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Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 - Section 5 - Maryport to Carlisle- Solway Coast to City Stay

Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 - Section 5 - Maryport to Carlisle- Solway Coast to City Stay

Route: B5300, B5302, A596

Miles: 51

Head North from Maryport towards Silloth on the Solway Coast.The Solway’s outstanding landscapes, diverse habitats and rich heritage have a special character that is recognised as an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

The natural indentation of the Solway Firth influenced the building of Hadrian’s Wall in AD 122, a 73-mile (117 km) frontier between Bowness-on-Solway in the west and Wallsend (Tynemouth) in the east, which marked the northern extent of the Roman Empire. Although the wall is no longer visible in this area evidence of Roman occupation survives, not only in its long straight roads.

Vikings, Normans, monastic orders, smugglers, Border reivers and the Victorians have also left their mark on this rich landscape.

Head north from Maryport on the B5300 towards the Victorian seaside town of Silloth, making sure to call in at the characterful village of Allonby along the way. Allonby is a great base for walkers as it's on the Cumbrian Coastal Way and used to be on a key smuggling route! Smuggling was rife along the Solway coasts. Spirits, tobacco and fine textiles were regularly smuggled in from Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. By contrast, wool was smuggled out of the county to avoid high export duties.

Silloth is a popular destination for its leisurely atmosphere, seaside recreation and spectacular sunsets. With quirky shops and cafes, and great architecture and public spaces, you can see why this was a favourite resort in Victorian Times. From a championship golf course, to walking, cycling and bird-watching, there's something to keep everyone happy here.

In the centre of Silloth is the Discovery Centre. Here you will find everything you need to know about the area, to help you make the most of your visit. There is also a fantastic walk to Grune Point, a long spit of land which sticks out into the Morecambe estuary (not to be confused with Morecambe Bay!) , providing habitat for rare plants and even rarer Natterjack Toads.

After spending some time exploring, head along the B5302 towards Abbeytown. In medieval times, this was one of the most important towns in the north of England – its wealth and influence emanating from the Cistercian abbey of Holm Cultram. Nearby Newton Arlosh is the ‘new town’ founded by the monks of Holm Cultram after the town of Skinburness was washed away by floods in 1301/2.

Heading further inland on the B5302 brings you to Wigton, a working, historic market town. It has a long and fascinating history that can be explored following its Heritage Trail. The author and novelist, Melvyn Bragg was born here and his work has deep connections with the area. From here you can pick up the A595 through to Carlisle, but a worthy detour takes you to Watchtree Nature Reserve, a 205 acre fully accessible nature reserve situated on the Solway plain 6 miles southwest of Carlisle. The reserve hosts different habitats teaming in wildlife plus a network of accessible trails and onsite bike hire, making it easy to explore. Not to mention the on-site cafe.

Finally onward to Carlisle, with city centre parking this mobile and camper-friendly city has a lot to offer, providing a cosmopolitan contrast to the coast, yet still steeped in history and heritage. We recommend taking a chunk of time here to explore the city and its many attractions. Visit Carlisle Castle and the cathedral, stroll through Bitts Park or take a walk down memory lane at Tullie House Museum and Gallery.  

Just outside the city centre lies Talkin Tarn, a stunning glacial tarn nestled in acres of woodland and meadowland. There are great woodland trails, bike hire, boat hire and activities to enjoy, plus a great tea room with views out over the tarn.

Your journey needn't end here. Carlisle sits just off the M6 but firmly on the Roman frontier and there is plenty more to explore. But maybe for another day!

