Nature and Wildlife

From sweeping estuaries and salt marshes to sand dunes and ancient woodland, the Cumbria Coastal Route is rich in nature and wildlife. Travelling from Arnside to Carlisle, you’ll find a diverse range of landscapes that support an abundance of birdlife, rare habitats and seasonal highlights.

National Landscapes

At the southern end of the route, the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape is a haven for wildlife, known for its wealth of plants, birds and butterflies as well as a mosaic of limestone pavements, ancient woodlands and coastal views across Morecambe Bay. It’s a peaceful place to explore, with a rich mix of flora and fauna throughout the year.
Further north, the Solway Coast National Landscape offers a very different environment. Here, wide open skies, salt marshes and sand dunes create an ever-changing habitat, particularly important for migrating birds and wintering wildfowl.

Nature Reserves & Wildlife Habitats

The Cumbria Coastal Route is home to a number of important nature reserves, home to a vibrant array of wildlife.

Discover several RSPB reserves, which provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching. At Hodbarrow Nature Reserve near Millom, a coastal lagoon and grasslands attract a variety of species. St Bees Head is the only cliff-nesting seabird colony in north-west England, home to puffins, kittiwakes and guillemots. Further north, Campfield Marsh on the Solway Coast is a peaceful wetland rich in birdlife.

Elsewhere, Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve offers a rare glimpse into lowland raised bog habitat and is home to nesting ospreys, while the reserves on Walney Island near Barrow provide a mix of dunes, salt marsh and grazing land, supporting everything from grey seals to migratory birds.
Many of these special places are cared for by organisations such as the RSPB and Cumbria Wildlife Trust, who work to protect and conserve the region’s unique natural environment.

Explore Responsibly

The landscapes along the Cumbria Coastal Route are both beautiful and fragile. Help protect them by keeping dogs on leads, sticking to marked paths and giving wildlife plenty of space. Check out local guidance for more information, and remember: take only photos, leave only footprints.