Westmorland Way
A self-guided walking holiday through the old county of Westmorland and pretty Lake District villages.
This scenic walk through the historic county of Westmorland and the Lake District National Park begins at Appleby in the shadow of the Pennines and ends at Arnside on the shores of Morecambe Bay.
Beginning in Appleby, a picturesque town dominated by its sturdy Norman Castle, the Westmorland Way crosses the lush pastures of the Eden Valley through a string of pretty red sandstone villages to Shap. After visiting Shap Abbey the trail follows the banks of the River Lowther to Askam, a delightful village with two greens surrounded by fine 17th century cottages, before crossing Heughscar Hill to the attractive village of Pooley Bridge, with far-reaching views over Ullswater. Then it follows the lakeside path through meadows and ancient oak, birch and hazel woods to the hamlet of Patterdale at the head of the lake, where it joins an old packhorse track cutting through the hills of the Helvellyn range to the picturesque village of Grasmere. From Elterwater in the beautiful Langdale valley, the trail meanders downstream beside the River Brathay to the lively little town of Ambleside. It visits Jenkin Crag, which provides glorious views across Windermere to the Langdale Pikes, and Troutbeck, famous for its named wells, bank barns and beautiful 17th century farmhouses with mullioned windows and the tall cylindrical chimneys so characteristic of Westmorland. After exploring the medieval market town of Kendal, with its interesting yards, ginnels and alleyways, the Westmorland Way leaves the town beside the River Kent. Several lovely riverside miles later, it leaves the river and follows the Lancaster Canal to the village of Holme, where woodland paths lead over the hillocks of Fairy Steps and Arnside Knott to Arnside on the shores of Morecambe Bay.
Holiday Highlights
- Visiting the lakes of Windermere, Elterwater, Grasmere and Ullswater.
- Walking through a variety of stunning scenery, from lakeshore paths, mountain trails, woodlands, farmlands and open fells.
- Exploring the picturesque towns of Appleby, Askham, Pooley Bridge and Grasmere.
Westmorland Way
Appleby to Arnside through the mountains and villages of Westmorland.
| Total Distance | 95 miles (152 km) |
| Start and Finish | Appleby to Arnside |
| Availability | 15th March to 15th October |
| Tour Code | Itinerary | Tour Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WESMW1 | 8 nights, 7 days walking | £535 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| WESMW2 | 9 nights, 8 days walking | £600 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| WESMW3 | 10 nights, 9 days walking | £680 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| WESMW4 | 11 nights, 10 days walking | £745 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply: | |||||
| Solo Walker Supplement: | £28 per person / per night | ||||
| Single Supplement: | £15 per person / per night | ||||
| You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency. | |||||
| The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday. | |||||
Don’t have the time for the complete walk?
For those with less time available, we also offer a shorter tour covering the most beautiful stretch of the Westmorland Way between Pooley Bridge and Ambleside.
Westmorland Way Highlights
Pooley Bridge to Ambleside through the scenic Lake District.
| Total Distance | 28 miles (45 km) |
| Start and Finish | Pooley Bridge to Ambleside |
| Availability | 15th March to 15th October |
The Westmorland Way Highlights is a shorter walk through the old county of Westmorland. It starts in the village of Pooley Bridge and continues through some of Cumbria’s most picturesque scenery to the bustling town of Ambleside at the head of Lake Windermere.
Leaving Pooley Bridge, with its sixteenth century bridge over the River Eamont, the trail skirts the Eastern side of Ullswater, taking in atmospheric woodland, dramatic fells and an impressive stone circle as the trail remains in the company of one of England’s largest lakes.
After visiting the quaint town of Patterdale, the trail continues through the valley of Grisedale, deep in the Helvellyn range. Following a clear path through the valley, there are breath taking views throughout and following a challenging ascent, the glistening waters of Grisedale Tarn emerge as reward. After a steady downhill walk to Grasmere, there is much to be explored in this fascinating village, from sampling the fine Grasmere gingerbread, visiting William Wordsworth’s home at Dove Cottage, or wandering through the Daffodils garden near to Wordsworth’s grave.
Crossing the valley of Langdale, the trail proceeds through wonderful mountains, passes the peaceful expanse of Elterwater and arrives in Ambleside where the bustling Victorian town offers links to Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth as well as ferries to Windermere and the amazing Stock Ghyll Force Waterfall a short walk away from the town centre.
Holiday Highlights
- Tasting the famous Grasmere gingerbread in the interesting village of Grasmere.
- Discovering the landscape around Ullswater that inspired Wordsworth to write ‘Daffodils.’
- Reaching Grisedale Tarn and admiring the dramatic mountain scenery of the Helvellyn Range.
| Tour Code | Itinerary | Tour Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WESMWH | 4 nights, 3 days walking | £310 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply: | |||||
| Solo Walker Supplement: | £28 per person / per night | ||||
| Single Supplement: | £15 per person / per night | ||||
| You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £48 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency. | |||||
| The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday. | |||||
