Cumbrian Cistercian Way 5 Day Itinerary
Walk the Cumbrian Cistercian Way in 5 days with our detailed itinerary. Day 1: Piel Island to Furness Abbey; Day 2: Furness Abbey to Urswick; Day 3: Urswick to Conishead Priory; Day 4: Conishead Priory to Ulverston; Day 5: Ulverston to Cartmel Priory. Find accommodation and tips for a 5-day pilgrimage through South Cumbria.
Walking the Cumbrian Cistercian Way in 5 days is a great option for pilgrims who want to cover the 25 miles route at a steady pace. This 5-day itinerary splits the route into 5 walking days, with overnight stops at key towns along the way.
Each day covers moderate distances, giving you time to enjoy the sacred sites, churches and landscapes of the Cumbrian Cistercian Way while making steady progress toward your destination.
Day-by-day plan
Day 1: Walk from Piel Island to Furness Abbey, covering 5 miles. Begin with a small ferry to Piel Island and its 14th-century castle, built by the Abbot of Furness Abbey to guard against pirates. Continue past hillside views of Barrow-in-Furness to the red sandstone ruins of Furness Abbey, founded in 1123 and once the second-wealthiest Cistercian monastery in the country.
Day 2: Walk from Furness Abbey to Urswick, covering 6 miles. Walk through the Vale of Nightshade to Dalton-in-Furness with its tower and St Mary's Church (14th-century font), past the prehistoric Urswick Crag stones to St Mary and St Michael's Church — the oldest in the Furness area, with 9th-century Viking crosses and a figure of St James the pilgrim bearing the scallop shell.
Day 3: Walk from Urswick to Conishead Priory, covering 5 miles. Visit the bronze age Birkrigg Stone Circle perched over Morecambe Bay, then stroll along the bay sands overlooking Chapel Island to Conishead Priory — now the Manjushri Kadampa Temple, surrounded by woodland walkways and home to the World Peace Cafe.
Day 4: Walk from Conishead Priory to Ulverston, covering 3 miles. Cross to Ulverston and visit Swarthmoor Hall — formerly the home of Margaret Fell, an important figure in the founding of the Quaker movement, and still a Quaker retreat house and place of pilgrimage. George Fox, founder of the Quakers, visited several times.
Day 5: Walk from Ulverston to Cartmel Priory, covering 6 miles. The final stage to Cartmel Priory — the 'Cathedral of the Lakes' — a parish church unusually large for its village. The earliest mention of Cartmel dates to 680 AD when monks of Lindisfarne took ownership of the land. Spend a moment of silence on the ancient carved wooden misericords, then perhaps enjoy sticky toffee pudding in the town where it originated.
Accommodation for your 5-day walk
You'll need accommodation in Furness Abbey, Urswick, Conishead Priory, Ulverston, Cartmel Priory for your overnight stops. Use our route planning tool to book pilgrim-friendly places to stay at each stage of your 5-day Cumbrian Cistercian Way itinerary.
Book well in advance, especially during summer months and weekends, as accommodation along the route can be limited.
Tips for a 5-day Cumbrian Cistercian Way
Start early each day to give yourself plenty of daylight hours. Pack light but bring essentials — waterproofs, a first aid kit, and a water bottle. Check the weather forecast before setting off, and always carry a map or GPX file as backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk the Cumbrian Cistercian Way in 5 days?
Yes. Walking the Cumbrian Cistercian Way in 5 days means covering moderate daily distances. This itinerary splits the 25 miles route into 5 stages with overnight stops.
Is a 5-day Cumbrian Cistercian Way walk suitable for beginners?
A 5-day walk allows a moderate pace with shorter daily distances, making it suitable for most walkers with a reasonable level of fitness.
Where do I stay on a 5-day Cumbrian Cistercian Way walk?
Plan overnight stops in Furness Abbey, Urswick, Conishead Priory, Ulverston, Cartmel Priory. Use our route planning tool to book accommodation at each stage.
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