Westmorland and Furness Way

The Westmorland and Furness Way is a long distance walking route that takes in 120 miles (193 km) of stunning and varied landscapes across the Westmorland & Furness Council area of Cumbria in the north of England. 

From Alston in the north to Furness Abbey in the south, the route passes through the North Pennines National Landscape, the Eden Valley, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Lake District National Park, and alongside Morecambe Bay.

From high fell and open moorland to rolling countryside, rivers and coast, varied terrain ensures walking opportunities suitable for a range of ages and abilities. The walk is presented in 6 sections, so you can easily plan a day walk or weekend adventure along the route, as well as a longer walking holiday. Take a look at our suggested itineraries for inspiration.    

Wander through picturesque towns and villages that line the route, sample delicious local produce, visit the unique artisan studios, independent shops and attractions that make this region so special. Collect stamps in your Westmorland and Furness Way Passport along the way to keep a record of your progress.

Where did the idea come from?

The idea for the Westmorland and Furness Way originally came from local walker and guidebook writer David Pitt. David was introduced to fellwalking on a family holiday in Grasmere in 1948. This led to plenty of walking holidays and in 1978 David set out to complete his first long distance trail, Alfred Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Path. Every year for the following 40 years, he has walked along long-distance trails around the UK. In 1998, David and his wife Heather revived Alfred Wainwright’s ‘A Pennine Journey’. In 2010, they edited the guidebook for the route. 

How was the route created?

Westmorland & Furness Council then took forward the development of the route. The Countryside Access Team planned and delivered the project, completing the necessary maintenance and repair works in partnership with local organisations and volunteers. Thanks to this collaborative effort, the route was developed within a relatively short timeframe, enabling the original vision to become a reality.

Interactive overview of the route

Click on any section of the route for more information.