A new walking trail spanning 120 miles across some of England's most scenic landscapes is set to open this month. The Westmorland and Furness Way is a six-part route that stretches from Alston in the North Pennines, known as England's highest market town, to the ruins of medieval Furness Abbey in Cumbria. The trail will officially open on 15 September during the Sedbergh Walking and Wellbeing Festival, organized by Cumbria Tourism. Developed by the Westmorland and Furness Council, the path can be completed in eight to 17 days, depending on the walker's pace. It makes use of existing trails wherever possible and is designed to be accessible by public transport at each of its six stages. The longest section spans 27 miles from Sedbergh to Bowness-on-Windermere. The trail winds through a variety of landscapes, including the open moorlands of the North Pennines, the rounded hills of the Howgills, and the Lake District National Park, which includes the scenic shores of Lake Windermere. According to the Furness Way website, the route passes through three nationally protected areas, five different landscape types, and encompasses a thousand years of history—all within 120 miles. The trail was created to highlight the geography and identity of the newly formed Westmorland and Furness council area, established in 2023. In addition to offering a walking experience, the route is intended to boost the local economy by encouraging visitors to stay overnight in small towns and villages such as Kirkby Stephen, Sedbergh, and Ulverston, which offer rich cultural and historical experiences. Councillor Adrian Waite, the Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet member for Environmental Services and Transport, expressed pride in the development of the Westmorland and Furness Way. He noted that the trail is designed to connect both visitors and local communities with the area's heritage, natural beauty, and diverse landscapes. The new walking route is expected to enhance accessibility to the region, offering a continuous path from Alston to Furness Abbey. The trail not only celebrates the area's stunning scenery but also aims to promote sustainable tourism and support local economies by drawing more visitors to the region’s historic and natural attractions.