Walkers and outdoor enthusiasts can lace up their boots today as the Westmorland and Furness Way officially opens.
Spanning 120 miles of varied terrain and picturesque landscapes, the brand-new signed walking route establishes a direct link between Alston, England’s highest market town, and Furness Abbey on the heritage-rich Furness Peninsula.
Built on a concept by local guidebook writer and walker, David Pitt, and delivered by Westmorland and Furness Council, the route utilises existing public paths where possible, to bridge four distinct regions: the North Pennines National Landscape, the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District, and Morecambe Bay, taking in dramatic mountain views, peaceful valleys, and coastal vistas along the way. It is walkable in either direction.
The route was officially launched today (15 September) by Westmorland and Furness Council at The Black Bull Inn in Sedbergh as part of the town’s annual Walking & Wellbeing Festival. The occasion was marked with celebratory speeches from local council leaders, tourism representatives, and key organisers behind the route, followed by a guided inaugural walk along a short, scenic section.
Councillor Adrian Waite, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet member for Environmental Services and Transport, says: "This is a landmark day for our area, and we are very proud to declare the Westmorland and Furness Way officially open!
“Westmorland and Furness boasts some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the world, from Lakeland vistas and rolling fells to the beautiful Dales and dramatic North Pennines. We hope the route inspires both local people and visitors to explore further and experience all that Westmorland and Furness has to offer, step-by-step.
“Beyond health and wellbeing benefits, this trail is a real investment in our local economy. As walkers journey through our towns and villages looking for somewhere to eat, stay, and recharge, they will bring direct support to independent rural businesses. A huge thank you to everyone involved for working so hard to bring the Westmorland and Furness Way to life.’’
Designed for flexibility, the 120-mile route is broken down into six distinct sections, making it equally inviting for local ramblers, weekend explorers, or long-distance trekkers tackling the entire journey over 8 to 17 days.
Along the route, new waymarking and heritage interpretation boards have been installed to tell the stories of the land, from ancient lead mining and textile mills to traditional boat building.
A 'Walker’s Passport' scheme is also planned by Westmorland and Furness Council featuring designated stamping points, where walkers can build a record of their achievement. The profits from every passport will go towards the cost of keeping the route open and accessible for walkers and local communities.
Jim Walker MBE, President of Cumbria Tourism, commented: “This new route through some of the most stunning scenery in Westmorland and Furness will provide a chance to explore more of the area and experience the splendid diversity and vibrancy of our landscape.
"Suitable for locals and visitors alike, this new long-distance footpath will provide great health and wellbeing opportunities too. But this initiative offers even more, driving business for shops, attractions and eating places along the way, securing employment opportunities and sustaining a healthy economy, so it really is a perfect addition to our area.”
Helen Coppin, Co-founder of Muddy Boots Walking Holidays, based in Kirkby Lonsdale, added: "Having organised walking holidays across northern England for several years, we can already see the huge appeal this route will have for both UK and international ramblers.
"It is a fantastic asset for the region that will encourage people to stay longer and explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots, putting some of our lesser-known rural areas firmly on the hiking map.
“Long-distance routes have become increasingly popular in recent years and there is definitely a thirst for new routes that get people 'off the beaten track’ and exploring new areas, and this route really delivers that opportunity.’’
To find out more about the new route, visit the official website