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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.
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.
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.
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.
Number of results: 11
Grange-over-Sands
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
Maryport
Maryport Coastal Park is a place for visitors to enjoy for its coastal views and flora and fauna. Access is free all year round. Maryport Coastal Park can be accesses from Maryport south shore car park, which can be found near the Glasson industrial…
Cumbria Wildlife Trust looks after lots of hidden and special places thriving with wildlife around the county. We run events at our nature reserves and in other unusual places, and cater for individuals and families. Events run all year round.
Barrow-in-Furness
South Walney isolated position on the southern tip of Walney Island makes it a special place for wildlife and people. It is a haven for bird life, many of which nest on the shingle beaches in the spring. No dogs allowed because of risk to wildlife.
Millom
Hodbarrow Nature Reserve is a coastal lagoon and area of grassland which is located on the site of a former iron mine on the west coast of Cumbria, close to the town of Millom.
Ravenglass
Set in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle, the Hawk & Owl Centre offers exhilarating bird of prey flying displays daily from Easter to Christmas plus the wild heron feed daily year-round.
Witherslack
Foulshaw Moss is an unusual habitat called a lowland raised mire – or a peat bog to you and me. This makes it a very special place to visit. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Cartmel
Nestled in the heart of Cartmel, we offer a range of delightful activities designed to connect you with these gentle and affectionate creatures. We offer interactive meet and greet sessions where you can learn and discover the unique personalities…
Maryport
Award winning family attraction on historic Maryport harbourside. All day tickets for 70+ displays of local and tropical marine life include a free round of crazy golf! Cafe, Gift Shop, Bait & Tackle store, Radio control boats, Adventure Playground.
Whicham, Valley, Millom
The ultimate horse riding experience in the stunning Cumbria. We are UK's only specialised heavy horse riding establishment! We are a small, professional, family run Equestrian Centre unique in the use of our magnificent heavy horse breeds.
Wiggonby, Carlisle
Located on the Solway plain 6 miles southwest of Carlisle, Watchtree Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife and a community asset for all.
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