Cumbria Way

The Cumbria Way threads through the centre of the Lake District rather than over its highest ridges — a deliberate choice that makes it accessible to a wider range of abilities while still delivering exceptional scenery. It links the southern market town of Ulverston with Carlisle on the edge of the Solway Plain, passing through the most visited valleys of the national park along the way.

For trail runners it is a well-paced three-day route through familiar Lake District ground: Coniston Water, the Langdale valleys (Great and Little), Dunmail Raise (where the Helvellyn and Grasmere options branch off), Keswick and the northern fells via Caldbeck. The terrain is varied — lakeside paths, valley tracks and some moorland — and the waymarking is consistent.

The route avoids the very highest ground while still delivering the best of the Lakes. It is often used as a training route by those preparing for the Bob Graham Round.

Ulverston to Coniston (~25 km): Through Blawith and along the east shore of Coniston Water. Low-level and fast.

Coniston to Langdale (~25 km): Over the Tilberthwaite fells to the Langdale valley — one of the most dramatic in the Lakes.

Langdale to Keswick (~35 km): Over Stake Pass, down Langstrath to Borrowdale, then along the Derwent valley to Keswick.

Keswick to Carlisle (~33 km): Over Skiddaw or via the lower Caldbeck route — the northern fells are quieter and the views to the Solway Firth are superb.

Start: Ulverston, accessible by train on the Barrow–Lancaster line.

Finish: Carlisle, main West Coast Main Line hub with frequent connections to London, Glasgow and Manchester.

Accommodation at Coniston, Langdale (Chapel Stile), Keswick and Caldbeck. The route is well-served by hostels and B&Bs. Keswick is the main supply point with shops, cafés and equipment stores.