NY3650 : The Square, Dalston
taken 7 years ago, near to Dalston, Cumbria, England

An unofficial alternative route to The Cumbria Way avoiding a busy section of road is to leave the square by the lych gate (behind the cars to the right of the cross in the centre background) and follow the path through the churchyard of St Michael and All Angels Church (next photograph NY3650 : Lych gate, Dalston Church).
National Cycle Network Routes 7 and 10 follow the B5299 road through the square.
The Lochs and Glens (North) route covers 214 miles from Inverness to Glasgow. The Lochs and Glens (South) covers 193 miles from Glasgow to Carlisle via the Ayrshire coast, Kirkcudbright and Dumfries. It continues east as the Coast to Coast C2C route to Sunderland.
Devised by The Ramblers in the 1970s, The Cumbria Way is a long distance path from Ulverston to Carlisle passing through the heart of the English Lake District. An early example of a long distance path, it has become deservedly popular.
Usually quoted as being 70 miles in length, accurate measurement indicates the route is approximately 119km (74 miles) long, taking into account the various diversions since it was created.
The extremities of The Cumbria Way are conveniently placed for easy access by car or public transport and most walkers will be able to complete the route comfortably within a week. It is most frequently walked from south to north so the prevailing wind (and Cumbrian rain) is behind the walker. The Cumbria Way passes less than 2.5 kilometres from the wettest place in England so rain is often encountered.
