Cumbrian Cistercian Way Stages
The Cumbrian Cistercian Way in 5 stages — detailed stage-by-stage guide with distances, descriptions and accommodation for each section of the 25 miles pilgrimage through South Cumbria.
The Cumbrian Cistercian Way is divided into 5 walking stages, covering the 25 miles route through South Cumbria. Each stage ends at a town or village where you can find accommodation, rest, and prepare for the next day's walk.
Use our stage-by-stage Cumbrian Cistercian Way guide below to plan your walk, then use our route planning tool to book accommodation at each stage.
Stage-by-stage guide
Stage 1: Piel Island to Furness Abbey (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. View accommodation and details for the Piel Island to Furness Abbey stage.
Stage 2: Furness Abbey to Urswick (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. View accommodation and details for the Furness Abbey to Urswick stage.
Stage 3: Urswick to Conishead Priory (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. View accommodation and details for the Urswick to Conishead Priory stage.
Stage 4: Conishead Priory to Ulverston (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. View accommodation and details for the Conishead Priory to Ulverston stage.
Stage 5: Ulverston to Cartmel Priory (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. View accommodation and details for the Ulverston to Cartmel Priory stage.
Accommodation by stage
Each stage of the Cumbrian Cistercian Way ends at a town where you'll need overnight accommodation. The key towns are Barrow-in-Furness, Ulverston, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands. Use our route planning tool to find and book pilgrim-friendly places to stay at each stage of your walk.
Book accommodation in advance, especially during summer months and weekends. Some stages have limited options, so planning ahead is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stages are there on the Cumbrian Cistercian Way?
The Cumbrian Cistercian Way has 5 stages, covering the 25 miles route. Each stage ends at a town or village with accommodation options.
Which stage is the longest on the Cumbrian Cistercian Way?
Stage lengths vary across the Cumbrian Cistercian Way. Check the stage-by-stage guide above for distances, and plan your daily walking distance accordingly.
Where do I find accommodation for each stage?
Use our route planning tool to find pilgrim-friendly accommodation at each stage of the Cumbrian Cistercian Way. The key towns for overnight stops are Barrow-in-Furness, Ulverston, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands.
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