UKLakeDistrictWestmorland & Furness Way — Long-Distance Trail Guide
Long-Distance Route · Alston to Furness Abbey · Trans-Cumbria
A guide to the Westmorland & Furness Way — an unofficial long-distance trail across Cumbria from Alston to Furness Abbey, linking the Pennines, Dales and Lake District. Free GPX.
Walk Description
The Westmorland & Furness Way is a <strong>trans-Cumbrian pilgrimage</strong> like no other — an unofficial long-distance route that threads roughly <strong>188 kilometres (117 miles)</strong> across the whole breadth of the county, from the high Pennine moors in the north to the coastal heritage of the Furness peninsula in the south. Beginning at <strong>Alston</strong>, England's highest market town, and ending at the magnificent red-sandstone ruins of <strong>Furness Abbey</strong>, the trail deliberately links the 'wild' and the 'working' landscapes of Cumbria: North Pennine geology, the pastoral Eden Valley, the sweeping Howgill Fells, the glacial drama of the Lake District, and finally the quiet farmland and shore of Low Furness. It's a genuinely challenging multi-day undertaking of around <strong>4,350 metres of total ascent</strong>, best tackled over six to ten days, and it rewards the committed walker with a complete cross-section of Cumbrian scenery, history and culture far removed from the honeypot fells. This is a route for the experienced long-distance walker seeking something bigger, quieter and more varied than the classic Lakeland rounds.
The High Pennines & Eden Valley
Starting in Alston — England's highest market town — walkers ascend through a UNESCO Global Geopark. The route traverses the dramatic country of the Great North Fault, offering distant views of the Lake District fells before descending into the pastoral tranquillity of the Eden Valley. Here, sandstone villages and ancient stone circles provide a glimpse into the prehistoric significance of this landscape.
The Dales to the Lake District
As you move south, the trail skirts the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The crossing of the Howgill Fells is a highlight for many, offering big-sky views without the crowds of the central Lakes. The transition into the Lake District National Park near Windermere introduces a world-class landscape of glacial lakes and rugged peaks that has inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Coastal Heritage & Furness Abbey
The final leg shifts from fell to shore. Passing through the festival town of Ulverston, walkers enter the Furness peninsula. The trail concludes at the magnificent ruins of Furness Abbey, once one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England. This coastal finish provides a powerful historical bookend to a journey that began in the wild northern heights.
Stage 1 — The Pennine Roof
Starting at <strong>Alston</strong>, this stage tackles the rugged terrain of the <strong>North Pennines</strong>, a UNESCO Global Geopark of sweeping moorland, big skies and bracing fell air. The going is remote and exposed, with long views west towards the distant Lakeland fells. Navigation and self-sufficiency matter from the very first day.
Stage 2 — Eden's Garden
A welcome descent into the lush valley of the <strong>River Eden</strong>. The route follows flatter terrain and riverside paths through historic villages such as Milburn and towards Appleby, past red-sandstone architecture and ancient sites. It's gentler walking that offers a restful contrast to the high Pennine start.
Stage 3 — The Sleeping Elephants
Crossing the Westmorland Dales towards <strong>Sedbergh</strong>, the trail climbs into the <strong>Howgill Fells</strong> — their smooth, rounded, whale-backed silhouettes earning them the nickname 'the sleeping elephants'. This is superb, quiet ridge walking with a real sense of space, well away from the crowds of the central Lakes.
Stage 4 — The Lake District Link
A stunning transition from the rolling Dales into the heart of the UNESCO <strong>Lake District</strong>, arriving at the vibrant shores of <strong>Windermere</strong>. The scenery shifts to glacial lakes, wooded valleys and rugged peaks — the classic Lakeland landscape that has drawn walkers, poets and artists for generations.
Stage 5 — Low Furness Fells
Heading south through ancient woodland and traditional farmland towards the festival town of <strong>Ulverston</strong>, the character mellows again into low, green Furness countryside. Field paths, quiet lanes and coastal glimpses lead you towards journey's end, with the sands of Morecambe Bay opening out to the east.
Stage 6 — The Abbey Trail
The final coastal push across the peninsula, culminating at the red-sandstone arches of the historic <strong>Furness Abbey</strong> — once one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England. Standing amid the ruins after a journey from the high Pennines is a genuinely moving way to complete this trans-Cumbrian crossing.
Route Essentials
- Navigation: this is a long, partly remote route — carry updated OS maps (the full set from OL5 through to OL7 and Landranger sheets), a compass and a reliable GPS with the route loaded. Some Pennine and Howgill sections are exposed and pathless in places.
