Trails of the Unexpected

Cumbria’s museums and galleries are some of the finest in the country. Trails of the Unexpected is a new way to explore our internationally significant collections, artworks and artefacts – each with a story to tell. There are six walking trails to follow in Cumbria and the Lake District, each one gives you the opportunity to explore a world of cultural treasures in an epic landscape.

Find out more about our museums and galleries in the Visit section and use the Visitor Map to plan your trip.

Explore our trails

Choose one of our Trails of the Unexpected by either downloading a pdf or following the trail online. Explore the trails to discover the secrets of the Reivers’ clans, gems of the Arts and Crafts movement, the landscape that inspired Wordsworth, fascinating creative characters and Roman artefacts connected to Cumbria’s northern frontier. Start your trail below.