The Cumbria Way is a long distance footpath beginning in Ulverston which follows a 70 mile route through the heart of the Lake District and ends in Carlisle.
The following trail description offers a brief overview of the route as it leaves Ulverston via field paths towards the shore of Coniston Water.
The First Section of the Cumbria Way
Starting at The Gill car park in the west of Ulverston, follow the path beside the stream which takes you up out of the town for about half a mile.
After quickly leaving the houses behind, the route passes wooded areas, fields and farms with the initial waymarking typical of the rest of the Way. Note: most of the farms have cattle, which will be out in the fields in summer. Keeping an eye on the cattle while looking out for the route can make navigation tricky at times. Climbs on this section are gentle and not prolonged.
Early on, the views are predominantly to the south, over Ulverston to Morecambe Bay, along with the Sir John Barrow Monument on Hoad Hill. Later, as you climb higher, The Old Man of Coniston can be seen to the north.
Kiln Bank is the last farm you will really get acquainted with before climbing to Beacon Tarn and onward to the waters of Coniston. Along the shore of Coniston Water the walking and navigation is easy, the views in good weather are fabulous. Only a couple more fields and a campsite to go before finishing in the village.
If Coniston proves too much, there is a bus that runs up and down the A5084 between Ulverston and the village, but be aware services don’t run much past late afternoon. Once beside Coniston Water there is a jetty at Sunny Bank with an information board detailing the running times and instructions for hailing the launch.
Where to Start?
Where to Park?
The Gill car park, Ulverston LA12 7BP
More Info
For more information about the trail, including more about the route beyond Ulverston, a number of helpful websites on the Cumbria Way are listed below:
Wikipedia – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumbria_Way
The Cumbria Way Walk – www.cumbriawaywalk.info
Walk Lakes – www.walklakes.co.uk/cumbriaway
Ramblers – www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-finder/areas/lake-district/the-cumbria-way.aspx
