The Ultimate Cumbria Way Bucket List
The Cumbria Way is a spectacular long-distance walking route through the heart of the Lake District, packed with unforgettable landscapes, charming villages and incredible locations to discover along the way. If you’re looking for a walking adventure in England, the Cumbria Way deserves a place on your bucket list.
What is the Cumbria Way?
The Cumbria Way is a 112 km (71-mile) long-distance trail running from Ulverston to Carlisle, traditionally walked from south to north. Usually completed in five days, a six-day itinerary allows a more relaxed pace. Along the way, the trail takes in a wonderful mix of lakes, valleys, villages, forests and dramatic fell scenery, making the Cumbrian Way feel like several different adventures rolled into one.
These are the sights and experiences you won’t want to miss along the way.
High Pike
High Pike is the official summit of the Cumbria Way and one of the biggest bucket-list moments of the route. From the top, walkers can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panorama stretching towards Skiddaw, Blencathra, the North Pennines and, on a clear day, across the Solway Firth towards Dumfries and Galloway.
Coniston Water
One of the most beautiful stretches of the Cumbria Way is the approach to Coniston, where the landscape opens out towards the famous Coniston Fells. After a day on the trail, Coniston is also a lovely place to slow down, explore the village and enjoy the lakeside setting.
Colwith Force and Skelwith Force
The Cumbria Way delivers plenty of waterfalls, including Colwith Force and Skelwith Force. These dramatic cascades make a great excuse to pause, listen to the rushing water and take in another side of the Lake District landscape.
Great Langdale
Entering Great Langdale is one of the real highlights of the walk. This spectacular glacial valley is surrounded by some of the Lake District’s most recognisable peaks, creating a dramatic backdrop as the trail winds through the countryside.
Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows is one of those classic Lake District scenes that feels made for a bucket list. The route passes this picturesque mountain tarn, with woodland surrounding the water and wonderful views towards the Langdale Pikes and Helvellyn.
Mickleden and Langstrath
Leaving Great Langdale behind, the route heads through the wilder valleys of Mickleden and Langstrath. This is where the Cumbria Way really feels like a wilderness adventure, with rugged scenery, open country and a wonderful sense of remoteness.
Derwent Water and Keswick
After the quieter trails of Borrowdale, arriving beside Derwent Water is a real treat. From the lakeshore, the route continues into Keswick, giving walkers the chance to enjoy one of the Lake District’s most popular towns before heading back onto the trail.
Borrowdale Valley
The beautiful Borrowdale Valley provides a more peaceful section of the journey, with woodland trails and impressive mountain scenery. Eventually, the route reaches Derwent Water before continuing towards Keswick — a particularly memorable stretch of the Cumbria Way.
The River Caldew
The River Caldew becomes a familiar companion towards the end of the walk, guiding the route through the countryside from the northern fells towards Carlisle. It provides a gentler final chapter after the mountain scenery and a chance to reflect on the miles covered.
Finishing in Carlisle
After miles of walking through the Lake District, reaching Carlisle marks the end of this adventure. The landscape gradually changes from remote fells and valleys to the city, making the arrival feel like a satisfying finale to the Cumbria Way.
If you are looking to experience the Cumbria for yourself, contact us today to book your adventure.
