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 2 of the original Furness Way runs Crosthwaite to Cartmel: 12.3 miles (19.8 km) with around 459 m of ascent and a high point of 211 m. It's rated Moderate. Limestone country: along Whitbarrow to Witherslack, through Lindale and over Hampsfell's viewpoint into the priory village of Cartmel.
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.
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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 Takeaways
The Route & What to Expect
From Crosthwaite the route heads south to Beck Head at the foot of Whitbarrow, a long limestone ridge and National Nature Reserve. It then skirts the scar through Witherslack, a scattered village of woods and old farms.
Beyond Mill Side the route crosses the A590 to Lindale, then climbs Hampsfell. Its summit shelter, the Hospice, is a small 19th-century stone building with one of the finest views over Morecambe Bay. The descent drops straight into Cartmel, beneath the tower of its great medieval priory.
Expect limestone paths that are slippery when wet, woodland, and short, steep pulls. The only real climbing comes in the final miles over Hampsfell.
Getting to the Start & Finish
Start: Crosthwaite has limited public transport; a taxi from Kendal is the usual option. Finish: Cark & Cartmel station, about two miles from the village, is on the Furness Line. Grange-over-Sands station is also close to Lindale and Hampsfell if you need to leave the route early.
Always check current timetables. Rural services are limited in the evenings and on Sundays.
Where to Stay & Eat
Cartmel is one of the best overnight stops on the walk, with inns, B&Bs and some of the best restaurants in Cumbria. Beds fill up fast on Cartmel race days, so check the fixtures before you book.
Accommodation or café near Cartmel?
Walkers use this page to plan where to stop on Stage 2. A Trail Partner listing puts your B&B, inn, campsite or café in front of them right here.
Become a Trail Partner →Stage 2 FAQs
About 12.3 miles (19.8 km) from Crosthwaite to Cartmel, measured from our GPX, with around 460 m of ascent and a high point of about 210 m. Allow 5 to 6 hours.
A small stone shelter on the summit of Hampsfell above Grange-over-Sands, built in the 19th century. Its roof gives a panoramic view over Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland fells.
Continue the Walk
All six stages, the full-route map and GPX: Original Furness Way guide · Which Furness Way? · Kit & safety