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 3 of the original Furness Way runs Cartmel to Lowick Bridge: 10.8 miles (17.4 km) with around 253 m of ascent and a high point of 174 m. It's rated Easy. West across the River Leven by Backbarrow and Haverthwaite, then along the Crake valley via Greenodd and Penny Bridge to Lowick Bridge.
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
Leaving Cartmel, the route crosses the low hills north-west of the village to the River Leven at Backbarrow and Haverthwaite. Haverthwaite is home to the Lakeside & Haverthwaite heritage steam railway. The route continues past Low Wood to Greenodd, where the Leven and Crake meet the tidal sands.
From Greenodd the route follows the River Crake north through Penny Bridge to Lowick Bridge, near the foot of Coniston Water. It's the shortest and easiest day on the walk: woodland, riverside paths and farmland, with a few road crossings along the A590 corridor.
Getting to the Start & Finish
Start: Cark & Cartmel station (Furness Line) is two miles from Cartmel. On route: buses along the A590 link Haverthwaite and Greenodd with Ulverston and Kendal. Finish: Lowick Bridge is rural, with little public transport; Ulverston is a short taxi ride away.
Always check current timetables. Rural services are limited in the evenings and on Sundays.
Where to Stay & Eat
Lowick Bridge and its neighbours have only a few beds, including a village inn and farm B&Bs. Book well ahead, or stay in Ulverston and taxi back to the route. Greenodd and Penny Bridge are alternative stops if you want a shorter day.
Accommodation or café near Lowick Bridge?
Walkers use this page to plan where to stop on Stage 3. A Trail Partner listing puts your B&B, inn, campsite or café in front of them right here.
Become a Trail Partner →Stage 3 FAQs
About 10.8 miles (17.4 km) from Cartmel to Lowick Bridge, measured from our GPX, with around 250 m of ascent. It's the easiest stage; allow 4 to 5 hours.
Accommodation at Lowick Bridge is very limited. Book early, use Greenodd or Penny Bridge, or stay in Ulverston and take a short taxi back to the route.
Continue the Walk
All six stages, the full-route map and GPX: Original Furness Way guide · Which Furness Way? · Kit & safety