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6 Days
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From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Experience the very best of the Cumbria Way on this short break itinerary, showcasing the classic Lake District section between Coniston and Keswick. Designed for walkers who want to immerse themselves in the spectacular scenery of England's Lakeland at a more relaxed pace, the route includes an overnight stay in the vibrant town of Ambleside to break up the longer stage between Coniston and Great Langdale. On the final day, you also have the flexibility to take a local bus from Borrowdale to Keswick if you'd prefer an easier finish.
This is the Lake District at its best: tranquil lakes fringed by ancient woodlands, dramatic mountain passes, glaciated valleys and timeless villages built from local slate. The landscape that inspired William Wordsworth and the Romantic poets unfold at every turn, while the legacy of Beatrix Potter can still be felt in the traditional farms, rolling pastures and picturesque hamlets she worked so passionately to preserve. Along the way you'll pass through some of Lakeland's most celebrated scenery, from the shores of Coniston Water and the magnificent Langdale Valley to the rugged fells above Borrowdale before arriving in the bustling market town of Keswick. The Cumbria Way is often overshadowed by the Coast to Coast, but arguably this is a finer route and with less of the high mountain ground that makes the C2C more of a challenge.
With time to linger in welcoming pubs, browse the independent shops and simply absorb the atmosphere of one of Britain's most treasured national parks, this itinerary captures the very essence of romantic Lakeland while offering a comfortable and rewarding walking holiday.
England
Coniston
Keswick
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Day 1
Arrive Coniston
Make your way to Coniston, one of the Lake District's most attractive villages, set on the shores of Coniston Water beneath the imposing Old Man of Coniston mountain. Rich in history, the village is associated with John Ruskin and is also famous as the home of Donald Campbell's Bluebird world speed record attempts. Explore the village's shops and cafés, stroll along the lakeshore, or enjoy a boat trip on Coniston Water. We recommend arriving a day early to enjoy all this Lakeland village has to offer. Coniston is easily accessible by low cost frequent bus services from the train station in Windermere. Accommodation: overnight in a comfortable Coniston guesthouse or inn.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Coniston to Skelwith Bridge (7 miles / 11 kms / 4 hours)
Leaving the shores of Coniston Water, the Cumbria Way follows quiet paths through rolling farmland and native woodland before climbing gently onto the lower slopes of Tarn Hows. This celebrated beauty spot, with its tranquil tarn framed by dramatic mountain scenery, is one of the highlights of the day and offers magnificent views towards the Langdale Pikes and the Coniston Fells. From here, the route descends through peaceful woodland and picturesque hamlets, passing the impressive Skelwith Force waterfall before reaching the tiny village of Skelwith Bridge. At the end of the walk, you'll transfer by local bus to nearby Ambleside for your overnight stay, giving you time to explore one of the Lake District's most vibrant towns before continuing your journey the following day. Accommodation: Overnight in a comfortable B&B in Ambleside.
Meals: B
Day 3
Skelwith Bridge to Great Langdale (5.5 miles / 9 kms / 3 hours)
Making use of the excellent and inexpensive local bus service, return to Skelwith Bridge for today’s walk into the Langdale Valley. Following the River Brathay, the route passes the dramatic cascades of Colwith Force before entering beautiful Langdale, “the long valley” in Old Norse. Surrounded by some of the Lake District's most iconic fells, including the distinctive Langdale Pikes, you'll follow a delightful mix of riverside paths, woodland tracks and open valley trails to Chapel Stile and on to Great Langdale. With a shorter walking day, there's time to relax and enjoy the magnificent mountain setting, or, for those with energy to spare, take an optional walk to the impressive summit of Pavey Ark and Stickle Tarn for panoramic views over Lakeland. Accommodation: Overnight in a hotel or inn in Langdale. IMPORTANT NOTE: Some of the hotels in Langdale do not normally accept one night bookings on a Friday or Saturday so please bear this in mind when choosing your start date.
Day 4
Langdale to Borrowdale via Stake Pass (8 miles /12.8km / 4 hrs)
Hike to the head of Langdale, along the Mickleden Valley - then over Stake Pass (1600ft / 480m) between Bow Fell and the Pike of Stickle. In good visibility, you could decide to extend the walk by visiting one or more of the Langdale Pikes from the pass. Then it’s down steeply into the remote Langstrath and Greenup Valleys and onto Borrowdale, passing the hamlets of Stonethwaite and Rosthwaite. Accommodation: Overnight at a small hotel or inn in one of the Borrowdale hamlets.
