A Quieter Journey Through Cumbria
The Westmorland Way is often described as one of the Lake District’s lesser-known long-distance walks and that’s exactly its appeal. Stretching roughly 95 miles (150 km), it runs from Appleby-in-Westmorland to Arnside on the edge of Morecambe Bay.
Unlike the busier national trails, this route feels more grounded in the landscape it passes through, connecting market towns, working countryside, and quieter corners of the Lakes without the crowds.
It’s a route that rewards steady progress rather than speed. There’s variety here, from the wide-open spaces of the Eden Valley to the more rugged sections as you move further south, but it’s all manageable with good planning and a realistic pace.
Westmorland Way: The Route at a Glance
The walk begins in Appleby-in-Westmorland, a historic market town with good rail connections, making it an easy starting point. From there, the route heads west into the Upper Eden Valley, passing through Kirkby Stephen before gradually working its way into the Lake District National Park.
Key points along the route include:
- Appleby-in-Westmorland → Kirkby Stephen (approx. 14 miles)
A steady opening day following the Eden Valley. This is a good introduction to the walk without being overly demanding. - Kirkby Stephen → Orton (approx. 13 miles)
A slightly more remote stretch, with long sections between villages. Orton is well set up for walkers and makes a natural overnight stop. - Orton → Patterdale (approx. 15 miles)
One of the more challenging days, taking you properly into the Lake District. This is where the terrain becomes more varied and requires a bit more focus. - Patterdale → Kentmere (approx. 11 miles)
A shorter but still active day, linking two quieter valleys and offering a good balance after the previous stage. - Kentmere → Staveley (approx. 6 miles)
A gentler section, often used as a recovery day. Staveley has plenty of facilities and transport links. - Staveley → Arnside (approx. 16 miles)
The final push south towards the coast, finishing on the shores of Morecambe Bay.
Most walkers complete the route in 6–8 days depending on pace and how much time they want to spend enjoying stops along the way.
Why Kirkby Stephen Matters
Positioned early in the route, Kirkby Stephen is more than just a stopover but instead it’s a natural place to pause, reset, and prepare for the more demanding middle section of the walk. With its status as a Walkers are Welcome town, it’s well equipped for long-distance walkers, whether you need supplies, a proper meal, or simply a slower evening.
Staying at Augill Castle
Just outside the town, Augill Castle offers something slightly different to the usual walking accommodation. For those tackling the Westmorland Way, it works particularly well either as a first-night stop after leaving Appleby or as a place to build in a rest night before heading onwards.
Rooms are designed for comfort rather than turnover with space to properly unpack, dry kit, and get a good night’s sleep. Breakfasts are substantial and well-timed for walkers setting off early, while suppers provide a chance to properly refuel at the end of the day. There’s also flexibility whether you’re walking solo, as a couple, or as part of a small group.
For many, it becomes a strategic stop as much as a comfortable one, and very much a place to gather yourself before continuing south.
Planning Your Westmorland Way Walk
The Westmorland Way doesn’t require technical climbing, but it does demand preparation. Daily distances are consistent, and some sections have limited facilities between stops, so planning ahead is key.
A few practical considerations:
Footwear: Good boots or trail shoes are essential, surfaces vary throughout
Navigation: Carry a map or GPX route, signage is present but not always consistent
Weather: Conditions can change quickly, particularly in the central sections
Luggage transfer: Available through local providers if you prefer to walk lighter
A Different Kind of Long-Distance Walk
What sets the Westmorland Way apart is its balance. It doesn’t try to compete with the better-known routes — instead, it offers a more measured experience, linking places that feel lived-in rather than curated for tourism.
For walkers looking to explore Cumbria at a steady pace, without the pressure of crowded trails, it’s a route that delivers exactly what it promises; a clear path through one of England’s most varied landscapes, with just enough challenge to keep it interesting.
And with the right places to stop along the way, it becomes more than just a line on a map but it becomes a journey you can actually enjoy.
Augill Castle is a 19th Century home-from-home boutique hotel on the outskirts of Kirkby Stephen who have been hosting walkers and visitors to Cumbria and The Lake District (a short drive!) for 30 years.
This is the link to BOOK Augill Castle, or if you fancy a human at the end of a phone jump on +44 17683 41937. We can also be found hanging on the email at [email protected]
