Hike vibrant estuaries and historic coastline — the Cumbria Coastal Way

This stage follows the last few miles of the Lancashire Coastal Path on its journey from Silverdale station to Arnside. This is just a part of the wider Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and boasts glorious views across Morecambe Bay.

From the station, you make for the… read more

Stage 2 is a wonderful walk around the Kent Estuary to Grange-over-Sands, with plenty of wildlife on display and some lovely scenery. Levens Hall and its incredible topiary garden make for a splendid detour.

There is an alternative to this route across the mudflats and sands during a low tide. However… read more

This stage is characterised by two beautiful estuaries, a grand stately home and many encounters with nature. One estuary makes way for another as you leave the Kent behind to meet the Leven. Holker Hall and its parkland are worth a visit before you loop around the head of the estuary, crossing at Greenodd… read more

The Furness Peninsula is revealed in all its glory on this stage of the Cumbria Coastal Way. En route to the industrial town of Barrow you discover Roa Island, tethered to the land by a causeway and the vibrant Roosecote Sands, a popular roosting site for all manner of birdlife.

From Ulverston, take… read more

Stage 5 intimately acquaints you with the glorious Duddon Estuary over its 16.3-mile (26.2 km) course. Sandscale Haws and Duddon Mosses Nature Reserves offer a wealth of flora and fauna. The profile of nearby Black Combe is a near constant, whilst there are superb views to the mountains of South Lakeland… read more

You bid farewell to the estuaries of South Cumbria towards the end of this stage of the Cumbria Coastal Way, saying a hearty ‘hello’ to the Irish Sea as you round Haverigg Point en route to Silecroft Beach. The vestiges of a once-thriving iron-ore industry are apparent during the latter stages of this… read more

This stage of the Cumbria Coastal Way takes you from the vast seafront at Silecroft to the confluence of the Rivers Esk, Mite and Irt at Ravenglass, a small coastal village. There’s plenty to interest history buffs, with a visit to the grand Muncaster Castle, as well as northern England’s largest Roman… read more

The first part of this walk is characterised by an inland section on roads, through fields and over charming river crossings to Drigg. After this, another lovely seafront amble takes you to the village of Seascale. At 6.5 miles (10.5 km), this is a short section. You could choose to combine it with stage… read more

An arrow-straight, 8.3-mile (13.4 km) amble along the seafront to St Bees village awaits you on this stage. Whether you find it impressive or depressing, the Sellafield nuclear power station is soon left behind as natural beauty takes hold once more. The railway line is a constant companion.

You follow… read more

On this beautiful stage you walk along the only stretch of Heritage Coast between Wales and Scotland, the gorgeous cliffs of St Bees. The North Head is adorned by a fine lighthouse and is the most westerly point in North England. The end point of this stage is the large port town of Whitehaven.

From… read more

In this stage you leave the port town of Whitehaven and head along a stretch of coast characterised by outcrops of Triassic sandstone, beautiful wildflowers and birdlife, such as the graceful fulmar. After visiting a few pleasant villages, the stage ends at the industrial town of Workington. You could… read more

This stage explores some delightful wildlife spots on its journey from Workington to Maryport. It’s a 7.2-mile (11.6 km) stretch, making it one of the shorter sections of the Cumbria Coastal Way. For a longer walk, you could end at the village of Allonby, a further 5 miles (8 km) down the coast.

After… read more

After Maryport, you leave the Irish Sea behind and make for the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Roman history, vibrant wildlife and seaside villages await on your journey from Maryport to Silloth.

As you depart Maryport, you also leave behind what has been your faithful companion… read more

In this stage you visit the headland of Grune Point beyond Skinburness hamlet, before striding out along the Solway Plain and its atmospheric marshes. This is a gloriously open landscape, known to few but enjoyed by those who venture into it. The great northern Lakeland sentinel of Skiddaw looks especially… read more

The traditional Cumbria Coastal Way misses out the Cardurnock Peninsula, though it is listed as an optional alternative. I have included it as it would be a shame to miss the delights on offer here, from the Roman history at Bowness-on-Solway to the wildlife found on the coastal paths and moss boardwalks… read more

The penultimate stage of the Cumbria Coastal Way is a splendid walk to where the River Eden becomes the Solway Firth. In the latter stages, you follow the route of the Hadrian’s Wall Path, as it joins the Eden and meanders to the great border city of Carlisle and its magnificent castle.

At the eastern… read more

The final stage of the Cumbria Coastal Way crosses the River Eden and follows its course to Rockcliffe. Beyond here it heads north to the River Esk and Metal Bridge, at which point the Way officially ends. You may choose to continue to the River Sark, cross into Scotland and visit the famous lovers… read more