Walking the Cumbria Way.
Article created December 2023
2024 adventure plans are not going to vary from my previous trips, except for one main thing.
I have asked a few friends to join me, obviously at the planning stage it is easy to say “yes.”
After last years experience on the Hadrian’s Wall walk. With the last minute cancellation, it was one of those things that couldn’t be foreseen. However, it did have a knock issue on to the itinerary.
During this expedition, I hoped that a wider group of friends would join. They all agreed that the adventure was the perfect break. I expected them to stay true to their word.
The idea is to walk from Ulverston to Carlisle. Walking the 76 mile route and within five days.
This walk can be completed in a shorter timeframe, but why would you rush.
Again, my recommendation is to spend more time exploring the area. I also want to enjoy a meal or two.
Coniston, will be a place to stop and reflect, possible staying two evenings with a circular walk on day two. Then a taxi to the start of day three.
When is the best time to try a long distance walk in the UK
To have a positive attitude towards getting the best out of the climate, start walking towards the end of May. British summer is at its peak. Long 12 hours daylight days, the dry and storm free weather. Plus the UK’s schools are still open and busy.
For our expedition, I considered the walk with the time frame as above. We settled with the 28th May 20204, and finishing Saturday 1st June 2024.
Heading up on the Monday and providing time for travel. Bearing in mind the walking group came from all over the country. Then allowing suitable time to aim to head home for the Saturday evening .
I also wished to go into Carlisle. This was my third time, for longer than a cuppa.
How far will each day be?
My recommendation when walking with more than one person is simple.
Make sure you create a “free culture” with intentions to allow the groups to not walk as one group. Pushing them to splinter into groups with similar capabilities and desires. Encouraging everyone to walk at their own pace, leaving and arriving when you wish. But making sure you all meet for key places or events.
The Cumbria Way has plenty of them.
- Ferries across Lakes
- Amazing pubs
- Bus pick ups
- Those Instagram picture moments.
With our group, one friend is a keen runner. He wished to gain more from running circular routes. This also enabled him to stay at the hostel longer and he even looked at a day off and add the distances to the other days.
Below is a pre walked itinerary, there are loads of options, my advice is to research and select what your group would enjoy the most. I’ve noticed the total distance is greater than the path. This possible allows for walking to and from the accommodation?
Itinerary: version one!
Day 1
- Tuesday – Ulverston to Coniston – 15 miles
Day 2
- Wednesday – Coniston to Old Dungeon Ghyll – 11 miles
Day 3
- Thursday – Old Dungeon Ghyll to Keswick – 15 miles
Day 4
- Friday Keswick to Caldbeck – 20 miles
Day 5
- Saturday – Caldbeck to Carlisle – 15 miles
My plan was to follow the above, yet be flexible and accommodate the needs of the group.
Accommodation
This is a personal preference, there are plenty choices that include, Hotel/B&B, campsites with pods and hostels. If all else fails, a chance to wild camp and extend a couple of days walking.
I plan to stay on reasonably priced campsites. I also have the safety net of at least one night in a hostel or hotel.
The YHA hostels are without a doubt the most accommodating place to stay. There are kitchens, restrooms and most have a cafe and a bar.
Place them on your itinerary and either set up base or move from one to the next.
After a week or so of contacting campsites and hostels I decided on what seemed to be obvious. I booked several rooms in one hostel for the duration. This turned out to be the best for all.
Read my adventure in Cumbria here.
Fund Raising
One thing to consider is supporting charities and causes.
Personally, I had not thought on which charity to walk for, and if any. However now, in 2025, I would add money into Moor, Mountain, Grow to support more people to join the movement of “Countryside for All”.
If anyone that wishes to join the next adventure and has a charity idea or a fund raising need. They can do and with my support.
🌿 Moor, Mountain, Grow: Confidence in the Countryside 🌿
In 2026, I will be launching a new initiative designed to open up the beauty of Exmoor to more people. Over the course of three days, participants will be guided through practical skills and confidence-building experiences that prepare them for longer expeditions in the years ahead.
This project is especially for those who have ever thought: “I’d love to go on a walking holiday, but I’m not sure how to organise it or whether I’d feel safe and confident enough.”
Moor, Mountain, Grow is about breaking down those barriers—creating an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone can discover the joy of the countryside, regardless of experience or background.
👉 If this speaks to you, or if you’d like to explore how you can be part of this journey, please click below and get in touch. Together, we can grow confidence, build community, and open the outdoors to all.
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