Western Lakes
Silloth
The Western Lakes
www.westernlakedistrict.com - Welcome to the Western Lake District & Coast
Nestled snugly between some of England’s best-loved landscapes and the beauty of more than 100 miles of coastline hugging the Irish Sea, the Western Lake District & Coast offers visitors and residents the perfect blend of rugged landscapes, just a short distance from plenty of fresh sea air.
Further off the beaten track than some perhaps better-known places in Cumbria’s Lake District National Park, taking the time to discover this hidden gem is well-worth that little bit of extra effort. Everything you would associate with The Lake District is here, from stunning countryside offering relaxation and adventure, to bustling towns and villages, where the order of the day is tradition, industry, heritage and innovation. Read more here
www.visitallerdale.co.uk - Welcome to Allerdale. If you’re not familiar with the name, we’re the north-west bit of the Lake District – and we think you’ll find we’re a little bit special. Yes, we have lakes and iconic mountains, and all the amazing views the words ‘The Lake District’ conjure up, but visit Allerdale and you’ll find even more than that.
Here, you’ll discover two UNESCO World Heritage sites – the world-famous Lake District National Park and the amazingly historic Hadrian’s Wall. Beyond both of those, there is the chance to discover the hidden charms of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with beaches, dunes and wetlands galore. Read more here
Whitehaven - www.visit-whitehaven.co.uk
Activities and Attractions in The Western Lakes
The Coast www.westernlakedistrict.com
While lakes are more commonly associated with Cumbria than the sea, The Lake District Coast gives visitors plenty of good reasons to see the county differently, reinforcing the message that it’s not just all about the lakes and mountains.
Muncaster Castle, Gardens & Estate - Ravenglass www.muncaster.co.uk
For groups, for individuals and families, for days out or memorable special occasions, Muncaster offers an unforgettable experience to all in an idyllic setting amongst the Western Lake District fells. Come and visit our historic haunted castle and 77 acres of woodland and gardens.
Hadrians Wall www.hadrianswallcountry.co.uk
Discover over 1900 years of Hadrian's Wall. Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall was built to guard the wild north-west frontier of the Roman Empire. Discover the remains of the forts, towers, turrets and towns that once kept watch over Hadrian’s Wall. See rare Roman artefacts, get hands-on in museums and take in spectacular views of the rugged landscape to find out what life was like for the men, women and children on the edge of Roman Britain.
Senhouse Roman Museum www.visitlakedistrict.com/things-to-do/senhouse-roman-museum-p1211241
An internationally significant Roman collection housed in a Victorian Naval Battery adjacent to the Roman fort at Maryport. The museum is situated on the western end of Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site overlooking the Solway Firth towards the Scottish coast. The collection includes Roman military altars, sculptures and objects that tell the story of Roman life and beliefs on the edge of the Empire.
Eskdale Mill www.eskdalemill.co.uk
Nestled in the scenic village of Boot, our Grade II* listed watermill makes for a special day out. Step back in time and escape the daily grind!
Dating back to at least 1578, Eskdale Mill embodies the Lake District’s rich heritage. Located alongside Whillan Beck in Boot, the mill demonstrates 500 years of water power and the traditional craft of corn milling.
Complete with original working milling machinery, it is one of the few places in the UK where you can find double overshot waterwheels, a traditional oats drying rack and ingenious mechanisms made from local wood, metal and stone.
Last commercially working in the 1930’s to supply animal feed to local farmers, this display mill takes you back through time and explores the importance of water power.
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway ravenglass-railway.co.uk
Join us on a stunning seven-mile journey from Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the UNESCO World Heritage site, The Lake District National Park. Travel across the estuary, through the hills, past seven request stops, en route to our final destination, Dalegarth for Boot station.
Ravenglass Railway Museum www.ravenglassrailwaymuseum.co.uk
Step 150 years back in time
Ravenglass Railway Museum tells the story of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, affectionately known as the ‘Ratty’. Located at Ravenglass station on the Cumbrian coast, the museum re-opened in 2017 after a comprehensive Heritage Lottery funded re-development and houses a collection of artefacts ranging from steam locomotives and carriages right down to tickets, uniforms and models. Through exciting displays and hands-on interactive features, visitors can experience 150 years of the R&ER as well as the origins of the historic Roman port of Ravenglass and iron-ore mining in Eskdale.
Walking and Cycling in The Western lakes
Walking
Coast to Coast Walk www.visitlakedistrict.com
A beautiful route of 197 miles, linking three National Parks over high level traverse. Stretching from St Bees on the west coast, to Robin Hood’s Bay in the east, the Coast to Coast route was originally devised by Alfred Wainwright, who said “Surely there cannot be a finer itinerary for a long-distance walk!”.
The path can be walked in its entirety; split into one day sections; or enjoyed as a series of shorter walks. It winds its way along three National Parks: the Lake District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North Yorks Moors. The Cumbrian section of the walk passes by locations including St Bees, Cleator Moor, Ennerdale Water, Rosthwaite, Grasmere, Patterdale, Haweswater, Orton and Kirkby Stephen.
Other Walks www.westernlakedistrict.com/walking
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.
Cycling
The Lake District Coast is a great starting (and ending) point for cyclists, criss-crossed by many different routes.
If you want to get out for some fresh air on your own bike, take a look at some of our suggestions, with waymarked routes and even guided rides for those who’re not sure whether to take the next left or right!
www.westernlakedistrict.com/cycling/