natural environment of whitehaven...
An off-shore boat trip is one of the best ways to appreciate the area's coastal wildlife and mining heritage, whilst for landlubbers the myriad of footpaths and cycleways including the famous Cumbria Coastal Way, Coast to Coast Walk and C2C cycle route provide alternative ways of enjoying the area.
St Bees Head Nature Reserve
The towering red sandstone cliffs at St Bees hold the largest seabird colony on the west coast of England, home to over 5000 breeding birds including puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills. Fulmars, skuas and shearwaters can often be seen over the sea. The reserve can be accessed from the coastal footpath but is best appreciated off shore from a boat.
Whitehaven Marine Adventures
www.whitehavenmarineadventures.co.uk
Head out into coastal waters for an exhilarating 90-minute boat ride along the Whitehaven shoreline - the best way to appreciate the natural and industrial history of the area. Marvel at the huge seabird colonies on the towering sandstone cliffs of St Bees and discover more about Whitehaven's mining and seafaring heritage. As well as birdlife, other marine animals may be spotted 'offshore' including basking sharks and minke whales. Trips can be tailor-made to your specifications and include the services of a knowledgeable guide. Sailings from Whitehaven Harbour slipway (dependent on weather and tides).
Walk Mill Community Woodland
An extensive area of new woodland is being created on this former opencast coal-mining site. Footpaths lead from the main car park.
The Coast to Coast Walk
The Coast to Coast Walk was the brainchild of Alfred Wainwright, and is one of the most famous long-distance walks in the country. The 190 mile (305 km) walk starts in nearby St Bees and ends at Robin Hood's Bay on the North Yorkshire coast, passing through the spectacular countryside of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors. www.coast2coast.co.uk
The Cumbria Coastal Way
The Cumbria Coastal Way as the name describes, follows 150 miles (241 km) of footpaths close to the Cumbrian shoreline from Silverdale on the border with Lancashire to the Scottish border near Gretna.
Other walking routes are downloadable from www.lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk
Sea to Sea (C2C) Cycle Route
The popular Sea to Sea Cycle (C2C) Route (Routes 7 & 71) starts from Whitehaven harbour (Workington is an alternative starting point) and follows 136 miles (219 km) of minor roads, cycle paths and off-road tracks to Sunderland (or Newcastle). www.c2c-guide.co.uk or www.sustrans.org.uk