Solway Firth  Allonby  Silloth  Carlisle Castle  Carlisle Cathedral  Carlisle  Lanes Shopping Centre  Tullie House  Bitts Park  Talkin Tarn

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Itinerary Items

Item
1 Carlisle Castle
2 Carlisle Cathedral
3 Carlisle City Centre
4 The Lanes Shopping Centre
5 Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
6 Bitts Park
7 Talkin Tarn Country Park
8 Allonby
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Product Information

  1. Entrance and Exterior Walls at Carlisle Castle in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Entrance and Exterior Walls at Carlisle Castle in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Main Tower at Carlisle Castle in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Signage and Entrance to Carlisle Castle in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Entrance and Exterior Walls at Carlisle Castle in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Main Tower at Carlisle Castle in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Signage and Entrance to Carlisle Castle in Carlisle, Cumbria

    Carlisle Castle

    Carlisle

    Standing proudly in the city it has dominated for nine centuries, Carlisle Castle remained a working fortress until well within living memory. Today's highlights include the Prisoners' beautiful carvings, the exhibition and wall walk.

  2. Carlisle Cathedral
    Carlisle Cathedral

    Carlisle Cathedral

    Carlisle

    900 years of living faith, living history and living community in the heart of Carlisle. The Cathedral has a turbulent past with some fine medieval panels and stained glass; the choir sings at most services. Entry is free.

  3. Carlisle
    Carlisle

    Carlisle City Centre

    Carlisle

    Carlisle has a wealth of history and heritage to explore as well as fantastic shopping and spectacular countryside.

  4. Exterior Signage at The Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Exterior Signage at The Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Interior Seating and Shopfronts at The Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Exterior Signage at The Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Interior Seating and Shopfronts at The Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle, Cumbria

    The Lanes Shopping Centre

    Carlisle

    The premier shopping centre in Cumbria and the Borders. Located close to the historic castle, the cathedral and Tullie House Museum, The Lanes provides great shopping at the heart of the city.

  5. Exterior and Viewpoint at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria by D&H Photographers
    Exterior and Viewpoint at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria by D&H Photographers
    Roman History at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Exhibitions at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Cursing Stone at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Art and Exhibitions at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Roman History exhibit at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Entrance Hall and Exhibition Space at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria by D&H Photographers
    Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
    John Watt Cafe at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
    Evening Receptions at the John Watt Cafe - Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
    Exterior and Viewpoint at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria by D&H Photographers
    Roman History at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Exhibitions at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Cursing Stone at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Art and Exhibitions at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Roman History exhibit at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Entrance Hall and Exhibition Space at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle, Cumbria by D&H Photographers
    Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
    John Watt Cafe at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
    Evening Receptions at the John Watt Cafe - Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

    Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

    Carlisle

    Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is Carlisle's finest visitor attraction, and houses considerable collections of fine and decorative art, human history and natural sciences.

  6. Bitts Park
    Bitts Park
    Bitts Park
    Bitts Park
    Bitts Park

    Bitts Park

    CARLISLE

    Bitts Park is a peaceful haven only 800 metres from Carlisle City Centre, comprising formal gardens, riverside walks, a children’s play area and splash park, running routes and sports facilities.

  7. Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park
    Talkin Tarn Country Park

    Talkin Tarn Country Park

    BRAMPTON

    Talkin Tarn is a great destination for the whole family. Come and find out why Talkin Tarn really does have something for everyone. Explore ancient woodlands, easy footpaths, glacial tarns. Enjoy tearoom treats, stunning views, family adventures. Experience fun activities, peace and tranquility,…

Itinerary Distances

Sort By Shortest Journey

FromToDistance * (metric)
Carlisle Castle (54.89687,-2.9433)Carlisle Cathedral (54.89419,-2.93856)0.38
Carlisle Cathedral (54.89419,-2.93856)Carlisle City Centre (54.89429,-2.93544)0.18
Carlisle City Centre (54.89429,-2.93544)The Lanes Shopping Centre (54.89512,-2.93453)0.1
The Lanes Shopping Centre (54.89512,-2.93453)Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery (54.89589,-2.9408)0.37
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery (54.89589,-2.9408)Bitts Park (54.89802,-2.93961)0.22
Bitts Park (54.89802,-2.93961)Talkin Tarn Country Park (54.92415,-2.71262)13.33
Talkin Tarn Country Park (54.92415,-2.71262)Allonby (54.77544,-3.4293)43.95
Total Distance *58.52 miles
Estimated Journey Time1.88 hours

* Approximate distance by road

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