Map & Elevation
About this Route
The Cumbria Way is a 118.9 km linear walk threading through the heart of the Lake District from the market town of Ulverston in the south to the cathedral city of Carlisle in the north. It's a route of two halves: the southern section climbs through the central fells via Coniston and Langdale, offering proper hill terrain and stretches of genuine remoteness, while the northern half rolls through pastoral valleys, wooded lakesides and the gentler country around Skiddaw before finishing on urban pavements. With 1910 metres of ascent spread across five traditional stages, it's less about sustained altitude than about linking distinct landscapes—woodland, tarn, fellside, valley floor—into a single coherent journey. The route keeps below the highest summits but still demands map-reading competence, particularly where bridleways diverge or field paths fade into bracken. Most walkers take five days, overnighting in Coniston, Dungeon Ghyll, Keswick and Caldbeck, though the mileage can be compressed or stretched to taste. It's not a wilderness trail, but neither is it waymarked throughout; expect quiet country, occasional exposure on higher sections, and the satisfaction of crossing Cumbria under your own steam without resorting to the tourist honeypots.
As well as the full GPX download above, you can download each separate stage GPX route via the link at the bottom of this article
The Cumbria Way is a quieter cousin to the Coast to Coast—less mythology, fewer crowds, and all the better for it.
Alfred Wainwright
Route Waypoints
Depart from The Gill near the town centre. Initial miles follow minor roads and field paths northwest, gaining height gently through rolling farmland before turning toward Beacon Fell. Navigation is straightforward but pay attention to stile markers.
Traditional first-day finish. The route passes Beacon Tarn and descends via woodland into the village at the head of Coniston Water. Shops, accommodation, and views of the Old Man massif. Prepare for the climb ahead into Little Langdale.
After crossing Tilberthwaite Fell and the high ground around Blea Tarn, the path drops into Langdale via the Blea Tarn road. Exposed moorland gives way to enclosed valley. Stock up here; the next stretch crosses Stake Pass toward Borrowdale.
Descend from the fells via Stonethwaite and Borrowdale, then follow lakeside and riverside paths past Derwentwater into Keswick. The terrain eases considerably. Final hub for supplies before the long pastoral run north through Skiddaw's foothills.
A long stage across open moorland and quiet farming country. The path skirts the northern fells via High Pike and Carrock Fell if you take the high variant; the standard route stays low through field systems and forest tracks. Last proper village before Carlisle.
Final miles follow field edges, industrial paths and urban bridleways into the city. Temporary route diversions around Caldew School and Sheepmount were in place as of July 2026—check Cumberland Council notices. Market Cross in the city centre marks the northern terminus.
Essential Tips
The central Lakes stages—particularly around Tilberthwaite, Blea Tarn and Stake Pass—demand confident map work. Visibility can drop fast, bridleway junctions are not always obvious, and sheep tracks mislead. Carry OS Explorer OL6 and OL4 in addition to OL7, and don't rely on phone signal above the valley floors.
Though the Cumbria Way avoids the highest summits, stretches around Stake Pass and the Skiddaw foothills are exposed to wind and rain. Conditions change quickly, especially in spring and autumn. Waterproofs, spare layers and a backup plan for low cloud are non-negotiable if you're walking the high ground.
The northern half between Keswick and Carlisle is thinly populated. Caldbeck is the last reliable accommodation stop before a 20 km final push. Book ahead in high season, and consider carrying bivouac kit if you're walking fast or self-sufficient—options thin out fast once you're past Bassenthwaite.
The GPX reflects temporary pedestrian route changes around Caldew School, Denton Holme and Sheepmount, valid as of July 2026. These may be updated or removed. Check Cumberland Council signage and updates before your start date to avoid walking into fenced construction zones on the final approach.