The newest part to become accessible to walkers is the stunning 52km Whitehaven-to-Silecroft stretch where the Lake District dips down to the Irish Sea.

It takes visitors close by the historic Georgian town of Whitehaven – reputed to be the inspiration for Lilliput in Gulliver’s Travels; the towering red sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head – the only area of high sea cliffs in the North West; and the majestic Muncaster Castle – a historic haunted castle with beautiful gardens, Hawk and Owl Centre and more. It takes in Ravenglass, the coastal village which is in two UNESCO World Heritage sites – The Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall and; Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway – known as La’al Ratty – one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge heritage railways in England.

This year has been designated as Cumbria’s Year of the Coast and it is a chance to escape the busy central Lake District and enjoy the quieter but equally spectacular Western Lake District and coastline.

Developed by Natural England, in partnership with Cumbria County Council, this latest stretch of the England Coast Path joins the existing route between Allonby and Whitehaven and the circuit of Walney Island which opened in 2020.

When fully completed the 2,800-mile England Coast Path National Trail will be the world’s longest sign-posted walking route.

The new trail, and its associated ‘coastal margin’ which in many places is now also publicly accessible, comprises clifftops, farmland, sand dunes, picturesque towns and villages and views of both mountain and sea.