New 120-Mile Walking Route Across Cumbria to Launch in September
A new 120-mile walking route linking Alston with Furness Abbey will officially open on September 15, 2026.
The Westmorland and Furness Way will run from England’s highest market town to the historic abbey ruins near Barrow. Along the way, walkers will pass through the North Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and the coastal landscape of Morecambe Bay.
The route has been split into six sections. This means people can complete the full challenge or choose a shorter part for a day walk or weekend trip.
Where Does the Route Start and Finish?
The Westmorland and Furness Way begins in Alston, around 1,000 feet above sea level in the North Pennines.
From there, it travels south across fells, moorland, riverside paths, farmland and woodland. It eventually reaches the Furness coast before ending at Furness Abbey.
Founded in 1123, Furness Abbey was once one of the wealthiest monasteries in north-west England. Its red sandstone ruins provide a fitting finish to the long-distance walk.
The Six Sections of the Route
The full trail is expected to take between eight and 17 days. However, each main section can be walked on its own.
1. Alston to Milburn
- Distance: 16 miles
- Suggested time: One to two days
Known as “Over the Pennines”, this is one of the highest and most remote parts of the trail.
The route leaves Alston and passes Garrigill before climbing into the Pennine hills. Walkers will see old mining sites, Greg’s Hut and wide views across the surrounding moorland.
The main route reaches a height of 786 metres. Walkers can also take a short diversion to the summit of Cross Fell, which stands at 893 metres.
A signed diversion is currently in place near Dryburn because a bridge is closed for repairs. The ground around Cross Fell can also be very wet, so suitable footwear and navigation equipment will be important.
2. Milburn to Kirkby Stephen
- Distance: 23 miles
- Suggested time: Two to three days
This section offers gentler walking through the Eden Valley.
After leaving Milburn, walkers can stop in Dufton before continuing through woodland towards Appleby-in-Westmorland. The trail then follows parts of the River Eden and passes near Warcop, Great Musgrave, Church Brough and Brough Sowerby.
Local attractions include Appleby Castle, Brough Castle and the historic St Lawrence’s Church.
The section ends in Kirkby Stephen, where walkers will find shops, cafés, accommodation and public transport. Appleby and Kirkby Stephen are both served by the Settle to Carlisle Railway.
3. Kirkby Stephen to Sedbergh
- Distance: 16 miles on the lower route or 18 miles on the higher route
- Suggested time: One to three days
Walkers can choose between two routes through the Dales and Howgills.
Both options travel from Kirkby Stephen towards Ravenstonedale. The lower route then follows the eastern side of the Howgills, reaching a height of around 400 metres. It passes near the Cross Keys and Cautley Spout before following the River Rawthey into Sedbergh.
The tougher high route climbs over several Howgill summits, including The Calf at 676 metres. On a clear day, walkers can see the Yorkshire Three Peaks, the Pennines and several Lake District fells.
The lower route is likely to be the better choice during poor weather.
4. Sedbergh to Bowness-on-Windermere
- Distance: 27 miles
- Suggested time: Two to four days
The longest section follows the River Rawthey and River Lune before heading towards the Lake District.
Places and landmarks along the way include the Lune Viaduct, Lowgill Viaduct, Patton Bridge, Burneside and Staveley. The route also passes historic mills once powered by Cumbria’s rivers.
Walkers enter the Lake District National Park near Staveley and finish beside Windermere in Bowness.
Burneside and Staveley both have railway stations. This makes it possible to join or leave the trail without completing the full 27-mile section.
5. Bowness-on-Windermere to Ulverston
- Distance: 21 miles
- Suggested time: One to three days
This part begins with a trip across Windermere on the vehicle ferry from Ferry Nab.
Walkers then climb towards Claife Viewing Station before passing Far Sawrey, woodland and farmland. The trail continues through Grizedale Forest and the village of Satterthwaite.
Further south, walkers can enjoy views over Coniston Water before heading towards Ulverston.
Possible places to begin or end a shorter walk include Bowness, Far Sawrey, Satterthwaite and Water Yeat. Bus connections are available in parts of the area, although services can be limited.
Walkers should check whether the Windermere Ferry is operating before setting out.
6. Ulverston to Furness Abbey
- Distance: 17 miles
- Suggested time: One to two days
The final section follows the Ulverston Canal before joining the King Charles III England Coast Path at Canal Foot.
It passes Conishead Priory, Bardsea, Sea Wood, Baycliff, Aldingham and Newbiggin. The route then continues towards Rampside and Cavendish Dock.
Walkers can enjoy views across Morecambe Bay, with Piel Island, Walney Island and Barrow’s shipyard visible later in the journey.
The trail leaves the coast near Cavendish Dock and heads inland to its finish at Furness Abbey.
Those looking for a shorter coastal outing could begin at Bardsea, Baycliff, Aldingham or Rampside. However, walkers will need to plan around the limited bus service between Ulverston and Barrow.
Can You Walk Just Part of the Route?
People do not need to complete all 120 miles.
Each of the six sections can be divided into shorter walks. Towns such as Appleby, Kirkby Stephen, Sedbergh, Staveley, Bowness and Ulverston provide useful places to join the trail.
Some sections also have rail or bus connections. However, services in rural areas can be infrequent, so return travel should be planned before setting off.
The council is installing new signs and information boards along the route. These will highlight local wildlife, viewpoints and the area’s industrial past, including mining, mills and shipbuilding.
Walker’s Passport Scheme Planned
A new Walker’s Passport will also form part of the trail.
Walkers will be able to collect stamps from participating venues as they make their way along the route. The scheme is designed to mark their progress while encouraging people to visit local cafés, pubs, accommodation providers and other businesses.
When Will the Route Open?
The Westmorland and Furness Way will officially launch on Tuesday, September 15.
Its opening will form part of the Sedbergh Walking and Wellbeing Festival, which runs from September 14 to 20.
Many parts already use existing public paths. However, walkers planning to explore the trail before its official launch should check for unfinished signs, maintenance work and temporary diversions.
Route maps, individual section guides and downloadable GPX files are available through the official Westmorland and Furness Way route guide.
