Key Features: Ulverston Canal, Beacon Tarn, Coniston Water

Cultural Notes: Hoad Monument, Swarthmoor Hall (Quaker history)

The Cumbria Way begins at the stone monument in Ulverston's Market Street, quickly transitioning from town streets to gently rolling countryside. After passing the Sir John Barrow Monument (locally known as Hoad Monument) atop Hoad Hill, the trail continues northward through pastoral landscapes dotted with sheep farms and drystone walls. This stage offers a gentle introduction to Lake District walking, traversing low fells and countryside that gradually becomes more dramatic as you proceed northward.

The route passes near historic Swarthmoor Hall, an important site in Quaker history, before climbing through Blawith Fells. Here, hikers catch their first proper mountain views as the imposing Coniston Fells come into sight. A highlight is Beacon Tarn, a small mountain lake offering a perfect lunch spot with expansive views. The final stretch descends toward Coniston Water, one of the Lake District's most picturesque lakes, before arriving in the village of Coniston itself, nestled beneath the imposing Old Man of Coniston mountain.

Coniston offers multiple accommodation options and has strong connections to John Ruskin and Arthur Ransome (of "Swallows and Amazons" fame). Water sources are plentiful throughout this section, and the Bluebird Café on Coniston's lakefront provides a welcome refreshment opportunity before your overnight stay.

Key Features: Tarn Hows, Elterwater, Skelwith Force, Great Langdale Valley

Cultural Notes: Beatrix Potter connections, traditional slate mining landscapes

Leaving Coniston, the path climbs steadily through Yewdale before reaching Tarn Hows, one of the Lake District's most visited beauty spots – an artificial yet stunning lake surrounded by mixed woodland and mountains. The morning light here can be spectacular, illuminating the tarn and surrounding hills. After circling the tarn, the route continues through coniferous plantation and native woodland toward Little Langdale.

A steep descent leads to Skelwith Force, a thunderous waterfall on the River Brathay, before following the river through Elterwater village. Here, the scenery transforms dramatically as you enter Great Langdale, one of the Lake District's most iconic valleys. Dominated by the Langdale Pikes – a jagged skyline of distinctive peaks – this glacial valley showcases classic Lake District topography at its most impressive.

Water is abundant throughout this section, with numerous streams and the River Brathay providing reliable sources. The hamlets of Chapel Stile and Elterwater offer welcome refreshment stops, with the Britannia Inn in Elterwater providing exceptional local ales. This stage concludes at the head of Great Langdale, where the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and Old Dungeon Ghyll pub provide accommodation and hearty meals. The National Trust campsite nearby offers an excellent budget option within sight of the magnificent Langdale Pikes.

Key Features: Stake Pass, Langstrath Valley, Derwentwater

Cultural Notes: Borrowdale's mining heritage, Greta Hall (Coleridge's home)

This challenging stage begins with the route's highest and most demanding section – the ascent of Stake Pass (481m). From Great Langdale, the path climbs steadily through Mickleden before tackling the zigzagging ascent to the pass. Weather conditions can change rapidly here, so proper navigation skills are essential in poor visibility. Once over Stake Pass, the trail descends into the remote Langstrath Valley, following the bubbling Langstrath Beck through a landscape that feels distinctly more wild and secluded than previous sections.

After passing the hamlet of Stonethwaite, the route enters beautiful Borrowdale, often described as England's prettiest valley. Here, verdant woodland, crystalline streams, and traditional farms create a pastoral idyll. The trail follows the River Derwent to Grange, where the Borrowdale Tea Room offers welcomed refreshment. The final stretch skirts the shores of Derwentwater, one of the Lake District's most beautiful lakes, with views across to the distinctive profile of Catbells fell.

Reliable water sources include Langstrath Beck and numerous streams in Borrowdale. The path concludes in Keswick, the Lake District's adventure capital, where numerous accommodation options, outdoor shops, and restaurants await. Keswick's position makes it an ideal resupply point, with several supermarkets and a twice-weekly market (Thursdays and Saturdays). Consider visiting Greta Hall, once home to poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, which overlooks the town center.

Key Features: Skiddaw Forest, High Pike, River Caldew

Cultural Notes: Back o'Skiddaw farming communities, traditional shepherding landscape

Departing Keswick, this stage reveals a different side of the Lake District as it traverses the northern fells, often called the "Back o'Skiddaw." After a gradual climb through the ancient woodlands of Brundholme, the path emerges onto the open fellside with expansive views back toward Keswick and the central Lake District mountains. This section feels notably wilder and less frequented than earlier stages, crossing Skiddaw Forest (a misnomer as it's actually open moorland) where the landscape becomes increasingly expansive.

The route climbs to the summit of High Pike (658m), the highest point on the Cumbria Way, offering panoramic views extending to Scotland and the Pennines on clear days. The descent follows the infant River Caldew through a landscape shaped by centuries of sheep farming, with traditional farmsteads and field systems dating back to medieval times. This is authentic shepherding country, little changed for generations, where Herdwick sheep (the Lake District's native breed) graze the fellsides.

Water becomes more limited across the northern fells – carry sufficient supplies from Keswick until reaching the River Caldew. The stage concludes in Caldbeck, a charming village with connections to huntsman John Peel, immortalized in the famous hunting song. The Oddfellows Arms offers accommodation and excellent food, while Priest's Mill provides a fascinating glimpse into the area's industrial heritage. This penultimate stage showcases the transition zone between the Lake District mountains and the gentler landscapes of the Eden Valley.

Key Features: River Caldew valley, Dalston Hall, Carlisle Castle

Cultural Notes: Border history, industrial heritage, Carlisle Cathedral

The final stage offers a gentler conclusion to the journey as the trail follows the River Caldew from its upper reaches toward the border city of Carlisle. Leaving the fells behind, the landscape transitions to productive agricultural land and wooded riverbanks. This pastoral section provides an interesting counterpoint to the mountainous terrain of previous days, demonstrating how the geography of Cumbria extends beyond the Lake District's boundaries.

The route passes through several small villages, including Sebergham and Dalston, each offering refreshment opportunities. Historical highlights include Dalston Hall, a 15th-century fortified house reflecting the turbulent border history of this region. The path continues along the river, eventually entering Carlisle through public parks and green corridors, culminating at the impressive medieval Carlisle Castle, the official end point of the Cumbria Way.

Water sources remain plentiful throughout this stage as the route largely follows the River Caldew. Carlisle offers abundant accommodation options across all price ranges, alongside excellent transport connections for your journey home. Take time to visit Carlisle Cathedral with its magnificent medieval stained glass and explore the Tullie House Museum, which provides fascinating context on the border region's complex history. This final stage completes your journey from the Irish Sea (near Ulverston) to the threshold of Scotland, having traversed the full breadth of Cumbria's diverse landscapes.