Hike vibrant estuaries and historic coastline — the Cumbria Coastal Way

The Cumbria Coastal Way is an epic 182-mile (298 km) long-distance trail that follows Cumbria’s west coast from Silverdale in Lancashire to Metal Bridge near the Scottish border. It includes the wonderful Kent, Leven and Duddon Estuaries; the dynamic Lake District coastline between Silecroft and Drigg; the beauty of St Bees Head; the industrial port towns of Whitehaven, Workington and Maryport; and finishes by exploring the glorious Solway Coast.

En route you’ll discover magnificent birdlife, as many of the saltmarshes, dune systems and mudflats found here are of international importance for seasonal migrators. Specialised flowers decorate the sand dunes and mosses in spring, whilst autumn brings starling murmurations to the skies above.

It is a route saturated in history. The former wealth and prosperity of West Cumbria is apparent in the many vestiges of ancient industry and trade, with historical sites harking back as far as the Romans and Hadrian’s time. The Cumbrian Coast railway line is a frequent companion, as are the tumultuous outlines of the Lakeland Fells. Impressive castles and battlemented churches hint at the violent tug-of-war between England and Scotland that this region has suffered.

Officially opened in the 1990s, the Cumbria Coastal Way was designed to either be split into day hikes or completed as one big long-distance trek, taking between 10 and 17 days. Most opt to split the route and hike it in disparate sections. The railway accompanies the route from Silverdale up to Maryport, so you can easily travel between most stages.

South to north is the usual direction of travel due to prevailing winds. Whilst May to October is prime season, the route is enjoyable all year round, with each season bringing different sights and sounds.

In this Collection, I have split the Way into 17 stages to reflect the recommended day walks. I also include the Cardurnock Peninsula in stage 15, as it is a beautiful walk that’s full of historic interest and it seems a shame to leave a section of the coast unexplored. This and other worthy detours brings the Collection to 229 miles (369 km) in length.

The walking is mostly easy along footpaths, minor roads and beachfronts, with little in the way of elevation gain. However, the Way is not without its challenges. Although it does not suffer from as wet a climate as Lakeland, incoming westerlies can bring rise to cold and damp conditions at any time of year, so sturdy boots, warm layers and waterproofs are essential.

Sensible decision making is also important when it comes to route choice. Take heed of any warnings about quicksand and never step out onto sands if you are unsure of their composition. In 2010, Cumbria County Council ceased to endorse the route and therefore it has not been as well maintained since then. To add to this, there are many sections that are impassable at high tide. In such instances, an alternative inland route will need to be taken. For more information about tide times, visit tidetimes.org.uk.

Accommodation is in good supply, with popular seaside villages and port towns aplenty. The main exceptions to this are Kirkbride and Burgh-by-Sands, where there are only a few options. However, advance booking is always recommended regardless of settlement size. There are many cafes, pubs and restaurants along the route.

Your starting point of Silverdale is a short drive from the M6 and has its own train station. The optional end point of Gretna is also just off the M6 motorway (A74 (M) in Scotland). Gretna also connects to Carlisle via bus and rail.

Unlike the other stage end points, Siloth, Kirkbride and Burgh-by-Sands are not connected by the railway, though they do connect to Carlisle via bus. Check cumbria.gov.uk/buses for more information.