In 1974, the ancient Lakeland counties of Cumberland and Westmorland were amalgamated into the larger county of Cumbria. Keeping entirely within the old county of Cumberland, this delightful trail meanders across the Lake District from the Irish Sea at Ravenglass to Eamont Bridge on the eastern edge of the National Park.

From the village of Ravenglass on the Irish Sea, the Cumberland Way begins by crossing a gentle landscape of farmland dotted with small woods and isolated farmhouses to the sleepy village of Nether Wasdale, past a splendid 13th century castle and an 18th century corn mill. After following riverside paths to the shores of Wastwater it continues beside the lake to the tiny settlement of Wasdale Head amidst breathtaking mountain scenery: across the lake the awesome Screes plunge 2000 feet into the crystal waters of the lake, whilst ahead some of the highest peaks in England crowd around the end of the valley. From Wasdale Head the trail follows an old packhorse track over Black Sail Pass to the upper reaches of wild and lonely Ennerdale before crossing Scarth Gap to follow the shores of Buttermere to the village at the foot of the lake. Then it follows a superb footpath that climbs gently between imposing fells to emerge into the tranquil beauty of the Newlands Valley, where field, woodland and lakeside paths lead to the attractive town of Keswick. It visits the famous viewpoint of Castlehead and the Castlerigg stone circle, before following the old coach ‘road' around the foothills of the Helvellyn range to Aira Force, the prettiest, most romantic waterfall in the Lakes. The Cumberland Way then follows a meandering path around Gowbarrow Fell, with magnificent views over Ullswater, to the village of Dacre, before continuing to Eamont Bridge on the boundary of the old county of Cumberland.

Castlerigg Stone Circle © CWH