Mates are insisting we do the Cumbria Way from Carlisle to Ulverston week after next. Propose to do it in 2 stages with an overnight somewhere. Never heard of it before. Is it proper off road biking ? Is it worth doing ? Any advice on accomodation and drinking ?

Pretty much all on road as far as I am aware mate.

If you’re meaning the walking route, then much of it is on footpath, so you may need to get creative with route choice (or just cheeky it).

I’d say you want to be aiming to stay in either Borrowdale, and start with the biggest climb of the route the next morning, or get the climb out the way at the end of the first day and stay in Langdale instead.

Drinking-wise, there are a plenty of pubs in Ulverston in which to reward your efforts. The Rose and Crown is always popular and serves big portions of okay food. Sheltered beer garden so you can mind your bikes. The Hope and Anchor is good too, although I don’t know if they’re doing food in there at the moment.