Cumbria Coastal Way
Explore the wonderful coastline of Cumbria on this splendid long distance path. The walk begins at Silverdale and runs through a series of fascinating Cumbrian coastal towns and villages, before finishing near Gretna on the border with Scotland. Spectacular cliff tops, peaceful estuaries, beaches, mountains, rivers and canals are all features on this popular route.
- Silverdale, Lancashire
- Arnside
- Grange-over-Sands
- Greenodd
- Ulverston
- Barrow in Furness
- Askam-in-Furness
- Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve
- Kirkby-in-Furness
- Broughton in Furness
- The coastal town of Millom and the lovely Hodbarrow Lakes Nature Reserve
- Ravenglass
- Seascale
- St. Bees
- St Bees Head
- Whitehaven
- Workington
- Maryport
- Allonby
- Silloth
- Abbeytown
- Burgh by Sands
- Carlisle
The video below shows the lovely views from Grange-Over-Sands and Arnside. From here you can see the Lake District Mountains and Morecambe Bay in the distance.
The walk has been designed for all abilities with very few strenuous climbs. It is also very accessible with train stations and bus routes dotted along the route. The walk is well waymarked with a dark green and yellow disc.
Cumbria Coastal Way Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Cumbria Coastal Way Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Cumbria Coastal Way OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Cumbria Coastal Way Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
In the village of St Bees you could head to the 17th century Queens Hotel which has a cosy country pub atmosphere with oak beams and log fires in winter. They do good food which can be taken in the nice conservatory or the terraced garden bar on warmer days. They also provide accommodation if you need to stay over. You can find the hotel near the train station on 130 Main St, with a postcode of CA27 0DE for your sat navs. The climb to the fine viewpoint at Warton Crag can also be started from here.
In Allonby there's the 17th century Ship Inn. They serve good quality food and also provide rooms if you wish to stay in the area.
Notably the authors Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins stayed there in 1857. Dickens described The Ship as "a capital little homely inn looking out upon the sea...a clean nice place in a rough wild country". You can find them on the Main Street at postcode CA15 6QF for your sat navs. The inn is dog friendly if you have your canine friend with you.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Near the start of the walk in Silverdale you could pay a visit to the lovely Leighton Moss Nature Reserve. The RSPB reserve is a great place for wildlife watching with many water loving birds visiting the lakes and marshland.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Shore Cottages, Silverdale
Nesting Kittiwakes on North Head. The cliffs of North Head, from Fleswick Bay northwards, have ledges eroded in the sandstone, which provide ideal nesting sites for Kittiwakes, visible only from the sea. In April or May, a sea kayak trip from St. Bees to Whitehaven gives an opportunity to see the cliff nests at very close quarters.
Sand dunes at Sandscale Haws Sandscale Haws is a 264 hectare National Nature Reserve managed by the National Trust. Sand dunes, such as these adjacent to Duddon Sands, form a major part of reserve. The northern tip of Walney Island is visible in the distance (right).
Cumbria Coastal Way beside Ulverston Sands. In the town you can enjoy easy walks along the Ulverston Canal or climb to the viewpoint at the 19th century Hoad Monument or lighthouse.
Haverigg Pool, Haverigg. This small river, flows through the village and joins the estuary of the River Duddon here. It's a pleasant spot located near Millom and the wildlife rich Hodbarrow Lakes.
Hodbarrow lighthouse near Millom. This nature reserve is a fine place to look out for birds including Teal, Widgeon, Coot, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Common Pochard, Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser.
St Bees Head. This headland near Whitehaven is a major route highlight. From the spectacular cliff top path there are glorious views to the Isle of Man and the Cumbrian mountains. The area is also an RSPB Nature Reserve with the largest seabird colony in north-west England. These include Guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars and razorbills. You may also see dolphins and porpoises.
Broughton-in-Furness. From the Cumbria Coastal Way on the track to Eccle Riggs. The area includes Duddon Mosses Nature Reserve and views of the River Duddon.