Solway Coast and Plain
The sunsets of Cumbria's Solway Coast have inspired artists for centuries. They are a spectacle which compare with any other to be seen on the coastline of the British Isles.
This is a region of Cumbria which, since 1964, has been designated as an Area of Special Beauty.
The wild unspoiled stretch of coast between Maryport and Rockcliffe Marsh on the Scottish Border is of significant importance to the preservation of bird life and rare plants which inhabit sand dunes,salt marsh and mudflats.
Viewpoints have been provided to allow observation of a variety of bird-life including oyster catchers, curlew, pink footed geese, plovers, peregrine falcon, skua (in the late Spring) and the Solway Firth speciality, the scaup.
It also serves as a wintering ground for thousands of wildfowl.
Occasionally visible close to the shoreline, one can also spot seals and dolphins. For those who venture out at low tide, please be aware of the dangers of rapid incoming tides. Tide times can be checked locally.
Inland lays the Solway Plain stretching eastwards to the foot of the Caldbeck Fells and north to Carlisle and the Scottish Border. Enclosed within this area of flat landscapes and unhurried countryside are the larger communities of Aspatria, Wigton, Bowness-on-Solway, Burgh-by-Sands, Bothel and Abbey Town.
Level and undemanding quiet roads, tracks and trails make it especially suitable for those who wish to find a relaxing walking or cycling holiday. A popular walk is the “Smugglers Route”beginning at Maryport and ending at Mealsgate via Allonby and Hayton.
Scottish raiding parties were regular visitors during the 17th and 18th C. In 1626 one such group stole the church bells of St. Michaels Church, Bowness-on-Solway. Unfortunately, both for the raiders and St Michaels, the bells were lost overboard en-route by sea to Annan on the Scottish shore. The villagers of Bowness retaliated by crossing the border and stealing the bells from Darnock and Middlebrie. It is said that to this day, following the appointment of a new priest to the area, the incumbent requests the villagers of Bowness to the return the bells.
Staying close to Bowness-on-Solway, American visitors may be interested to know that one mile away are the remains of a 19th C. harbour from where the wife to be of Woodrow Wilson emigrated.
To be included in other sites of historical appeal and standing next to the Greyhound Pub of Burgh-by-Sands is the fairly recently unveiled sculpture of Englands King Edward 1st known as “The Hammer of the Scots” or “Long Shanks”. A further monument marking his death in 1307 can be found at the end of the River Eden.
A less well known indication of the Roman presence are two stones in Burgh Church on which there are carvings depicting an elephant and what has been suggested is a hippopotamus said to have been made by homesick Roman soldiers.
Despite these testimonies to the past, the peace and quiet of the countryside could fool you in to thinking that nothing has happened here over the centuries. A closer look will reveal clear footprints of what has gone before. These of course are dramatically illustrated further north within the confines of of the city of Carlisle and beyond to the well defined landmark of Hadrians Wall together with the fine displays of culture and heritage at the Senhouse Roman Museum and the Maritime Museum in Maryport.
This is only a brief introduction to the Solway Coast and Plain.
Visitors to this proud region will discover wide open spaces which seem a million miles from the stresses and strains of everyday life. There is such a diverse range of holiday accommodation from which to choose and in each one, the guest will be met with traditional Cumbrian kindliness and hospitality which has served the tourist industry so well over the years. Make this your holiday base and you will have on your doorstep not only the Solway Coast and Plain but the complete Lake District Holiday Package of Lakes and Fells all within a convenient travelling distance.
Notables of the Solway coast and Plain
Melvyn Bragg Wigton born broadcaster, writer and prolific novelist. Created a Life Peer (Lord Bragg of Wigton) in 1998. A dedicated Cumbrian. Two of his recent books follow the fortunes of a working class Cumbrian family during and after World War 2.
John Paul Jones Regarded as “Father of the American Navy”. Scots born but moved to, and resided in Whitehaven from the age of 13 years whilst serving a seamans apprenticeship. In 1778 he returned to the town leading a raiding party.
Fletcher Christian Born in Cockermouth in 1764. A leader of the “Mutiny on the Bounty”.
Lake District's Solway Coast
Bank Mill Nurseries
Solway Coast Discovery Centre.
Silloth Golf Club.
Solway Art Gallery.
Skinburness for bird watching.
Maryport annual Blues Festival.
Silloth annual Solfest.
Lake District Coast Aquarium.
Silloth annual Beer & Music Festival.
Wildlife photography courtesy of Christine Redgate
www.haverigg.com