Stage 5 of the Westmorland and Furness Way runs Bowness-on-Windermere to Ulverston — 20.9 miles (33.7 km) across the Furness Fells / southern Lake District, rated Moderate, with around 942 m of ascent and a high point of 263 m. A free GPX download and route map are below.
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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
Terrain & What to Expect
Stage 5 leaves the busy central Lakes behind for the quieter Furness Fells and southern Lake District. From Bowness-on-Windermere the route crosses Windermere itself — England's largest lake — by the small vehicle-and-foot ferry at Ferry Nab, landing near the historic Claife Viewing Station.
From Far Sawrey (Beatrix Potter country) the trail heads south through the mixed woodland of Grizedale Forest towards Satterthwaite, then follows gentler country near Coniston Water and the River Crake.
It's a calmer, more contemplative stage of woodland, low fell and farmland, ending in the market town of Ulverston — birthplace of Stan Laurel and home to the Ulverston Canal.
Transport: Getting to the Start & Finish
Getting to the start (Bowness/Windermere): Windermere is well served by rail (the Lakes Line) and bus, making the start of this stage easy to reach.
The Windermere Ferry: this stage relies on the ferry across Windermere at Ferry Nab. Foot passengers pay £1.50 a crossing (card only, from April 2026) and there is no fixed timetable: if you miss a boat, the next is usually about 20 minutes away. It can be suspended for maintenance or high winds. Have a contingency plan for a closure (see the conditions note below) and check its running status before you set out.
Leaving the finish (Ulverston): Ulverston has a railway station on the Cumbrian Coast line and bus connections, so it's straightforward to leave by public transport.
Some details on this stage change with the seasons or the trail's ongoing development. Confirm these against a current, primary source before you set off:
- Any current forestry or logging diversions in Grizedale Forest (Forestry England posts these).
- Stiles vs gates for dog walkers across the rural Furness Fells.
Where to Stay & Eat
Bowness-on-Windermere (start) and Ulverston (finish) both have a full range of shops, cafés, pubs and accommodation.
In the middle of the stage, facilities thin out: Far Sawrey has a pub, and there are seasonal refreshments around Grizedale Forest, but Satterthwaite and the rural miles beyond are quiet — carry supplies for the day.
Ulverston is a characterful market town with plenty of places to eat and stay, and a good spot to celebrate being one stage from the finish.
Stage 5 FAQs
From April 2026 a foot passenger pays £1.50 a crossing, by card only, according to Westmorland and Furness Council, which runs the ferry. There is no fixed timetable: boats cross through the day from early morning to evening, and if you miss one the next is usually about 20 minutes away. The council posts daily service updates, so check before you set out in case it's suspended.
If the ferry is suspended you can't cross the lake at Ferry Nab. The official route guide suggests a bus to Hawkshead and a walk down Esthwaite Water to rejoin the route, a bus towards Coniston or Skelwith Bridge, or, in summer only, the Windermere Lake Cruises boat to Ash Landing, about 300 m from the route. Check current bus times before relying on any of these, as services change.
Largely yes — it's woodland, low fell and farmland — but there's grazing livestock in places, so keep dogs on a lead near animals, and note that dogs travel on the Windermere Ferry too. Check that your accommodation and any planned pub stops are dog-friendly.
Continue the Trail
More trip-planning FAQs · New to the trail? What is the Westmorland and Furness Way?
Plan the whole walk: walking tips · accommodation & transport · kit & safety · itineraries & best time to walk · the landscape & history