A sublime high-level hike across Lakeland – Cumbrian Traverse
A sublime high-level hike across Lakeland – Cumbrian Traverse
Randonnée - Collection par Alex Foxfield
4
jours
4-7 h
/ jour
66,4 km
4 000 m
3 960 m
It’s well known that the Lake District is a hillwalking paradise. Every year, millions flock to Britain’s most popular national park; many come to tick off the famous Wainwright summits. While many long-distance hiking routes cross this timeless landscape, most stick to the valleys, only ascending to the passes between the fells. The Cumbrian Traverse is a long-distance challenge that actively seeks out the high ridges and summits, making it the perfect route for the adventurous hiker.
The Traverse is a 31-mile (50 km) crossing of the national park that ascends onto the mountains and stays high throughout. Starting at the village of Broughton Mills, it visits 21 predefined summits and takes quite a direct course through the heart of the national park, before ending in the popular town of Keswick.
The route was devised by keen fell runners Sue and Dick Courchee and first completed in 2005. Although originally intended as a single-day fell running route, there’s no doubt that the Traverse also makes for an enticing multi-day prospect for hikers. The Traverse doesn’t follow a set path, it simply requires that you visit the 21 summits along the way. Details of these summits can be found in the stage descriptions and each one is featured as a Highlight within the Tours.
In this Collection, I’ve split the Traverse into four stages, with descents into Coniston and Great Langdale for accommodation at the end of the first two stages. These considerable detours deviate from the classic Cumbrian Traverse; this original route can be found in the full Tour. The detours add 10 miles (16 km) to the overall distance, as well as 4,000 feet (1,200 m) of elevation gain. The other option is wild camping which, while technically illegal, is generally tolerated in the Lake District if you camp high, set up late, pack out early and leave no trace.
The Traverse is a challenging multi-day hike with significant elevation gain. It takes you to high fells that are exposed to often challenging conditions. I’d recommend a decent level of hillwalking experience before attempting the route.
You can hike the route all year round, though a winter attempt would be much more difficult due to the cold, shorter daylight hours and the fact that the higher fells may require mountaineering skills and equipment when covered in snow. Regardless of the season, warm layers and waterproofs are a must, as well as sturdy footwear, a head torch and a first aid kit. Sun protection is essential in the warmer months, as there’s not much shade on the fells.
Once you’re up in the hills, there are no opportunities to resupply other than from mountain streams. Even then, I’d strongly recommend you use a water filter, especially given the popularity of the Lakeland Fells. Carry plenty of spare food and bear in mind that the accommodation at Honister at the end of the third stage is self-catering only.
There’s no public transport to the start point at Broughton Mills. There’s the option of getting the bus to Coniston from Kendal and then using the X7 bus to Barrow, alighting at Lower Hawthwaite. From here, it’s around half an hour’s walk to Broughton Mills. There’s also parking, though you’d probably want someone to drop you off, as getting back here from the endpoint in Keswick is not straightforward.
Keswick has many accommodation options, as well as places to celebrate finishing the traverse. It has bus connections to Carlisle, Penrith and Kendal for onward rail travel.
Prêt à vous lancer ? Créez et personnalisez votre propre version de cette aventure en utilisant le Tour complet ci-dessous comme modèle.
Dernière mise à jour : 3 mai 2024
Planifiez votre propre version de cette aventure dans le planificateur multi-jours en vous basant sur les étapes proposées dans cette Collection.
La première étape commence par un voyage à travers trois petits sommets au-dessus de Dunnerdale. Après cela, vous vous dirigez plus haut dans les montagnes, revendiquant deux autres sommets subsidiaires et deux des géants de la région. Great Stickle est le premier, suivi de Stickle Pike et Caw, deux…
par Alex Foxfield
La deuxième étape fait monter les enchères, avec près de 20 km à parcourir et une bonne dose de dénivelé à conquérir également. Vous remontez sur le groupe Coniston et traversez Swirl How et Great Carrs, avant de descendre au col Wrynose. Vous montez une fois de plus, en admirant le sommet de Cold Pike…
par Alex Foxfield
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C'est l'étape la plus ardue mais probablement la plus spectaculaire, en passant par certaines des montagnes les plus emblématiques de Lakeland, à commencer par le robuste Bowfell. Ceci est suivi par Esk Pike; Great End, la terminaison nord abrupte de la chaîne Scafell et le point le plus élevé de la…
par Alex Foxfield
La dernière étape est également la plus facile, avec beaucoup moins d'ascension à affronter, car vous suivez la longue et glorieuse crête contenant High Spy, Maiden Moor et Catbells vers Keswick. Attendez-vous à de belles vues sur Derwent Water et sur les géants du nord de Skiddaw et Blencathra.
Depuis…
par Alex Foxfield
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