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.