Map & Elevation
About this Route
The Cumbria Way is a northbound linear trail from The Gill in Ulverston to Market Cross in Carlisle. This GPX is the current standard high-route edition: it records 118.6 km and 2,307 m of ascent, passing Coniston, Great Langdale, Keswick and Caldbeck before following the River Caldew into Carlisle.
The route is usually divided into five days. Most terrain is low level, but Stake Pass and the high option from Skiddaw House over High Pike are exposed and require sound navigation. The 27 hr 34 min figure is a GPX-based Naismith estimate without overnight stops; a typical five-day itinerary allows about 35 walking hours. Check current closures before setting out because the final Caldew corridor has active temporary diversions.
The character changes markedly between stages. The Ulverston and Coniston sections use fields, lanes and woodland, while Stake Pass is a rough mountain crossing and the country beyond Skiddaw House is remote. Some riverside stretches can flood and livestock diversions do occur, so the GPX should be used with current waymarks rather than followed blindly. Carry a power bank, but keep paper mapping for every stage because long sections have weak mobile coverage.
"The Cumbria Way is a primarily low-level route, however there are a few high-level exposed sections."
The Cumbria Way
Route Waypoints
Begin at The Gill and follow the GPX north through farmland and low paths towards the Lake District. The first stage reaches Coniston via Beacon Tarn and the shore of Coniston Water.
Pass Beacon Tarn on the first stage between Ulverston and Coniston. The surrounding moor can be wet and exposed, so keep the waymarks in sight when cloud lowers.
First traditional overnight stop, with shops and accommodation. Leave on low wooded and fellside paths via Tarn Hows, Colwith and Skelwith Bridge towards Great Langdale.
The second-stage finish. From Mickleden the route climbs Stake Pass, then descends into Langstrath and continues through Borrowdale towards Derwent Water.
Climb the rough zigzags from Mickleden and cross the high pass into Langstrath. This is one of the route's main mountain sections and needs careful navigation in poor weather.
A major resupply and accommodation stop. Continue via Latrigg and Glenderaterra to remote Skiddaw House, where this GPX takes the high option over High Pike towards Caldbeck.
The final traditional overnight stop. The route leaves the Lake District and follows the Caldew corridor through Dalston and into Carlisle; check signed diversions before this stage.
Finish at Market Cross in Carlisle city centre. The last kilometres include temporary alternatives around the Caldew corridor, so follow current council signs where they differ from the GPX.
Essential Tips
This route crosses OS Explorer OL6, OL7, OL4 and OL5. Stake Pass and the High Pike section demand confident map-and-compass navigation; do not rely on phone signal or the GPX alone.
Beyond Skiddaw House this GPX follows the exposed high option over High Pike, the route high point at about 658 m. Use the low alternative in unsuitable weather only after planning it on a current map.
The usual five-day stops are Coniston, Great Langdale, Keswick and Caldbeck. Book ahead, especially in Great Langdale and Caldbeck, and carry what you need between Keswick and Caldbeck because there are no refreshments on that stage.
At publication, Cumberland Council lists closures behind Caldew School until 20 January 2027 and beside the River Caldew at Denton Holme until 2 September 2026. The GPX includes temporary alternatives, but current signs and council notices take priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is this Cumbria Way GPX route?
This GPX records 118.6 km and 2,307 m of ascent. Its Naismith planning estimate is 27 hr 34 min without overnight stops; the usual five-day itinerary allows about 35 walking hours.
What are the five Cumbria Way stages?
The GPX reaches Coniston at 25.0 km, Great Langdale at 42.1 km, Keswick at 69.5 km, Caldbeck at 93.9 km and Market Cross in Carlisle at 118.6 km.
Are there current diversions on the Cumbria Way?
Yes. At publication, Cumberland Council closures affect Caldew School until 20 January 2027 and Denton Holme until 2 September 2026. This GPX includes temporary alternatives, but current signs take priority.