Originally pioneered by local branch's of the Ramblers Association during the 1970's the route was devised to give the walker a flavour of Cumbria as a whole rather than just the Lake District. Splitting naturally into 5 stages of approx 14 miles, each stage offers the walker something different each day.

Although classed as a 'long distance footpath' the route is at the lower end of the distance walking spectrum but stuffed into those 70 odd miles are some of the most varied terrain and stunning scenery to be found anywhere in the British isles.

Most of the walking is on established paths along valley bottoms with only 3 steep ascents and should be achievable by most fit walkers over the course of 5 days or even a week or so with a couple of days off for sightseeing or relaxing along the way. If circumstances don't allow you a full week off then you could easily split the route into sections and treat them as day walks.
Mickleden looking towards Bowfell and Rosset Pike © Sean McMahon
Mickleden looking towards Bowfell and Rossett Pike
The church at Chapel Stile as seen from the Cumbria Way
The church at Chapel Stile as seen from the Cumbria Way

Beginning in the market town of Ulverston overlooking Morecambe Bay the route threads its way over gentle, rolling farmland and moorland before arriving at the shores of Coniston and the Lake District proper. You then visit the famous beauty spot of Tarn Howes before heading towards the majestic Langdale Pikes via Elterwater and Chapel Stile.

The wild and rugged valleys of Mickleden and Langstrath separated by the steep ascent of
Stake Pass are next offering magnificent walking in magnificent, remote surroundings. A visit to the small village of Rosthwaite before a glorious, wooded trail through leads you through Borrowdale to Grange eventually bringing you out on the shores of Derwentwater.

After the hustle and bustle of Keswick you walk the flanks of Latrigg and Lonscale Fell coming out at Skiddaw House from where a remote walk over the moorland back o' Skiddaw eventually leads you to the village of Caldbeck. The route into Carlisle now follows the wanderings of the River Caldew as it leads you to your journeys end at the historic border city.