Walkers can now explore 120 miles of stunning scenery along a new long-distance trail.
The Westmorland and Furness Way officially opened today and runs from Alston, England’s highest market town, to Furness Abbey on the Furness Peninsula.
Councillor Adrian Waite, Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet member for environmental services and transport, said: "This is a landmark day for our area, and we are very proud to declare the Westmorland and Furness Way officially open.
"Westmorland and Furness boasts some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the world, from Lakeland vistas and rolling fells to the beautiful Dales and dramatic North Pennines.
"We hope the route inspires both local people and visitors to explore further and experience all that Westmorland and Furness has to offer, step-by-step."
The trail was the idea of guidebook writer David Pitt and was delivered by the council.
It utilises existing public paths where possible to connect the North Pennines National Landscape, Yorkshire Dales, Lake District, and Morecambe Bay, offering a mix of mountain views, valleys, and coastal scenery.
The route can be walked in either direction and is divided into six sections, making it suitable for day trippers, weekend walkers, or those taking on the full journey over eight to 17 days.
Councillor Waite said: "Beyond health and wellbeing benefits, this trail is a real investment in our local economy.
"As walkers journey through our towns and villages looking for somewhere to eat, stay, and recharge, they will bring direct support to independent rural businesses.
"A huge thank you to everyone involved for working so hard to bring the Westmorland and Furness Way to life."
The council launched the route at the Black Bull Inn in Sedbergh during the town’s annual Walking and Wellbeing Festival.
The event included speeches and a guided walk along part of the trail.
The route includes new waymarking and heritage interpretation boards that highlight the area’s history, from ancient lead mining and textile mills to traditional boat building.
A ‘Walker’s Passport’ scheme is also planned, allowing walkers to collect stamps at points along the route.
Proceeds from the passport will help fund the trail’s upkeep.
Jim Walker MBE, president of Cumbria Tourism, said: "This new route through some of the most stunning scenery in Westmorland and Furness will provide a chance to explore more of the area and experience the splendid diversity and vibrancy of our landscape.
"Suitable for locals and visitors alike, this new long-distance footpath will provide great health and wellbeing opportunities too.
"But this initiative offers even more, driving business for shops, attractions and eating places along the way, securing employment opportunities and sustaining a healthy economy, so it really is a perfect addition to our area."
Helen Coppin, co-founder of Muddy Boots Walking Holidays in Kirkby Lonsdale, said: "Having organised walking holidays across northern England for several years, we can already see the huge appeal this route will have for both UK and international ramblers.
"It is a fantastic asset for the region that will encourage people to stay longer and explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots, putting some of our lesser-known rural areas firmly on the hiking map.
"Long-distance routes have become increasingly popular in recent years and there is definitely a thirst for new routes that get people 'off the beaten track' and exploring new areas, and this route really delivers that opportunity."
For more information, visit westmorlandfurnessway.co.uk.
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