The Lakeland Way is a whole new way to explore
The Lakeland Way – Today is your day, Your Mountain is Waiting, So Get on Your Way!
The Lakeland Way is a whole new way to explore the beauty and history of our glorious Lake District.
Traversing 144 miles through stunning valleys and over beautiful peaks, this long-distance walking route is so much more than a challenge to be completed; it’s an adventure to be seized.
Richard Jennings is the creator of the Lakeland Way, hailing from the Peak District, long-distance walking is something that he has always lived for, and since moving to Cumbria and discovering the vast history that accompanies the spectacular scenery, he simply fell in love and wanted to share that. He said:
“I’ve always wanted to develop a long-distance walk. It was in those early years of walking in my back garden, the Dark Peak, that I first became acquainted with OS maps and realised the joy of joining the popular routes and creating longer days out in the countryside. This was very rewarding for me, mentally and physically.”
The walk begins and ends in the fishing village of Ravenglass on the western coast. Ravenglass is soaked in history, as is much of the walk. Taking you along old coach and droving roads, corpse routes, and even some Roman footpaths, you will pass close to many important historical sites and immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings.
“The Lakeland Way has been devised to take in the scenery, nature, and history rather than being a rush to bag summits along the way. It is not an “official route” or waymarked, but my own personal walk dedicated to the people that have worked and shaped this wonderful landscape.”
Richard has even noted points of interest on the website with photos for reference. The website acts as a guide with an itinerary, photographs, and, of course, the OS maps, which are available to download, allowing you to plan accordingly.
Richard recommends at least 12 days to complete the whole walk. This allows you to take in the areas you are trekking and explore a little, which is a huge part of what he envisioned for this route. He said,
“I didn’t develop this walk with the idea of creating a challenge; it was more to inspire people to delve a little deeper into the story of the valleys and trails they are following. I would encourage anyone who undertakes the walk to set aside time to potter around the hamlets and villages they come across; it’s about discovering all these wonderful hidden gems that are so often overlooked.”
So far, only two people have completed the walk, and you’ll be surprised to hear that Richard is actually the second! John Falon was the first; he happened upon the Lakeland Way website soon after it went live, and even before Richard had completed the walk himself, John said:
“I was actually looking for a short walk to undertake with my grandson when I found the Lakeland Way, and once I had read into it, I was hooked—it was all I could think about, and I just knew I had to do that walk. It was totally different from anything I had done before; it really felt like it was just meant to be. I emailed Richard immediately and started planning right away.”
“I couldn’t give you just one specific highlight of the walk because every day I would come across another view, scenery, or sunset, and that was the new highlight of the trip. It just continued to give, even in the bad weather; it was just amazing, and I’d recommend it to anybody and everybody, and do in fact!”
The route began as a humble dream conjured by a man alongside his dog companion Frankie, who simply wanted to bring the joy of getting out in the wild to others and pay homage to the stories of those people whose livelihood founded the Lake District we know today.
They have successfully done that, although sadly, Richard’s four-legged walking buddy Frankie never had the chance to complete the walk as he passed away in July 2023, so we urge you to bring your dogs along on this walk and complete it for Frankie!
If you are looking for a new adventure this year that is guaranteed to provide you with memories to last a lifetime and discoveries to be made, then get planning and visit the website. You’ll find all the information, maps, photographs, and contact information for campsites and other accommodations necessary. The walk is accessible for families, dogs (always remember to keep on leads when around livestock), or walking groups.
Visit their website at www.lakelandway.uk where adventure awaits!
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