Travel to the start of the Cumbria Way in Ulverston. This is an historic market town close to the shores of Morecambe Bay. There are attractive cobbled streets with cafes and pubs, whilst murals depict the town's history and that of its famous son John Barrow. Another son was Stan Laurel and you can visit the Laurel and Hardy Museum. Accommodation: A traditional B&B in the heart of this historic market town.

Meals:  Nil

Leaving Ulverston the Cumbria Way crosses gently undulating farmland with views towards Morecambe Bay and the Sir John Barrow Monument on Hoad Hill. As you continue, the landscape begins to change and the mountains of the Lake District appear ahead. Footpaths lead through fields and farmland, crossing the frequent stiles and traditional kissing gates characteristic of this section of the route. Eventually you divert from the route to your night stop in the quiet villages of Lowick Green or Spark Bridge. Accommodation: Stay in a traditional British pub popular with locals and hikers alike. All rooms are ensuite and have a simple modern feel to them.

Meals:  B

The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic today as you pass hillside farms and climb to a pass, with views towards the Old Man of Coniston, Wetherlam and the other surrounding fells. Continue to the peaceful waters of Beacon Tarn, where there is the option to climb nearby Beacon Hill for wider views across the landscape. From here, descend to Coniston Water and follow its western shore north towards Coniston village. Settle in for the evening knowing you have a full day tomorrow to explore Coniston and its surroundings. Accommodation: A B&B or traditional inn in Coniston village. Coniston is a superb base for walks and sightseeing and two nights are spent here.

Meals:  B

Today is free to explore Coniston and its classic Lakeland surroundings. For a more active day, climb the Old Man of Coniston or follow the trails into the historic Coppermines Valley, where the remains of the area’s mining heritage sit beneath the surrounding fells. Alternatively, cruise across Coniston Water aboard the National Trust’s historic Steam Yacht Gondola and visit Brantwood, the former home of Victorian writer, artist and social thinker John Ruskin. You could also explore Grizedale Forest or simply enjoy time in the village. Coniston’s landscapes have long inspired writers and artists and are closely associated with Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons.

Meals:  B

Leaving Coniston, head into the wooded hills above the village and continue to the picturesque waters of Tarn Hows. From here, the route winds through farmland and into Little Langdale, crossing streams and passing waterfalls along the way. Continue towards Elterwater and follow the lakeshore into the magnificent Langdale Valley, passing through the small villages of Elterwater and Chapel Stile. A quieter stretch along this lovely valley follows, with the distinctive Langdale Pikes rising above you, a classic Lakeland scene, before you make your way to your accommodation for the night. Accommodation: Overnight in a hotel nestling beneath the Langdale Pikes and Pavey Ark. IMPORTANT NOTE for night 5: One of the Langdale hotels does not normally accept one night bookings on a Friday or Saturday night so please bear this in mind when choosing your start date. As an alternative, it is sometimes possible to book into Ambleside over the weekend for one night - this involves a short bus journey (not included in price).

Meals:  B

Follow the Mickleden Valley to the head of Langdale before climbing to Stake Pass (480 m / 1,600 ft), which dramatically crosses the high ground between Bow Fell and Pike of Stickle. In good visibility, there is the option to extend the walk by visiting one or more of the Langdale Pike summits from the pass, although this will add a couple of hours to your day. From Stake Pass, descend steeply into the remote Langstrath Valley and continue through the quieter landscape of open fells and streams towards Borrowdale. The route passes through Stonethwaite before continuing to Rosthwaite, your overnight stop in the heart of the valley. Accommodation: A traditional inn in Rosthwaite that has been welcoming guests for almost 200 years. There's a restaurant and a bar. If not available, you will stay at one of several alternatives in Rosthwaite or nearby Stonethwaite. Please note that a small number of the B&Bs are in listed buildings and do not have en suite facilities.

Meals:  B

Walk through the delightful woodlands of Borrowdale and keep an eye out for red squirrels. There is the option to make a short diversion to the village of Grange for a coffee along the way. Continue beside the shores of island-studded Derwentwater towards Keswick, a lively market town in the heart of the Lake District. For a more challenging option, you can make the steep climb to the popular summit of Cat Bells (451 m / 1,479 ft) before continuing to Keswick. Alternatively, once in town you could visit mystical Castlerigg Stone Circle. The hulking mountain called Skiddaw rises prominently above Keswick and, if you would like to climb it, we recommend adding an extra night here to allow a full day for the walk. Accommodation: One of a number of our trusted B&Bs and guesthouses around the town. There is a large choice of places to dine in this lively town.

Meals:  B

Trip concludes after breakfast. You can travel onwards by bus to other Lake District towns, or to Penrith from where you can join the West Coast Mainline trains south to Manchester and London or north to Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Meals:  B