Cumbria Way: Hostels and Bunkhouses
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The Cumbria Way walking route is a 70 mile (112km) linear route through the heart of the Lake District.
The route links Ulverston in the south with Carlisle in the north and goes through and past some of the Lake District’s most iconic areas and landmarks.
The Cumbria Way can be walked in 5+ days (using a combination of Independent and YHA hostels).
Hostels and Bunkhouses on the Cumbria Way
The Cumbria Way takes walkers on a 70 mile (112km) adventure through the heart of the Lake District National Park. It can be walked from south to north or vice versa. Most of the route is low level but there are some higher, more exposed parts and good map reading skills are essential as the route is not well way-marked.
Whilst the early sections are in low lying pasture type landscapes the middle section from the Langdales to Keswick and on to Caldbeck are more traditional Lakeland fell walking routes here the route goes up to 600+ metres and walkers should be aware of weather conditions and ensure they are correctly attired for serious hiking.
The Cumbria Way 6 Day walking route
Walkers can complete the route in 5 days if they break the first day at Coniston, however, it is possible to do the whole route using independent hostels and bunkhouses over 6 days. Details of the route are available on the LDWA website. and on the Cumbria Way Walk website.
The Cumbria Way Day 1 – Ulverston and Morecombe Bay
The Cumbria Way starts in the market town of Ulverston on Morecombe Bay.
The Cumbria Way Day 2 – Lake District Fells and The Langdale Valley
The next day takes you into the heart of the Lake District Fells with some higher walking finishing at Elterwater Hostel or Great Langdale Bunkhouse. At this point, the route is through stunning lake district countryside past tarns, across rivers and through woodland and you find yourself in the heart of the Cumbria way countryside.
The Cumbria Way Day 3 – Keswick and Catbells
The next day takes you to Keswick. Stay at Denton House Hostel in the centre of town.
The Cumbria Way Day 4 – Skiddaw Mountain
Cumbria Way walkers should really take the opportunity to stay at Skiddaw House Hostel high on the side of Skiddaw mountain. This hostel may be totally off grid but it does not stint on comfort and hospitality. Don’t forget to stock up on provisions in Keswick before you set off though as it is self- catering only. The Lonscale Centre at Blencathra and the Whitehorse Inn Bunkhouse (a little off route) also catered for this night.
The Cumbria Way Day 5 – Caldbeck and Northern Lake District
The northern section of the Cumbria Way is really only catered for by Caldbeck Glamping Barns, which have an ideal location but often ask for a minimum of 2 nights booking.
The Cumbria Way Day 6 – Eden Valley and Carlisle
The final day brings you down from the high fells into the Eden Valley and Carlisle.
The table below shows all the accommodation in the Independent Hostel Guide which is on or within 5km (3miles) of the route.
| Hostel name | Distance along route (S-N) km + distance from route | miles incl. distance from route | Group only? | Bedding provided | Meals provided? | Food available locally? |
| Elterwater Hostel | 36 | 23 | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Great Langdale Bunkhouse | 41 | 26 | no | yes | no | yes |
| Hawes End Centre | 62 | 39 | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Denton House | no | yes | yes | |||
| Skiddaw House Hostel | 74 | 46 | no | yes | no | no |
| White Horse Inn Bunkhouse | 71+5 | 48 | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Caldbeck Glamping Barns | 86 | 54 | no | yes | no | yes |