A NEW long distance path is to be created through Cumbria celebrating the spirit-making heritage of the area.

The "spirit trail," which will start in Ulverston and culminate in Whitehaven, is being devised by two women who have never met.

Beth Pipe, of Grange-over-Sands, and Karen Guttridge, who until recently has been living in Cyprus, only know each other through social media but share an interest in liqueurs and local history.

But during the first two weeks of September they will be travelling through the county connecting all of the distilleries and liqueur producers.

Their journey will begin at the Virginia House gin parlour in Ulverston and they will complete their journey at The Rum Story in Whitehaven. They will travel through Cartmel and Cowmire Hall into Kendal and from there they will journey to Bowness, Ambleside, Grasmere, Keswick and Cockermouth.

Along the way they will tell the individual stories of spirit production in the area as well as creating an overall view of how spirits have been produced here over the years.

“We want to create a Spirit Trail around Cumbria in the same way that there are wine trails in France and whisky trails in Scotland,” said Beth. “We’re also really keen to tell the stories of illicit spirit production in the region, as well as taking a look at the ecological impact of plants such as juniper on the upland fells.”

Beth and Karen have known each other for several years but have only communicated through Twitter and Facebook.

The duo will share their exploits via social media (@CumbrianRambler and @Happy_Rambler) and through Beth’s Cumbrian Rambler blog. They will also be writing a book about the adventure enabling people to follow in their footsteps.

Most of the route will be tackled on foot but they’ll also be making use of local transport such as Windermere Lake Cruises, Twizies (from Keswick Brewing Company), buses and perhaps even the occasional lift from a helpful friend.

“Locally produced food and drink has always been an important part of Cumbrian history and it is currently a huge part of the region’s economy," said Beth. "That, coupled with the current popularity of gin, means it’s the perfect time to create a walk which explores and celebrates spirit production in the region."