Cumbria Way Diversion
The path used by the Cumbria Way between Dalston and Cummersdale is currently closed until February 2023 as detailed in this article from Dalston Parish Council. The closure points are marked in red on the map below along with our proposed diversion in purple.
There is also a path on the other side of the River Caldew which walkers could use if alerted early enough i.e. just south of Dalston where the Way crosses the river heading into Dalston however we have had a report that is it "overgrown, poorly signed, slippy mud, grumpy cows. Not easy with big pack as climbing over and under fallen trees." so we don't recommend it.
We're currently waiting for advice from the Ramblers Association, who manage the Way, as to what their preferred option is but for now at step 4 of our walk Cumbria Way - Caldbeck to Carlisle we're suggesting continuing about three kilometres north out of Dalston on the B5299 and then turning right onto Grace Lane (signed "Public Bridleway, Cummersdale").
Follow that to T junction where you turn left to follow the bridleway into Cummersdale where you can take the Caldew Road to rejoin the path on the west bank of the River Caldew. Our proposed diversion is show in purple on our map.
It's not ideal as there's no pavement for some of the walk down the B5299 and it's busy so when walking on the road make sure you walk on the right facing the oncoming traffic.
We will update this article when and if we hear from the Ramblers Association.
You can comment on this post in our forum.
Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions.