Walks you can reach from Armathwaite by train

A day hike is just a simple train journey away — plan your next day of green.

Carlisle Station to Lazonby and Kirkoswald Station (Cumberland)

7m direct from Armathwaite.

beautiful forest views and rock sculptures; Lovely very varied route. A long, varied route through woods, fields, riverside and forest tracks, with some road walking. Parts are a bit up and down, after heavy rain there can be a fair amount of mud, plus some difficult steps over tree roots near Armathwaite. Some fast sections of road between Cotehill and Cumwhinton and the motorway junction. Coombs Wood near Armathwaite is a highlight, with rock sculptures. The route can be tackled over two weekends, breaking at Armathwaite, with good facilities at either end and several points on the way.

28km.

Some fast road sections between Cotehill, Cumwhinton and the M6 junction. Difficult steps over tree roots on the exit from Coombs Wood into Armathwaite. The riverside path along the River Petteril may flood in high rainfall. Can be muddy.

Lunch: Pubs at Armathwaite, Cotehill and Cumwhinton along the way.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Gretna Green Station to Carlisle Station (Dumfriesshire)

15m direct from Armathwaite.

A long and varied route. Starts on a fast road verge running alongside the M6, then improves to quieter roads, field paths to the River Esk and a railway footbridge and riverside fields that can be very muddy and flood-prone. Finishes on suburban roads and a historic stretch past Carlisle Castle and Cathedral. Several badly puddled farm tracks. The route passes Carlisle Castle, the Cathedral and the Tullie and Guildhall museums, and crosses through the Solway Coast National Landscape. An England Coast Path improvement may one day offer a better, less road-bound start.

19km.

The opening section follows the verge of a fast, busy road parallel to the M6 with a narrow, overgrown edge; great care is needed. Riverside fields can flood and the farm road up to Cargo can be very deeply puddled and muddy. Watch for tidal flooding and cows near Rockcliffe.

Lunch stop: the Crown and Thistle.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Wigton Station to Carlisle Station (Cumberland)

15m direct from Armathwaite.

A long, mixed route of quiet roads with distant mountain views, field paths beside the River Wampool and Caldew, a final shared tarmac path on the Cumbria Way into Carlisle. Field sections can be wet and muddy; the Wigton-to-Thursby half has serious access problems with blocked and unclear and overgrown paths. The Dalston-to-Carlisle section follows the Cumbria Way and is shared with cyclists.

Tough: 23km. Moderate ascents.

The section from Wigton to Thursby has blocked field paths, no clear access through farms, barbed-wire stiles and a stretch with no footpath along the busy A595 verge. Fields by the river can be wet, muddy and churned by cattle.

Lunch stop: the Ship Inn.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Penrith (North Lakes) Station to Appleby Station (Cumberland)

30m direct from Armathwaite.

Tough: 23km. Moderate ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Horton-in-Ribblesdale Station to Garsdale Station (Yorkshire)

1h direct from Armathwaite.

spectacular countryside.

Tough: 25km, steep ascents. 7h30.

Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route

Penrith (North Lakes) Station to Lazonby and Kirkoswald Station (Cumberland)

7m direct from Armathwaite.

Leaves Penrith on well-trodden woodland paths over Beacon Hill (not rights of way but well used), then a fairly level track to a road. Quiet, undulating, peaceful lanes with good views, a short busier stretch on the A686, then quiet roads and a narrow woodland track and riverside fields beside the River Eden. Passes Long Meg and her Daughters, a spectacular ancient stone circle (with docile cows), and the Beacon Tower viewpoint is a short diversion. Langwathby, near the midpoint, has a pub, café, shop, buses and a station on the Settle-Carlisle line.

18km.

One point on the route off Beacon Hill has been blocked off by a wall and barbed wire with private signage; access is difficult. The A686 stretch is busy for about half a mile (good verge and a separated section on the bridge). Motocross bikes have churned up the narrow woodland track near the stone circle, making it muddy.

Lunch: Langwathby, near the midpoint, has a pub with food, an outdoor café on the green and a convenience store.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Kirkby Stephen Station Circular via Eden River gorge (Westmorland)

45m direct from Armathwaite.

Upland fell, exposed moorland, peat bog, limestone country with shake holes and swallow holes, river gorge, narrow woodland path, scenic valley, heathery commons and pastures.

18km. 5h.

Can be boggy.

Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club (tips and local insights).