Cumbria Way

Cumbria Way

A walk from the shores of Morecambe Bay to the Scottish Border through the Lake District.

3 to 9 nights
16-78 miles
Easy / Moderate to Demanding

From £380 per person

Find your holiday

About the trail

The Cumbria Way enjoys the Lake District’s mountain vistas with none of its strenuous mountain climbs. This low-level walk follows old packhorse tracks along valleys and over passes to provide breath-taking views without ascending to the summits.

Beneath towering peaks and thundering cascades, the route follows the shores of glittering tarns. It visits charming Lake District villages, and enjoys a finale of remote, rolling hills that descend through rich farmland to the historic border town of Carlisle.

We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to experience the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.

Choose your route

  • Cumbria Way via Bassenthwaite
  • Cumbria Way
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options Cumbria Way Highlights
  • This route includes dog friendly tour options Cumbria Way Short Break

Dog friendly tours available

Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.

About this route

9 nights
78 miles
Moderate
2nd January to 24th December

From £1135 per person

Cumbria Way via Bassenthwaite

This alternate take on the classic Cumbria Way covers the same mileage over eight days, allowing you to explore the trail at a steadier pace. The walk departs the main trail after Keswick and the Lonscale Crags, swinging west to Bassenthwaite, one of the largest lakes in the Lake District.

Skipping the rolling, remote hills at the Back o’Skiddaw, the trail instead winds through country lanes between low-level fells, before reuniting with the Cumbria Way at Caldbeck.

Available tours

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
CUMWB From Ulverston to Carlisle 9 nights, 8 days walking Moderate £1135

Short breaks

Code Tour Duration Difficulty Price per person
CUMWSB From Great Langdale/Dungeon Ghyll to Keswick 3 nights, 2 days walking Easy / Moderate £380

Customer reviews from the Cumbria Way via Bassenthwaite

“The walk itself was magnificent.”
Mr Bovee, USA
“This was a wonderful vacation and due so in considerable measure to Contours’ excellent support and service.”
Mr O’Brien, Canada
“The scenery was spectacular. The walks were engaging, varied and the days were perfectly structured.”
Ms Davis, USA
“Everything was so well organized and clear, it allowed us to concentrate on just the hiking. We had good weather every day but one - a matter of luck, of course. Such a beautiful area, great people, and perfect pubs at the end of every day's walk. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Have already recommended you. You guys are awesome! Would book another holiday with you in a heartbeat!”
Ms Anderson, USA
“Challenging, nice walk with views of lakes and mountains and lucky with weather.”
Mrs McDougall, UK
“Wonderful trip with spectacular countryside. Accommodations were impeccable and hospitable.”
Mr Gingras, Canada
“Some of the views of the Lake District were stunning. Great experience. Started my planning for next years walking holiday.”
Mr Weigh, UK
Find your holiday