Cumbria Way
From Thursday to Monday a friend and I walked the Cumbria Way, but completing it from Carlisle to Ulverston rather than the intended Ulverston to Carlisle. I couldn’t be happier with the decision to do it that way round, it was an utter delight having that first day from Carlisle to Caldbeck as a warm up day walking along the river and towards the Lakes. I also really liked finishing in Ulverston because it’s got a lovely sculpture marking the end/start, whereas Carlisle is just a market square.
Our days were around 15, 15, 20, 8 and 17 miles, and we didn’t camp, but stayed in a cabin on a campsite in Caldbeck, in a pub in Keswick, Elterwater Hostel, and a hotel in Coniston at the end of our rest day as a treat. We were also so incredibly lucky with the weather, and I wore my waterproof for all of about 10 minutes on the first day.
This was my third long distance walk, and the third time I’ve chosen to complete one around the end of April/beginning of May because there’s a bit of warmth, nice flowers, lambs, and the days are longer. We’re planning another for next year already!