The Cumbria Way

In March 2023, the final team plan came together.

Planning a long distance walk for more than one person has the challenges as listed below. What you really need to get correct is

“Why did I invite them?“

This expedition grew interest from over ten other keen walkers. However, the timing was not perfect for some and they dropped out prior to booking the accommodation.

The number settled on at seven. Three were traveling from a walking holiday in Scotland, two were at a wedding in Somerset and then myself an Matt from Devon. This meant we had one car and a van. This enables the leapfrog option or sharing of taxis and walking at our own paces.

The list of challenges.

• Logistics
• Accommodation
• Routes
• Meals and pubs.
• New Kit

Logistics

There are two elements to review, one is getting too and from the start and finish points.

The second is managing the day to day walks.

I explain this in greater detail in the final post in this series. The Great Walk.

Accommodation

This years adventures accommodation arrived from a big lesson learn from my last adventure, the Hadrians Wall East to West.

The idea was to find a hostel that was close to a town. It should have all the facilities to dry kit. It should also offer cooked breakfasts, prepaid lunches, and possibly an evening meal.

I’ve booked twin rooms in the YHA Ambleside and for the duration of the trip. The hostel offers all of the above and has over 50 rooms.

Plenty of time and opportunities for me to “natter” to other walkers and adventurers.

The location will allow the other members to escape from the group and not feel obligated to spend the evenings.

One more of the big wins is that Windermere offers great pub,if transport networks. Starting with a train station, with links to Carlisle and Preston. Buses that travel through the congested Lake District and near to all local featured places to walk from.

Routes

The leap frog car park game is plotted. Using Google earth to make sure the car parks are big enough.

I have an aim of visiting Lake Coniston, by Thursday afternoon and completing the path in Ulverston by Friday afternoon and celebrating with a meal and a couple of beers.

Day One: starting from Carlisle by 1500 after all the walkers have arrived from their different parts of the UK.

Walk to the first finish point Sedenburgh by 2000 and travel the hour to our “Base” at YHA Ambleside.

The first day is mainly flat and walks through Lowlands, following a road, and snaking river, more of an urban walk than a wow look at the countryside plod. If, our walking pace is good, ie about 4 miles an hour we can visit two pubs and drink some liquid painkillers. This will help bond our group and hopefully start the adventure with a few laughs.

Dat Two: play the leapfrog game with our cars , this is an epic distance into Keswick. However, the day hits the wow of the countryside and with a carefully managed, diversion, we will visit some beautiful waterfalls and Lakes, although they are not all called lakes, the smaller lakes are called tarns. I imagine they are like puddles, but bigger?

Day Three: this day is a another epic days full of wow countryside as we walk, with a diversion past an epic rock! The end point is in a car park a few meters away from a pub. Then a 20 minute back to the Base.

Day Four: this is another long day, walking through some amazing countryside and waterfalls. Aiming to get to Coniston Lake by lunchtime and having lunch on the river bank. Hopefully we will have a chance to jump into a ferry and travel up and down the epic five mile lake.

Day Five, the final day, this is a walk from the end of Coniston, a huge car park and walk the remaining 10 miles to Ulverston. Aiming for the last car park and a chance to have a meal and few beers.

Meals and Pubs

Where do I begin with this topic!

Every town seems to offer a pub with a car park or a bus stop. This really helps when you’re planning people with different interests and goals around long distance walking.

My advice is to trust the framework that the websites are correct and plot your routes.

I will talk in further details in the final blog post and possible video.

New Kit

My new kit from Vinted has been ordered.

When I realised that the evolution of the second hand clothes market had evolved and all in one place, I turned into this person I’ve never seen before.

I literally bought every checked shirt I could find. Waterproof trouser in my size and so much more.

If you are looking for new shirts and clothing please visit my Vinted page. I need to clear my wardrobe for my next adventure.

Please join Vinted via my link. This enables me to buy more clothes and avoid that repetitive checked shirt feeling.

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🌿 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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