Wild coastal walks: Cardurnock, Cumbria

Think there are no wildernesses left on our coast? Here are seven walks that let you taste the cream of the wild coastlands - moody, offbeat and inspiring - and see why these islands are so satisfying to explore. To enjoy a dose of almost complete isolation, this Cumbrian walk could be for you

 
Seas, sand and open spaces

North from Cardurnock along the foreshore of the Solway Firth, Cumbria

 
This very lonely corner of Cumbria, to the west of Carlisle, lies far removed from the Lake District's tourist crowds. Here, it is all about huge, enormous skies, tan-coloured aprons of sand and mountain views.

 
Wilderness rating: splendid isolation

Along this splendidly isolated shoreline, take in soaring seabirds, coastal flowers, the tide racing inshore and gargantuan views across the Solway Firth to Criffel mountain, ten miles away in Scotland.

 

Way to go: From Cardurnock village, follow the coast of the Solway Firth northwards. You can venture far out on the sands until the tide drives you back ashore.

 

Time and effort needed: This involves flat sand walking, for as long
and as far as you like.

 

Refuel at: The Bush Inn, Kirkbride (01697 351694), a genuine local pub.

 

Getting there: Take the 93 bus from Carlisle. If driving from Carlisle, take the A595 (Workington, Whitehaven), then the B5307 to Angerton. Take the minor road through Whitrigg and Anthorn to Cardurnock, then park by the phone box; follow the green lane down to the shore.

 

Sleep at: Wallsend Guesthouse, Bowness-on-Solway (01697 351055, www.a1tourism.com/uk/wallsend). A comfortable night's stop on the Firth. Double B&B, £44.

 

OS Maps Landranger 85; Explorer 314. Click here for the Ordanance Survey Get a Map service

 

For more info Silloth TIC (01697 331944, www.visitcumbria.com).

 

Click here for our next wild coastal walk... 

 

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