The Western Lakes and Coast.
The Western Lake District is an area of great diversity and contrasts, with famous lakes, awesome mountains and dramatic coastline.
Home to Britain's deepest lake, Wast Water (86m metres deep) and England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike (977 metres high). Much of Western Lake District lies within the Lake District National Park and includes many National Nature Reserves, where, at some, guided walks are available. Each valley has its own special characteristics, from the austerity of Wasdale to the lush green of Eskdale and the peace of Buttermere Valley. Then of course there is the beautiful Crummock Water and Loweswater.
At the coast visitors will find busy harbours, award-winning beaches and dramatic cliffs. Situated on the shores of the Solway Firth is Silloth with wide uncrowded beaches and views across the water to the Scottish hills (Due to tides not suitable for swimming). This coastal area has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Down the coast is Maryport, with its Lake District Coast Aquarium and Maritime Museum. A short distance inland is the old market town of Cockermouth, where a market has been held here since 1221 and also famous as the birth place of William and Dorothy Wordsworth.
Grange-over-Sands, a favourite holiday destination in Edwardian times is a peaceful seaside retreat standing on the southernmost shores of the Cartmel Peninsula, in the famous Morecambe Bay. With its backdrop of mountains, wonderful coastline and mild climate this is a haven for nature lovers with its extensive birdlife, nature reserves and spectacular ornamental gardens.
Lovers of the traditional seaside holiday can be sure to find everything they want in the Victorian town of St Bees, including St Bees Head where the famous Coast to Coast walk begins. Silloth and Allenby. are both perfect spots to stay and enjoy all they have to offer with their lovely sandy beaches and lots of things to see and do.
At the end of the day the Solway Coast with its and varied and fragile habitats of raised mires, salt marshes and sand dunes is the place to go to witness some amazing sunsets. So however you choose to while away the days and nights there is something for everyone on the Cumbrian Coast.