- Footwear & kit: given the variety of terrain — from boggy moorland to rocky fell and hard-surfaced lanes — sturdy, well-broken-in waterproof boots are essential, along with full waterproofs and warm layers for the high ground.
- Logistics: plan accommodation and resupply carefully, especially across the quieter stretches between Alston, Appleby, Sedbergh and Windermere. Book ahead in peak season and carry enough food and water for remote days.
- Fitness & pacing: with around 4,350 m of ascent over roughly 188 km, this is a serious multi-day walk. Six to ten days is realistic depending on fitness; build in a contingency day for bad weather on the high Pennine and Howgill sections.
- Unofficial route: this is a self-devised trans-Cumbria route rather than an official National Trail, so waymarking is limited — treat the GPX and your maps as the definitive guide throughout.
- Safety Notice: The GPX file and route information on this page are for general guidance only. Always carry an OS map and compass, check the weather forecast, and tell someone your plans before setting out. You walk at your own risk.
Gallery
Route Map
Video Guide
What to Bring
- Sturdy, waterproof, well-broken-in walking boots
- Full waterproofs — jacket and over-trousers
- Warm layers, hat and gloves for the high ground
- Full set of OS maps and a compass
- GPS device or phone with the route loaded offline
- Power bank and charging cables
- Rucksack suited to multi-day carrying
- Water bottles/bladder and purification for remote stages
- High-energy food and emergency rations
- First-aid kit, blister care and emergency shelter
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Pre-booked accommodation list and cash for rural stops
Best Time to Walk It
The best window for the Westmorland & Furness Way is late spring to early autumn (May–September), when the long daylight hours, drier ground and more settled weather make the high Pennine and Howgill sections far safer and more enjoyable. Early summer offers the longest days for big mileage; September brings quieter paths and often stable conditions. The lower Eden Valley and Furness stages are walkable much of the year, but the exposed northern moorland can be bleak, boggy and prone to mist and harsh weather in winter, so the full end-to-end route is best avoided outside the main season unless you're experienced in winter hill conditions.
Local Weather (yr.no)
Forecast provided by yr.no
Safety Information
Important: The GPX file and route description on this page are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as a sole means of navigation. GPX tracks are approximate and may not reflect current ground conditions, path diversions, or seasonal changes.
Always carry an Ordnance Survey map and a compass, and know how to use them. Check the weather forecast before setting out, tell someone your planned route and expected return time, and wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions.
UKLakeDistrict.com accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of route information or GPX files provided on this site. You walk entirely at your own risk.
Route Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Westmorland & Furness Way?
The unofficial mapped route on this page runs approximately 188 km (117 miles) across Cumbria, from Alston in the North Pennines to Furness Abbey on the coast, with around 4,346 m of total ascent. Most walkers complete it over 6 to 10 days, depending on fitness and how they break up the stages. It can also be walked in shorter sections as a series of day or weekend outings.
What makes the Westmorland & Furness Way unique?
Unlike Lake District walks that focus purely on the high peaks, this route showcases the full cultural and geological diversity of Cumbria. It links the 'working' landscapes of the coast and valleys with the 'wild' landscapes of the Pennines, Howgills and Lakeland fells, offering a far more complete picture of the county — from a UNESCO Geopark and ancient stone circles to a UNESCO World Heritage national park and a great medieval abbey.
When is the best time of year to walk it?
The best time is late spring to early autumn, when daylight is long and conditions are most settled. The lower Eden Valley and Furness sections are accessible much of the year, but the exposed North Pennine and Howgill moorland can be prone to mist, bog and harsh weather in winter. For the full end-to-end walk, aim for May to September and always check the mountain forecast before committing to a high stage.
Is the Westmorland & Furness Way an official National Trail?
No — it's an unofficial, self-devised long-distance route rather than a waymarked National Trail. That means there's limited signposting on the ground, so the GPX track and your OS maps are your primary guide throughout. The upside is a genuinely quiet, uncrowded crossing of Cumbria that most walkers will have largely to themselves.
How hard is the Westmorland & Furness Way?
It's a challenging multi-day route. While individual stages vary from gentle riverside walking to serious moorland and fell crossings, the sheer scale — roughly 188 km with 4,350 m of ascent — plus remote sections and the need for self-sufficiency make it suitable for experienced long-distance walkers with good navigation skills and fitness, rather than beginners.
How do I plan accommodation and resupply?
Break the route around the natural hubs of Alston, Appleby, Sedbergh, Windermere/Bowness and Ulverston, where you'll find accommodation, shops and transport. Book ahead in peak season, as rural options are limited, and carry enough food and water for the quieter days between hubs. Public transport links at these towns also make it practical to walk the route in shorter sections over several trips if a continuous through-walk isn't feasible.
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