The UK’s newest long-distance walking route, the Westmorland and Furness Way, will be officially launched on 15 September 2026.
The 120-mile Westmorland and Furness Way will showcase stunning and varied landscapes, guiding walkers through the North Pennines National Landscape, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Lake District National Park and the expanse of Morecambe Bay.
The signed trail has been developed by Westmorland and Furness Council, building on the initial concept of local walker and guidebook writer, David Pitt.
Using existing trails where possible, the Westmorland and Furness Way creates a continuous route from Alston - England’s highest market town – in the north, to the majestic sandstone ruins of the 900-year old Furness Abbey in the south.
From high fells and open moorland to rolling countryside, rivers and coast, varied terrain ensures walking opportunities suitable for a range of ages and abilities.
The new route is presented in six sections, so walkers can easily plan a day walk or weekend adventure along the route or a longer, more immersive walking holiday taking an estimated 8-17 days to complete:
Over the Pennines – Section 1: Alston to Milburn (16 miles (26km), taking an estimated 1 to 2 days).
Find out more about the Over the Pennines section.
Following the Eden – Section 2: Milburn to Kirkby Stephen (23 miles (38km), taking an estimated 2 to 3 days).
Find out more about the Following the Eden section.
Exploring the Dales and Howgills – Section 3: Kirkby Stephen to Sedbergh (16 miles (25km), taking an estimated 1 to 3 days).
Find out more about the Dales and Howgills section.
From the Dales to the Lakes – Section 4: Sedbergh to Bowness (27 miles (43km), taking an estimated 2 to 4 days).
Find out more about the Dales to the Lakes section.
Through Furness woodlands and foothills – Section 5: Bowness to Ulverston (21 miles (34km), taking an estimated 1 to 3 days).
Find out more about the Furness woodlands and foothills section.
Along the Furness Coast – Section 6: Ulverston to Furness Abbey (17 miles (27km), taking an estimated 1 to 2 days).
Find out more about the Furness Coast section.
Along the way walkers can experience stunning viewpoints, exceptional hospitality, intriguing cultural attractions, and unique industrial heritage including mining, mills and boat building – all highlighted by new signage and interpretation boards.
Westmorland and Furness Council is also introducing a special ‘Walker’s Passport’ scheme, featuring designated stamping points at participating venues. It’s designed to celebrate individual progress along the Westmorland and Furness Way while supporting local businesses and charities too.
Councillor Adrian Waite, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet member for Environmental Services and Transport, said: “We are incredibly proud to have developed the spectacular Westmorland and Furness Way, designed to connect both visitors and local communities with our rich heritage, nature and diverse landscapes.
“This new walking route will celebrate our stunning area and make it even more accessible, creating a connected path from Alston all the way to Furness Abbey.
People will be able to walk just a few miles of one section, tackle a couple of sections at a time or undertake the ultimate challenge of walking the whole 120 miles over several days.
As well as being an excellent way to exercise and keep fit and healthy, the route will also provide opportunities for regenerative tourism and economic boosts for communities along the route, with walkers looking for places to eat, drink and sleep as they navigate their journey.’’
The Westmorland and Furness Way will be launched on 15 September as part of Sedbergh Walking and Wellbeing Festival (14 – 20 September). Find out more about Sedbergh Walking and Wellbeing Festival.