ULVERSTON WALKFEST
The 2026 Festival was great success with splendid weather for all the 42 walks over the 10-day period. 215 people completed a total of 506 walks. The 2026 programme remains under the ‘2026 WALKS’ tab as an example of the programme (not to be confused with the future 2027 programme).
We aim to get the 2027 programme onto the website by the end of the first week in March 2027 but many of the walks will be similar to those conducted in 2026. An email will be sent to all those who joined us in
2026 to let you know when the 2027 programme is on the website. Anyone interested in leading a walk in 2027, who is not already known to us, should make contact via enquiries@ulverstonwalkfest.com, as should anyone with any questions or comments.
Many thanks to all those who took part in 2026 and we hope you will join us again in 2027.’
Self-Guided Walks Our ‘Self-Guided Walks’ facility on this website, and available in paper format from local shops, is recommended. There are 2 back-to-back maps – one of Central Ulverston, including a Blue Plaque Walk, and one showing 6 walks which can be completed from Ulverston. The QR codes will present a digital map on a smart-phone, including your actual location and information on the route and notable sites encountered.
Maintenance of Rights of Way A new venture has been the establishment of ‘Furness PathFix’, currently linked to this group, although in due course it may move to become an independent community-based organisation. Its aim is to maintain and improve the Rights of Way in South Cumbria, with volunteer groups who survey them, clear paths and maintain the stiles and gates etc. If you are interested in joining this band of volunteers, please let us know.
Extract from ‘Norman Birkett – The Life of Lord Birkett of Ulverston’
‘Ulverston is a town set in one of the loveliest spots of all England – the Furness Fells, whose secret unspoiled beauty exercises a powerful attraction on people. Within a few minutes of leaving the town by either of the ancient ways of Soutergate or Daltongate, you are in the authentic English countryside, and you are surrounded by a wonderland of beauty. If, instead of turning in to the cricket pitch, you climb on past Gamswell to Kirkby Moor, you will get what I’ve always maintained is the finest view in the British Isles, with the Duddon estuary and Black Combe, and Coniston Old Man with its fellows on the one hand, and on the other the long sweep of Morecambe Bay, the distant view of the Pennines and the magical beauty of the Lakeland hills.’
He might have added:
A shorter trip up to Hoad Hill, from the foot of the Sir John Barrow lighthouse monument, will give an unapparelled panorama of distant views of North Wales (on a very clear day), the distinctive Ingleborough in the Yorkshire dales, Blackpool Tower, Scafell, Helvellyn, and Blencathra, and closer to hand, the Coniston Fells, with many summits in between.
Last updated: 7 March 2026