The Cumbria Way is a linear long-distance footpath in Cumbria, England.

History

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.

Route

The route can be walked in either direction but is described here as south to north beginning at the trailhead of Ulverston and ending in Carlisle.

Stage 1: Ulverston to Coniston

thumb|Coniston Water seen from the North

The route leaves the urban area of Ulverston, birthplace of Stan Laurel, and heads north towards the village of Gawthwaite and the boundary of the Lake District National Park. The trail, which consists primarily of field paths at this stage, leads to the settlement of Sunny Bank and the shore of Coniston Water, the western shoreline of which is followed before reaching the settlement of Coniston.

The red squirrel can be found in woodland encountered on the route.

Connecting trails

The route connects with the Allerdale Ramble, Cumbria Coastal Way, Coast to Coast Walk, Hadrian's wall path, Cistercian Way, Eden Way and Windermere Way.

Further reading

The following Ordnance Survey maps cover the route:

  • Explorer 1:25k sheets OL4, OL5, OL6, OL7 and 315
  • Landranger 1:50k sheets 85, 90 and 97

Other maps available:

  • Cumbria Way XT40 (Waterproof Route Map), Harvey Map Services .

The following guidebooks detail the route:

  • The Cumbria Way and the Allerdale Ramble, Jim Watson, Cicerone Press,
  • The Cumbria Way, Anthony Burton, . Aurum Press.
  • The Cumbria Way, John Trevelyan, . Dalesman

References

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  • Ramblers
  • Long Distance Walkers Association
  • The Cumbria Way Walk