Cumbria Way

The Cumbria Way bisects Cumbria from the market town of Ulverston, near the coast of Morecambe Bay in the south, to the historic city of Carlisle on the Scottish Border in the north. In between the two it passes through some of the Lake District’s most famous and spectacular scenery.

The route uses the valley systems wherever possible and therefore over most of its length it avoids the high fells. Lakeshore paths, ancient green lanes and paths at the bottom of steep sided valleys, all form part of this stunning route.

There are two sections in the higher fells, both on well established paths. Between Langdale and Borrowdale, over Stake Pass, and between Keswick and Caldbeck, over the flanks of Skiddaw.

Our Holidays

We offer a range of holidays on the Cumbria Way. You can walk the whole route from Ulverston to Carlisle in 5, 6 or 8 days. Some people choose to finish the walk at Caldbeck, as the final day to Carlisle is arguably less interesting, crossing mainly agricultural land. The Cumbria Way Highlights covers this option. Finally we have the 3 day or 4 day ‘Best of the Cumbria Way’ short breaks, concentrating on the more dramatic section between Coniston and Keswick.

Please bear in mind that the distances each day are trail distances only. They do not take into account walking to your accommodation. On some days the accommodation might be on or close to the trail but on other days you may need to walk one or two miles to get to your overnight stop.

The Cumbria Way

Ulverston to Carlisle 68 miles/109 km

We have 3 itineraries for the Whole Cumbria Way, all of which can be walked with your dog. Choose from 5, 6 or 8 days walking, depending on how far you want to go each day, and select the codes ending with a D for the dog-friendly option.

Please note that due to a major road project, the Carlisle Southern Link Road, our Cumbria Way holidays will stop at Dalston throughout 2024. On the final leg you will walk the 10 miles from Caldbeck to Dalston, from where you can take a train the final few miles into Carlisle for your final nights’ accommodation. Alternatively, you could consider our Cumbria Way Highlights: Ulverston to Caldbeck holiday.

Code Length Average per day Price range
CW6 5 days walking (6 nights) 14 miles/23 km £715 - £841 Full Info Book
CW6D 5 days walking (6 nights) 14 miles/23 km £815 - £941 Full Info Book
CW7 6 days walking (7 nights) 11 miles/18 km £811 - £962 Full Info Book
CW7D 6 days walking (7 nights) 12 miles/19 km £927 - £1078 Full Info Book
CW9 8 days walking (9 nights) 9 miles/14 km £1031 - £1232 Full Info Book
CW9D 8 days walking (9 nights) 9 miles/14 km £1223 - £1424 Full Info Book

Cumbria Way Highlights: Ulverston to Caldbeck

Ulverston to Caldbeck 58 miles/93 km

These walks cover the whole of the Cumbria Way within the National Park, missing out the final long day to Carlisle. All options can be booked as a dog-friendly holiday, just select the codes ending with a D for more details.

Code Length Average per day Price range
CWC5 4 days walking (5 nights) 15 miles/24 km £636 - £736 Full Info Book
CWC5D 4 days walking (5 nights) 15 miles/24 km £737 - £837 Full Info Book
CWC6 5 days walking (6 nights) 12 miles/19 km £715 - £841 Full Info Book
CWC6D 5 days walking (6 nights) 12 miles/19 km £831 - £957 Full Info Book
CWC8 7 days walking (8 nights) 9 miles/14 km £894 - £1070 Full Info Book
CWC8D 7 days walking (8 nights) 9 miles/14 km £1085 - £1261 Full Info Book

Best of the Cumbria Way: Coniston to Keswick

Coniston to Keswick 28 miles/45 km

This holiday covers the most dramatic 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 celebrated valleys; Langdale and Borrowdale, as well as the remote Stakes Pass between them. We are also pleased to offer this holiday as a dog-friendly choice, just select the codes ending with a D.

Code Length Average per day Price range
CWB3 2 days walking (3 nights) 14 miles/23 km £408 - £458 Full Info Book
CWB3D 2 days walking (3 nights) 14 miles/23 km £483 - £533 Full Info Book
CWB4 3 days walking (4 nights) 9 miles/14 km £521 - £596 Full Info Book
CWB4D 3 days walking (4 nights) 10 miles/16 km £612 - £687 Full Info Book

Client Feedback

All your communication and guidance was top notch, especially with all the Covid cancellations, postponements, and alterations. Your behind-the-scenes hard work really paid off, as from the front-end, it all worked seamlessly

Cumbria Way, May 2021
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Mickledore offers a dependable service based on our experience with the Cumbrian Way. We’ll be recommending you based on our experience.

Cumbria Way, May 2021
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The staff are very friendly and efficient, the info packs with supporting info are great, the accommodation options are varied and excellent.

Lady Anne’s Way, August 2023
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