The route takes a very circuitous line through the Lake District in order to link some of the very best bits. It combines easy valley walking with tough, trackless mountain, and aims to encompass the very different aspects of the District. It is a road less traveled in that it doesn't just follow obvious ridge lines or valley bottoms, but savours hidden combes, delightful traverses and ever-changing landscapes. The full length is 275 km with 18,400 metres of ascent which is like going up England's highest mountain twenty times. The first pilgrimage was completed in 6 days, but this doesn't give much time for reflection and is quite demanding. Much better to do it over 2 weeks or else 3 long weekends. There's a breakdown of the route with descriptions and distances in a
downloadable guide. You can also download an article from the Great Outdoors Magazine
here.
Full details of the route can be downloaded below including distances between points, places to reflect, historic hostelries, summits, viewpoints, historic sites, hostelries, accommodation and food. You'll need a proper map to navigate and I recommend using the 1:25,000 OS Series for the extra detail.
Guide to the Lakeland Pilgrimage
GPX File
Map 1 - Garnett Bridge to Nan Bield Pass
Map 2 - Nan Bield Pass to Fairfield
Map 3 - Fairfield to the Old Coach Road
Map 4 - The Old Coach Road to Portinscale
Map 5 - Portinscale to Grange
Map 6 - Grange to Middle Fell
Map 7 - Middle Fell to Harter Fell
Map 8 - Harter Fell to Three Shires Inn
Map 9 - Three Shires Inn to Ambleside
Map 10 - Ambleside to Dales Way
Map 11 - Dales Way to Garnett Bridge
