The Cumbria Way is one of the most rewarding long-distance walking routes in the Lake District, running 73 miles (117 km) from Ulverston to Carlisle. Perfect for self-guided walking holidays and outdoor adventures, it combines peaceful lakeshore paths, lush green valleys, and remote fell passes with welcoming market towns and charming places to stay.
This National Trail alternative takes you through the quiet heart of the Lake District — from the wooded shores of Coniston Water to the dramatic peaks of Langdale, the tranquil beauty of Borrowdale, and the lively walking hub of Keswick. Beyond the high point at High Pike, the route crosses the wild Caldbeck Fells before reaching historic Carlisle near the Scottish border.
With mostly well-marked paths, varied accommodation, and options for luggage transfer, the Cumbria Way is ideal for walkers seeking a multi-day Lake District walking holiday that blends iconic scenery with a calmer, less crowded atmosphere.
Distance: 73 miles / 117 km
Start Point: Ulverston, Cumbria
End Point: Carlisle, Cumbria
Time Required: 5–6 days
Highest Point: High Pike (658 m / 2,159 ft)
Waymarking: Green discs marked “Cumbria Way”
Terrain: Lakeshores, valley tracks, woodlands, fell passes, rolling farmland
Difficulty: Moderate — mostly well-marked, but upland sections need navigation skills and hillwalking fitness
Begin in Ulverston, a lively market town near Morecambe Bay, and follow green fields toward the wooded shores of Coniston Water. The route traces peaceful lakeside paths with views of the Coniston Fells and hidden tarns.
From Coniston, the trail heads into the spectacular Langdale Valley, where towering peaks rise around you, but the path keeps to the valley floor. A steady climb over Stake Pass leads into Borrowdale, one of the Lake District’s most atmospheric valleys.
Skirting Derwent Water, the route reaches Keswick, a bustling hub with literary history and mountain views. From here, climb towards Skiddaw’s flanks to reach High Pike, the trail’s highest point, before descending through the Caldbeck Fells and rolling farmland into Carlisle, a historic city near the Scottish border.
Accommodation is well-placed for walkers, though limited in the high fells — so booking ahead is essential. Options include walkers’ pubs, inns, and cottages in Coniston, Great Langdale, Keswick, Caldbeck, and Carlisle.
Add variety to your trip with side walks to Tarn Hows, Latrigg, or quiet fell summits. Rest days in Keswick or Borrowdale offer easy lakeside trails, boat trips, and local food experiences.
