Cumbria Way: Hostels and Bunkhouses

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.

Whist 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.

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.

Day 1

The Cumbria Way starts in the market town on Ulverston on Morecombe Bay.  There are no independent hostels in the town but walkers could spend the night before the start at Kendal Hostel which is connected to Ulverston and Coniston by  the X6 bus  or at  Arnside Independent Hostel which is just 25 minutes away by regular train service.  On leaving Ulverston the route winds its way through lowland pasture until it enters the Lake District National Park. Here you are less than a kilometre from Lowick School Bunkhouse which is  a great first night base for groups of walkers.  For those happy to carry bedding Fell End Camping Barn is also in this area.  The route continues to the official end of day one at Coniston.  Groups as small as 8 can stay at High Wray Basecamp north of Coniston and there are a couple of YHA Hostels near Coniston.   Alternatively  you can catch the the X6 bus from Coniston to Kendal and spend the night at Kendal Hostel.  This gives the option of walking without a pack on the first day for those who have already stayed at Kendal Hostel.  This is a 25km 15 mile first day.

Day 2

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.  Walkers can also venture further from the route to Thorney How Hostel or Grasmere Hostel in Grasmere. At this point the route is through stunning lake district countryside past tarns, across rivers and through woodland and you find your self in the heart of the Cumbria way countryside.

Day 3

The next day takes you to Keswick.  Groups have the choice of Bowderstone Bothy (recognised groups only), Hawes End Centre and the Coach House at Old Windebrow or if they fancy going further afield to the Carlisle Diocesean Youth Centre.  Small groups on individuals can stay at Denton House. Indivudals are welcome at Catbells or Dinah Hoggas Camping Barns if they are bringing their own sleeping equipment.

Day 4

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 Whitehorse Inn Bunkhouse is a catered option but a little off the route.

Day 5

The northern section of the Cumbria Way is really only catered for by Hudscales Camping Barn which does require visitors to bring their own sleeping bags and mats.  For the less intrepid there are a number of B&Bs etc on the Long Distance Walkers website page for the route.

Day 6

The final day brings you down from the high fells into the Eden Valley and Carlisle where the staff at Carlisle City hostel will make individuals and groups alike very welcome after their long adventure.