Start Of Cumbria Way

The Cumbria Way kicks off at Grange-over-Sands, a modest seaside town that's seen better days but still has character. You'll find the starting point marked clearly enough - it's where the serious walking begins, and frankly, it's not much to look at on its own. Just a waymarker really, the sort of thing you'd walk past if you weren't paying attention.

But that's rather the point. This is a 71-mile trail that runs all the way to Carlisle, and starting here means you've got the full Lakeland experience ahead of you - proper walking, not a gentle amble. The route takes in some of the region's best scenery without the crowds that hammer places like Windermere or Ambleside. You're looking at a week-long expedition if you do the whole thing, though plenty of people tackle sections at a time.

The town itself is worth a wander before or after - it's got a decent promenade and some decent shops, though it won't set your heart racing. If you're based at Old Park Wood or one of the other caravan parks nearby, this is an obvious jumping-off point. Walkers will get far more from it than anyone else, to be honest. Families after a gentler time might find the commitment too much.

Start early, bring a proper map - phone signals can be patchy - and expect some steep bits. The views more than make up for the effort.