The Lake District coast and wider Western Lake District is a walker’s paradise whether you fancy climbing fells or taking spectacular seafront strolls.
The England Coast Path now covers over 80 miles of Cumbria’s coastline. The latest stretch to formally open runs for 11 miles from Silecroft to the western edge of the Duddon Estuary.
It showcases a wonderfully varied landscape with uninterrupted views out across the Irish Sea. You can walk through extensive beaches and dunes, taking in the golden Duddon sands, wildlife-rich saltmarsh, and the historic town of Millom.
All the while you’ll be able to keep your eye on the glorious Lake District mountains.
There are also wonderfully scenic stretches around Walney Island and from Whitehaven to Silecroft. This stunning 52km stretch, where the Lake District dips down to the Irish Sea, takes you close by the historic Georgian town of Whitehaven, the red sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head and majestic Muncaster Castle with its beautiful gardens, Hawk and Owl Centre and more. As if that’s not enough the route also takes you by Ravenglass, the coastal village which is in TWO UNESCO World Heritage sites – The Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall.
Add to this the Allonby to Whitehaven stretch of the England Coast Path and you can see why Cumbria’s coastline is now attracting keen walkers who might previously have limited themselves to busy fells in the central Lake District.
One thing is certain – a walk in the Western Lake District will live long in the memory.
Whether a big walk…
The region abounds in long distance paths and big mountain days out, some amongst the most popular ever and others undeservedly less obscure. Fancy a big day out?
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Not all walks are as big as the Wainwright Coast to Coast; from its start at St Bees to finish at Robin Hoods Bay a total of 192 miles, it is nevertheless one of the most popular long distance walks ever anywhere.
Of course, England’s highest mountain Scafell Pike draws the hiking crowds for individual ascents plus the various organised Britain’s Three Peak events. Its location lends itself to a number of fine round-trip ascents from all sides – Wasdale, Seathwaite, Langdale or Eskdale. The Western Lakes also includes some more illustrious high days out, such as the Pillar-Steeple-Red Pike-Yewbarrow round from Wasdale Head, Skiddaw, the Coniston Old Man circuit and the Helvellyn north-south ridge walk from the western side.
The original Old Man Alfred Wainwright remains a reliable guide to the high mountains and no walker should be without an Ordnance Survey map.
Guided Walks for all
There are always options to join an organised walk; ideal if you’re not a confident navigator, don’t know the area or just for the benefit of an experienced guide’s knowledge.
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The Cumbria Wildlife Trust also run guided walks to local reserves plus have a new range of self-guided wildlife walks created by blogger Beth Pipe. See their website for details.
…or just get away from it all…
You don’t have to be an alpinist to enjoy walking and there are options aplenty for lower-level routes, round the lake circuits and short outings for a sedate day out.
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The quietness of the countryside away from selected honeypots will astonish those more used to the busy paths of the more accessible central Lake District, with it being entirely possible to go walking on a bank holiday Monday and not see a soul.
Tale Trails…
Free story walks around Cumbria for children and the young at heart. Tale Trails Include a hand drawn map and local stories to get the imagination flowing. A super way for families to explore our beautiful county.
Equipment Hire
Looking for bike and cycling equipment hire? Look at providers in the area below.
…or how about a different adventure?
There’s far more to the Western Lakes than walking and cycling. Here’s where you can find out about a host of other activities, for a day out less ordinary.
What will you try?
Climb, ghyll-scramble, sail, canoe, paddle-board, wild-swim, ride a horse, mush some huskies – the world is your oyster. Bring your own gear or sign up with a local accredited activity provider.
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Find an adventure provider
Check out adventure activity providers in our local area below.