again at Lowick Bridge before
leaving the valley to climb Bethecar Moor. From here on is
a high level walk from which there are fine views across the
lake to the Coniston Fells beyond and at Top o'Selside the
1,000ft level is exceeded for the first time. Descending
through the forest the path emerges on the road at the head
of Coniston Water and it is a short walk from here to our
Country House accommodation.
Day 6: Monk Coniston to the Woolpack
Inn
Distance: 21Km (13¼ miles)
Starting from our Country House accommodation we rejoin the road at the head of
the lake and walk into Coniston village, leaving by a steep
incline to join the Walna Scar Road, once a busy route across
the fells used by quarry workers. This is the wildest stretch
of the walk, crossing the open moorland and dominated by the
nearby Coniston Fells. The path steadily ascends to reach
the Walna Scar Pass, at 1,990ft the highest point along
the Way. Descending into Dunnerdale at Seathwaite the River
Duddon is crossed by stepping stones and the path climbs again
by Wallowbarrow Crag, skirting Dunnerdale Forest to reach
the second high point of the day at Harter Fell Pass. The
hard work is done but it is another three miles before we
cross the River Esk and meet our coach at the end of the day.
Day 7: The Woolpack Inn to Ravenglass
Distance: 19km (12 miles)
We are soon at the village of Boot where the path turns to
reach St Catherine's Church in its lonely setting by the
River Esk, crossed here by more stepping stones. The course
of the river is now followed to Eskdale Green on the line
of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. We now embark upon
the last ascent of the walk on to the ridge of Muncaster Fell
with fine views all round, not least to the Irish Sea ahead.
Shunning the main road leading to our final destination the
path detours by way of Muncaster Castle and the final stretch
of our walk is by a pleasant woodland path to the seashore
at Ravenglass.
Day 8: Depart after breakfast
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| Dates and prices |
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| The Furness Way |
Fri 11 July 2008 |
7 |
£599 |
Premium single & twin room supplement: £5 per person, per night.
Save £105 if you book a twin non-en-suite room.
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| Average temperatures |
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Where you'll stay
You'll be based for the entire week in our fine Country House accommodation, Monk
Coniston, a romantic Gothic-style house on the banks of Coniston Water in
the Southern Lake District. Each day you and your party will be taken to the days
starting point. No need to repack your bags each day
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