Stage 1 of the Cumbria Way runs Ulverston to Coniston: about 15.7 miles (25.3 km) with around 601 m of ascent and a high point of 211 m. It's rated Moderate and takes most walkers 6–7 hours. From the stone marker at The Gill in Ulverston, over rolling farmland into the National Park and along the western shore of Coniston Water.
Free and un-gated, no sign-up. Waymarks are patchy, so carry the GPX with you.
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Elevation Profile
Elevation derived from the route GPX sampled against a digital elevation model (Open-Meteo (Copernicus DEM)). Figures are approximate.
Key Facts
The Route & What to Expect
The Cumbria Way begins at The Gill in Ulverston, where a path follows the stream up out of the town. Look back for the Hoad Monument on the hill above Ulverston, and ahead for your first view of the Coniston fells.
The first half is a patchwork of farmland, lanes and low hills through Gawthwaite. There are plenty of stiles and gates, and the route-finding needs care where field paths are faint. You enter the Lake District National Park and cross rougher, open ground past lovely Beacon Tarn.
The afternoon is easier: the route drops to the western shore of Coniston Water near Torver and follows the lakeside north, with Coniston Old Man and Dow Crag ahead, into Coniston village.
Getting to the Start & Finish
Start: Ulverston station is on the Furness Line between Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness, a short walk from The Gill. Finish: Coniston has bus links to Ambleside and Windermere, and south towards Ulverston.
Always check current timetables. Rural services are limited in the evenings, on Sundays and in winter.
Where to Stay & Eat
Most walkers stay in Ulverston the night before, a lively market town with inns, B&Bs and plenty of places to eat. Coniston is well supplied, with hotels, inns, B&Bs, a youth hostel and campsites. There's little on the way apart from Torver, so carry lunch.
Accommodation or café near Coniston?
Walkers use this page to plan where to stop on Stage 1 of the Cumbria Way. Advertise here free for 6 months, with no obligation to continue.
Become a Trail Partner →Stage 1 FAQs
Our GPX measures 15.7 miles (25.3 km) from Ulverston to Coniston, with around 600 m of ascent. Most walkers take 6 to 7 hours.
At The Gill, on the western edge of Ulverston town centre. A path follows the stream up out of the town towards Gawthwaite. Ulverston station is a short walk away.
It's moderate. The climbs are short, but the farmland section has many stiles and faint paths that need careful navigation. The second half along Coniston Water is easy walking.
Yes. You can download a free Stage 1 GPX (Ulverston to Coniston) from this page, with no sign-up. Full-route and all-stage files are on our Cumbria Way GPX page.
Continue the Walk
All five stages, itineraries and transport: Cumbria Way guide · Kit & safety