Cumbria Way – Introduction

The Cumbria Way was my second long distance path, first walked with Rita in September 1993. Like the Dales Way it gives outrageous rewards, in terms of sustained interest and outstanding landscape, for little outlay of effort. The route starts at Ulverston, near the Morecambe Bay shore, and heads north, through the centre of the Lake District, to end in Carlisle.

I’d updated my gear after my last outing: new Berghaus rucksack and Meindl walking boots. Unfortunately, against all received wisdom, the boots had only been used for a few miles of local walking along the cliffs.

After pre-booking accommodation, forwarding deposits and updating the guide book, I arrived in Ulverston on 15 September 2007, just in time to visit Woolworths to buy cheap reading glasses to replace the ones I’d left at home. Perhaps I should have interpreted that lapse as an omen for the trip.

Ulverston was busy. My visit coincided with the Ulverston Lantern Procession: the pubs and restaurants were heaving. It was good fun too.

Accommodation: Sefton House, 34 Queen St., Ulverston, LA12 7AF