This is a stage of the original Furness Way (Arnside to Ravenglass). For the new 120-mile Westmorland and Furness Way, go to our main trail guide →
Stage 1 of the original Furness Way runs Arnside to Crosthwaite: 14 miles (22.5 km) with around 358 m of ascent and a high point of 118 m. It's rated Easy. A gentle opening along the Kent estuary, then north through Heversham and Levens to the damson country of the Lyth Valley.
Free and un-gated, no sign-up. Load the GPX into your GPS device or phone app. The route isn't waymarked, so carry it with you.
Pairs perfectly with our GPX files: import this file into Our Fells, save the OS map offline and follow the line with live GPS. 7-day free trial, then 10% off your first year with code . Affiliate link
Elevation Profile
Elevation derived from the route GPX sampled against a digital elevation model (Open-Meteo (Copernicus DEM)). Figures are approximate.
Key Takeaways
The Route & What to Expect
The walk starts on the promenade at Arnside, with the railway viaduct striding across the Kent estuary. The first miles pass Hazelslack Tower, a ruined medieval pele tower, and follow lanes and field paths through Storth and Sandside beside the estuary to Haverbrack, above Milnthorpe.
The route then turns north through Heversham and Levens, close to the parkland of Levens Hall, before rising gently to Brigsteer and its woods. The last miles cross the limestone edge of the Lyth Valley, through Underbarrow, to Crosthwaite, a village famous for its damson orchards and April blossom.
This is low-level walking on field paths, tracks and quiet lanes, with a few short climbs and no navigation difficulties in clear weather. It's the gentlest start of any Lakeland long-distance walk.
Getting to the Start & Finish
Start: Arnside station is on the Furness Line between Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness. Finish: Crosthwaite has no railway and few buses; Kendal, about five miles away, is the nearest town for taxis and onward connections.
Want a shorter first day? Stop at Milnthorpe or Levens, roughly four to six miles from Arnside, and walk on to Crosthwaite the next morning.
Always check current timetables. Rural services are limited in the evenings and on Sundays.
Where to Stay & Eat
Crosthwaite and the Lyth Valley have a handful of inns, B&Bs and farm stays. There aren't many beds, so book early in spring blossom season and summer. Arnside has seafront inns and B&Bs for the night before you set off.
Accommodation or café near Crosthwaite?
Walkers use this page to plan where to stop on Stage 1. A Trail Partner listing puts your B&B, inn, campsite or café in front of them right here.
Become a Trail Partner →Stage 1 FAQs
About 14 miles (22.5 km) from Arnside to Crosthwaite, measured from our GPX, with roughly 360 m of ascent. Most walkers take 5 to 6 hours.
Yes. Milnthorpe and Levens both lie on or near the route after about four to six miles, which makes a short arrival-day walk from Arnside station.
Continue the Walk
All six stages, the full-route map and GPX: Original Furness Way guide · Which Furness Way? · Kit & safety