Day 5
Borrowdale to Keswick (8.6 miles / 14 kms / 4 hours)
Walk through the ancient deciduous woodlands of the Borrowdale valley, keeping an eye out for red squirrels. Enjoy a leisurely stop for coffee at the cafe in Grange before walking along the shores of the island-studded Derwentwater to Keswick, - a lively and attractive market town with much to see and do. If you would like a more relaxed day, take the open top bus from Rosthwaite to Keswick and enjoy the views from the top deck! Accommodation: You will stay at one of a number of comfortable B&Bs and guesthouses we partner with around the town.
Day 6
Arrangements end after breakfast
Tour arrangements end after breakfast. For onward travel, take the regular local bus to Penrith (40 mins) from where you can board mainline trains to Manchester, London, Glasgow and Edinburgh. We strongly recommend an additional night in Keswick if you have the time, so you can enjoy some of the wonderful walks from the town or while awa your day at the plethora of outdoor shops and independent boutiques. Ask your consultant about this when you book.
What's included
What's not included
You will stay in a mix of inns, B&Bs and small hotels, all chosen for their local character, friendliness to walkers and location. Rooms will usually have private bathrooms, TVs and tea and coffee making facilities. A cooked English breakfast will usually be served. Note that for the dates of your tour, we may not be able to get you into the accommodation described, and some hotels have a 2 night minimum stay requirement at weekends. We will always endeavour to book accommodation of a similar standard but please appreciate that there are limited options, particularly at busy times of year. Although we aim to get ensuite rooms this is not always possible in some of the older properties where despite limited facilities, the welcome remains warm.
The route follows a varied mix of well-maintained walking trails, grassy paths, woodland tracks, farm lanes and sections of rocky mountain path. Around villages and lakes you'll encounter compact gravel tracks and quiet country lanes, while the crossing of Stake Pass is rougher underfoot with uneven stones and exposed and steep terrain. After wet weather, some sections can become muddy and slippery, so sturdy walking boots with good grip are strongly recommended.
This trip is graded Moderate. Expect several days of walking on a mix of woodland trails, farm tracks, rocky mountain paths and quiet lanes. The crossing of Stake Pass (480m / 1,575ft) includes a sustained climb and descent over uneven terrain. This itinerary splits the long day between Coniston and Langdale with an overnight in Ambleside, making fora more relaxed itinerary. You should be comfortable walking on rough ground in changeable Lake District weather.
Per Person, Twin Share
Many walkers consider the central Lake District section between Coniston and Keswick to be the highlight of the Cumbria Way. This itinerary takes you through some of Cumbria's most celebrated landscapes, including Tarn Hows, the Langdale Valley, Stake Pass, Borrowdale and the shores of Derwentwater. It captures the classic Lakeland scenery that has inspired generations of writers and artists, while avoiding the longer approach and exit stages found on the full Cumbria Way.
This itinerary has been designed to offer a more relaxed walking experience than the full Cumbria Way. An overnight stay in Ambleside breaks up what is traditionally one of the longest walking days, giving you more time to enjoy the scenery. The route still includes a rewarding crossing of Stake Pass, one of England's finest mountain passes, along with well-established trails through valleys, woodlands and lakeside paths. Refer to the trip grading for the most accurate assessment of the physical demands of the walk.
Yes. On the final day you have the option of taking the local open-top bus from Borrowdale to Keswick instead of completing the full walk on foot. This flexibility makes the itinerary well suited to walkers who would like a gentler finish while still enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Borrowdale Valley and Derwentwater.
You'll experience many of the Lake District's most iconic landscapes, including the shores of Coniston Water, the peaceful beauty of Tarn Hows, Skelwith Force waterfall, the dramatic Langdale Valley, Stake Pass, the tranquil Borrowdale Valley and Derwentwater before finishing in the vibrant market town of Keswick. You'll also have time to explore charming Lakeland towns including Coniston, Ambleside and Keswick.
Unlike many Cumbria Way itineraries, this trip includes an overnight stay in Ambleside to split the longest stage of the route into two shorter, more enjoyable days. This gives you extra time to explore one of the Lake District's most popular towns, relax in local cafés or pubs, and enjoy a more comfortable walking pace without rushing through the scenery. You will take the regular low-cost local bus for the short trip from Skelwith Bridge to Ambleside town centre.
If you're looking for an outstanding Lake District walking holiday without committing to a longer national trail, this itinerary is an excellent choice. It showcases many of England's finest mountain and lakeside landscapes over a shorter timeframe and includes a more relaxed pace, making it ideal for walkers who want to experience the heart of the Lake District while enjoying flexible daily options.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Personal Experience
We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.
Great Value & Quality
Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.
Self-Guided Specialists
We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.
guided walk
hotel, guesthouse, b&b
8Days
Moderate
self guided walk
hotel, guesthouse / b&b
6Days
Introductory to Moderate
guesthouse / b&b, guesthouse / b&b