017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com Cumbria Way Page 1 Cumbria Way The Cumbria Way is a 72 mile (116 km) route in Cumbria. It cuts through the heart of the Lake District National Park linking the two historic Cumbrian towns of Ulverston, near the coast of Morecambe Bay in the south, to the historic city of Carlisle on the Scottish Border in the north. The Cumbria Way was originally devised in the 1970s by local Ramblers’ Association members. The waymarking of the entire route was completed by volunteers and national park staff in May 2007, and the route cuts through classic Lakeland country via Coniston, Langdale, Borrowdale, Derwent Water, Skiddaw Forest and Caldbeck. It is a primarily a low-level long distance path, but it does contain some high-level exposed sections. The Cumbria Way uses the valley systems wherever possible and therefore over most of its length it avoids the high fells.There are two sections in the higher fells, both on well-established paths. These are between Langdale and Borrowdale, over Stakes Pass, and between Keswick and Caldbeck, over the flanks of Skiddaw. Lakeshore paths, ancient green lanes, and paths at the bottom of steep sided valleys, all form part of this stunning route. To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com Cumbria Way Page 2 Why do this walk? Essential Info - The Cumbria Way takes you through the heart of Length: From 3 days / 4 nights the Lake District National Park, and links the two Full Route Length: 72 miles / 116 km historic Cumbrian towns of Ulverston and Carlisle. Shortest Break Length: 28 miles / 45 km Walk the route from South to North and enjoy striking views of the Lakeland's high fells, and Moderate to Challenging pass by classic Lakeland spots such as Coniston, Langdale, Borrowdale, Derwent Water, Skiddaw Grade The Cumbria Way uses well defined and Forest and Caldbeck. - Along the route you will encounter a number of maintained paths and tracks over nearly all of its tarns - a mountain lake or pool - that provide a route. Please bear in mind that the climb over Stake perfect habitat for a wide range of crayfish and Pass, and the Eastern route around the back of freshwater fish, and if you’re very lucky you could Skiddaw, pass through relatively high and remote also spot some red squirrel in the woodland areas mountain terrain, where the paths are rougher. along the route. Although some of the route is waymarked, these - Walk under the craggy Langdale Pikes, a group sections are not, so the ability to navigate is essential. of peaks. From below, they appear as a sharp You need some walking experience to do this route. rocky ridge, though they are precipitous only on Terrain Most of the walk follows valleys and their southern side; to the north, the land sweeps gently to High Raise, the parent peak of the range. lakeshores, but the climb over Stake Pass and the - Walk along the shores of Coniston Water - third Eastern route around Skiddaw pass through relatively largest lake in the Lake District - and cast a glance high and remote mountain terrain, where the paths are to the north-west of the lake where the Old Man of rougher. Coniston stands proud. What’s it like underfoot? On the whole the paths are - The Cumbria Way is a primarily low-level long well defined and maintained, but at times it can be distance footpath, but it does contain some high- rough underfoot with some muddy paths, so good level exposed and more challenging sections, footwear is essential. The Western route around making it a great introduction to both the Lakes Skiddaw to Caldbeck can be boggy. and long distance walking. How much up and down? Most days are rolling with gentle ascent and descents. The climb of Stake Pass is about 300m, on a well-maintained path. Between Keswick and Caldbeck the Western route has a climb of about 300m, again on good, but sometimes boggy paths. The Eastern route has a further 300m climb taking you up to 658m on High Pike, on less well- defined paths. Signposting Sporadic. You will need to use your guidebook and map. Navigation Pretty straightforward, on the lowland sections, but you may encounter hill fog or low cloud on Stake Pass and between Keswick and Caldbeck – so you need to be able to navigate. Weather You may be lucky enough to encounter warm, dry weather over the whole route and enjoy dry paths and tremendous views, but you must be prepared because the weather can change quickly. Good clothing and waterproofs are essential! To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com Cumbria Way Page 3 Our holidays We have two different options for the whole Cumbria Way route - choose from 5 or 6 days walking - select the walking holiday that suits your pace and how far you want to go each day. Some people choose to finish the walk at Caldbeck, as the final day to Carlisle is to some less interesting. We also have a 3 day 'Best of the Cumbria Way' walking holiday, which includes the more dramatic section between Coniston and Keswick. Route The Whole Cumbria Way We have two different walking holiday options for the whole of the Cumbria Way path. You can choose from 5 days or 6 days walking, depending on how far you want to go each day. Best of the Cumbria Way - Coniston to Keswick This holiday covers the most dramatic central section of the Cumbria Way. If time is short these walks give a good flavour of the central lakes, taking in the areas two most well-known valleys; Langdale and Borrowdale, as well as the Stakes Pass that lies in-between them. To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com Cumbria Way Page 4 What's Included Every walking holiday includes: Accommodation We’ll select your accommodation from a specially curated collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns along each of our routes. When selecting accommodation our focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a long day’s walking and enjoy unique architectural features, quirks and interiors, whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service. Breakfast To make sure that you put your best foot forward after a good night’s sleep you can get your day started with either a Full English breakfast or a Continental breakfast. Luggage transfer We’ll also transfer your luggage between each overnight stop. All you need to do is leave your bag at your accommodation when you set off in the morning, and it will be moved to your next overnight stop for when you arrive later that day. All you’ll need is a small day sack with any clothes and provisions that you’ll need during your day’s walk Personal itinerary An itinerary setting out the relevant information for each overnight stop, including large scale maps for each location and details of where we’d recommend you head for your evening meal. Maps OS map/s (1:25,000) covering your whole route. Guidebook Detailed route information, including maps and photos. Services information An information sheet detailing cash points, banks, post offices, village shops, inns, cafes and taxis available along the route. Emergency support We are always on hand to help if you experience any difficulties during your holiday, including outside of normal office hours. 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors As a little thank you from us you will get a 15% discount at all Cotswold Outdoor stores - online and high street - for twelve months following confirmation of your booking. Options: Off road parking If you are travelling to your start location by car just let us know and we will see what we can do to organise parking for the duration of your trip. There may be a small charge for this. Return transport We can also arrange transfer back to your car - it’s no problem, just ask - and we’ll even advise you when public transport is a better option! What’s not Included: Evening meal Your evening meal isn’t included in your walking holiday package, however your itinerary will include details of the best local eateries along your route - it could be a pub, a restaurant or even the accommodation that you’re staying in - so you’ll be able to relax and refuel after a good day’s walking. We always do our best to pick somewhere within walking distance of your accommodation, and you should allow approximately £20.00 per night for your evening meal. Packed lunch We don’t include a packed lunch as part of your walking holiday. Transport to and from your start and finish points Click on the “Travel Info” tab on your chosen walking holiday for our recommendations. Alternatively just get in touch with us directly and we’ll help you sort it all out. Travel Insurance For your own peace of mind we’d recommend you make sure that you’ve got ample travel insurance before you set off on your holiday. To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com Cumbria Way Page 5 Rest days Travel info Coniston General travel information on the Cumbria Way area will be in your holiday pack including train and bus A pleasant Lakeland Village on the shores of Lake timetables where available.