Walking the Lakeland Way in Bite-Sized Sections

After completing the Cumbria Way a few years ago, I found myself wanting a new

challenge — something I could tackle with my long-legged lurcher, Lacey.

The Lakeland Way felt perfect, but instead of doing it in one big push, I decided to split it into small chunks and complete each section whenever time, weather and transport lined up.

It turned into a brilliant, flexible adventure.

Here’s what I learned and how each section unfolded.

Learning Points

• Car + public transport works well. Most sections can be done this way. A few sections required overnight stays, and occasionally I relied on family working nearby for lifts.

• If you’re using public transport, get it first thing and walk back to your car. It removes all the stress later in the day.

• Not all accommodation allows dogs — but all buses do. Worth remembering when planning.

• Don’t panic if you drift off the official route. As long as you’re not lost, you’ll

  still reach your end point. It’s a journey, not a test.

• Make it your own. Stop for lunch, ice cream, a pint, or even a dip. These

  moments become the highlights.

Route Notes

(I completed the sections in a random order)

Ravenglass → Wasdale Head (14 miles, completed in reverse)

Parked in Ravenglass and took the Wasdale Explorer to Wasdale Head, then walked back. Lovely route with a pub stop and a sneaky hill near the end. Somehow managed to damage a toenail in my boots.

Wasdale Head → Rosthwaite (12 miles, completed in reverse)

Parked in Stonethwaite (close enough and free parking), walked to Wasdale Head Inn for the night, then returned via a different route the next day. Stunning views, and the only section where I had company. Surprised by how many people were on the wrong path looking for “the Wasdale emerald pool”.

Rosthwaite → Buttermere (10 miles)

Parked again in Stonethwaite, missed the bus, so walked to Buttermere. All buses back were cancelled, but I was rescued by a stranger — who turned out to be the Vicar of Keswick — and both myself and Lacey on my knee, got a lift back to the start.

Buttermere → Braithwaite (11 miles)

Parked in Braithwaite and caught the bus to Buttermere. Took a wrong turn and ended up on Gasgale Craggs, but the views were worth it. The bus driver provided some colourful commentary about other road users. Entertainment at the start.

Braithwaite → Dockray (17 miles)

Living nearby made this easier: bus to Keswick, then walked to Dockray and got a lift home. I’d done much of this route before, but never in one long stretch.

Dockray → Patterdale (10 miles)

Lift to Dockray, lift home from Patterdale. Gorgeous views over Ullswater. Planned to enjoy a drink at Patterdale but ran out of time.

Patterdale → Troutbeck (13 miles, completed in reverse)

Lift to Glenridding, bus to Troutbeck, then walked back for another lift home. I was tempted to catch the bus from Hartsop — tired legs — but the timings didn’t work, so I pushed on and was proud I did.

Troutbeck → Grasmere (9 miles)

Parked in Grasmere (free layby parking), bus to near Brockhole, then walked from there. Didn’t do the full section but this way saved time and money getting a second bus. Ended up walking nearly from the start point.

Grasmere → Coniston (12 miles, completed in reverse)

Parked in Grasmere, bus to Ambleside, then another to Coniston, and walked back. Two pubs on the route to enjoy. This was second attempt at this section. Previous attempt was aborted due to challenging weather conditions.

Coniston → Seathwaite (12 miles)

Parked at Coniston (free parking near the mines). First time carrying camping kit as I couldn’t find reasonably priced, dog-friendly accommodation in Seathwaite. Great campsite and pub nearby. Struggled in the heat — very little shade or water. Returned via the shortest route I could find.

Seathwaite → Boot (11 miles)

Parked in Seathwaite and walked to Boot. This was another overnight stay. Returned via a totally different route. First time carrying food for two days. Thought I’d booked self-catering, but was upgraded to a room next to the pub — so I made the most of it.

Boot → Ravenglass (13 miles)

Walked from a campsite near Boot to Ravenglass, then took the La’al Ratty back. Tides and train times didn’t line up, so I had to find a non-estuary route back. Surprisingly boggy with high bracken, making navigation tricky. Loved the train ride back to my start point.

Final Thoughts

I started the Lakeland Way in June 2025 and finished in August 2026. Splitting it into sections made it achievable, enjoyable, and full of unexpected moments. If you’re considering it — absolutely do it.

Now… which long-distance walk should I tackle next.