Westmorland Way – Lake District Walking Holiday | Walking Holiday in Britain | Self Guided Walking Holiday

The Westmorland Way walk is entirely within the ancient county of Westmorland which was abolished as an administrative entity in the local government re-organisation of 1974. Geographically of course it lives on and this walk was aimed by its creator, Paul Hannon, as a celebration of the walking delights of the county and its history.

Walking the Westmorland Way begins in the attractive market town of Appleby, the county town of Westmorland, and sweeps westwards and southwards in a great arc through some of the finest Lake District scenery to end in the lovely village of Arnside on Morecambe Bay. Along the way, you pass Ullswater, Grasmere and Windermere.

Grade: Moderate

Meals:
You will normally be staying in a town or village where there is at least one place to buy an evening meal. On the rare occasion that this is not possible, we will book you into an accommodation which provides an evening meal (this is not included in the holiday price). Lunches can usually be bought on route and we can advise you of the days when this is not possible. On these days you can book a packed lunch from your accommodation by letting them know the night before or we can book it for you. These usually cost about £5. Alternatively, most of the towns and villages in which you stay have shops where you can buy items to make up your own packed lunch.

When to Go:
April, May and June are when everything comes to life so it is very green, wild flowers are abundant and blossom abounds. July and August tend to be the warmest months, but it is rarely so warm as to be uncomfortable for walking or cycling. September tends to be one of the most pleasant times in the countryside and is quieter as most people with children have finished their holidays. By October the days are getting shorter and the weather is much more changeable.

Getting There:
By car: Should you wish to leave your car at the first accommodation please let us know in advance and we may be able to book this.
By Air: The most convenient airports are Manchester & Leeds-Bradford.
By Rail: Frequent trains to and from Appleby
Return Journey: By train from Arnside

Day 1 Arrive in Appleby (has railway station).

Day 2 Appleby to Shap.
Following the bank of the River Eden and passing through lovely villages, today sees the transition from Pennine to Lakeland scenery and plenty of the traditional Westmorland. ~ 17 miles

Day 3 Shap to Pooley Bridge.
An easier day following the course of the Rivers Lowther and Eamont. Passing Keld Chapel and Shap Abbey, and on through the Lowther Estate, the walk continues to the delightful village of Askham and on to journey's end at Pooley Bridge on the shores of Ullswater. ~ 14 miles

Day 4 Pooley Bridge to Patterdale.
Today the whole walk follows the eastern side of England's second largest lake, Ullswater. On the way you pass an impressive stone circle and various isolated communities. About half of the walk is along the lakeshore and is truly splendid walking. Alternatively, if you wanted a rest day it is possible to take the regular ferry service from Pooley Bridge to the far end of the lake at Glenridding, from where it is a short walk to your accommodation. ~ 11 miles

Day 5 Patterdale to Grasmere.
Today's route follows the old pony track over Grisedale Hause. This ancient track penetrates the Helvellyn range and is the traditional link between the two villages. Ascending Grisedale to Grisedale Tarn, the magnificent views of the Vale of Grasmere and the mountains beyond open up as you descend into this charming and interesting village with its strong associations with William Wordsworth. ~ 9 miles

Day 6 Grasmere to Troutbeck.
An easy day's walking on good paths takes you through some of the loveliest parts of the Lake District. From Grasmere, the walk crosses over into famous Langdale and the charming village of Elterwater, following the general direction of the River Brathay to the bustling town of Ambleside and then on to Troutbeck village. ~ 12 miles

Day 7 Troutbeck to Kendal.
Quieter paths lead to School Knott Fell before undulating to Underbarrow and on to the interesting South Lakes town of Kendal. ~ 15 miles

Day 8 Kendal to Arnside.
A longish day, but one of easy walking as you follow first the River Kent and then the Lancaster Canal through pleasant, undulating countryside to Farleton Fell, where the route turns west. Climbing the Fairy Steps and passing the pele tower at Hazelslack, the route now climbs up to Arnside Knott before descending to the end of the walk at Arnside (has railway station) on the Kent Estuary. ~ 17 miles

Day 9 Departure

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