Cumbria Way
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Cumbria Way - Ulverston to Coniston

Starting at The Gill car park in the west of Ulverston, this is the first section of the Cumbria Way. After quickly leaving the houses behind, the walk follows through farms and fields with the initial waymarking typical of the rest of the Way. Most of the farms have cattle which will be out in the fields in summer. In some ways this makes navigation tricky, keeping an eye on the cattle, and looking out for the route at the same time. Climbs on this section are gentle and not prolonged.

Early on the views are predominantly to the south, over the town to Morecambe Bay, along with the Sir John Barrow Monument on Hoad Hill. Later in the day as you climb higher The Old Man of Coniston can be seen to the north.

Kiln Bank is the last farm you really get acquainted with as climbing to Beacon Tarn and onwards to the waters of Coniston is largely on Access Land. Along the shore of Coniston Water the walking and navigation is easy, the views in good weather are fabulous. Only a couple more fields and a campsite to go before finishing in the village.

If Coniston is going to prove too much there is a bus that runs up and down the A5084 between Ulverston and Coniston, but beware services don't run much past late afternoon. Once beside Coniston Water there is a jetty at Sunny Bank with an information board detailing the running times and instructions for hailing the launch.