The Cumbria Coastal Way

The Cumbria Coastal Way is a waymarked long distance footpath stretching for 182 miles (298 km) from the Cumbrian boundary with Lancashire to the Scottish border.

The coastal way commences at Silverdale, which overlooks the treacherous sands of Morecambe Bay, and passes around the southern Cumbrian peninsulas, through the beautiful Lake District National Park and along the coast to the Solway Firth, famed for its superb sunsets and the the historic city of Carlisle before ending at the famous border town of Gretna.

The route traverses one of the most beautiful coastlines in Britain, which rich is in wildlife and industrial and archaeological heritage, passing through Silverdale, Arnside, the attractive Edwardian resort town of Grange over Sands, and the vast tidal wastes of Morecambe Bay on through the southern Cumbrian peninsulas, the historic town of Ulverston, Barrow, Askham, Broughton, Millom, Ravenglass, (home to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway,) and Seascale,

The route passes the spectacular sandstone cliffs at St. Bees Head, the Georgian port of Whitehaven, Workington, Maryport, the pleasant seaside village of Allonby, the Victorian resort town of Silloth on the Solway Firth, rich in bird life, and the border city of Carlisle, Cumbria's only city, with its castle and superb cathedral.

The Cumbria Coastal Way can be walked in its entirety, which takes around 10 -14 days, or in sections. The path is relatively easy, is suitable for all abilities and rarely climbs over 100 metres above sea level. The trail was established in the late 1980's by Cumbria County Council.

Whilst May through to October is perhaps the best time to attempt the walk, it can really be enjoyed at any time of the year.

The wildlife interest in the area is to be found mainly in the mosslands at the head of the Duddon estuary and a number of coastal tarns, rivers and lagoons, the valley woodlands and wet grasslands to the north and east of Workington.

Public transport.

Much of the route parallels the Cumbria Coast railway line operated by First NorthWestern, and there are a number of local bus connections