Solway Coast & Northern Shores
Beyond Whitehaven, the coastline softens once more as it turns toward the Solway Firth. This stretch feels broader and more expansive, defined by long sandy beaches, open skies and a quieter, more unhurried pace.
Maryport marks the transition, where Roman heritage and harbour views connect this coastline to the wider story of the region. From here, the route follows the shoreline through Allonby, a peaceful coastal village with uninterrupted views across the Solway, before reaching Silloth, known for its wide promenade, green spaces and far-reaching vistas toward Scotland.
This is a place to slow down — less about landmarks and more about atmosphere — where changing light, sea air and open space define the experience before the journey turns inland toward its final chapter.
How to Spend Your Time — Solway Coast & Northern Shore
This section runs from Maryport to Silloth, following the wide, open shoreline of the Solway Firth.
It’s quieter and more expansive than the rest of the route — defined by big skies, long beaches and a slower, more relaxed pace.
1 Day — Coastal Highlights
Morning: Maryport promenade
Midday: Allonby beach stop
Afternoon: Silloth Green and promenade
Best for: Easy pace • Seaside towns
2 Days — Add Space
Day 1: Full coastal run
Day 2: Longer walks and repeat stops
Best for: Slow travel • Relaxation
3 Days — Slow & Immersive
Day 1–2: As above
Day 3: Extended coastal walking or cycling
Best for: Quiet exploration • Photography
Short on Time? Take the Scenic Drive Instead
If you’re not doing the full road trip, this peaceful coastal drive captures the Solway’s wide horizons and slower pace.
Drive time: ~1.5 hours • Allow: 2–3 hours
Maryport → Allonby → Silloth → return
Highlights:
Big skies • quiet beaches • Solway Firth views • relaxed coastal towns
As you leave the enclosed harbour of Whitehaven, the coastline begins to soften and widen. The road follows a more open line, with longer stretches of shoreline and fewer settlements, before arriving at Maryport — where the character of the Solway Coast starts to emerge.
Maryport — Roman heritage and harbour town
Arriving along the Solway Coast, Maryport brings together maritime history and one of the most important Roman sites on the Cumbrian coast. Laid out in a Georgian grid pattern, the town sits slightly elevated above the harbour, with wide views across the Solway Firth toward Scotland.
It’s a place where different layers of history overlap — from Roman frontier activity to 18th-century port development — giving it a stronger sense of depth than first appearances suggest. Combined with its working harbour and coastal setting, Maryport works as both a stopping point and a transition into the quieter northern stretches of the route.
• Roman heritage with one of Britain’s most important collections
• Georgian harbour town with views across the Solway Firth
• Gateway to the Solway Coast and northern shoreline
What to See & Do
Senhouse Roman Museum & Fort Site – One of the best Roman collections in Britain, including altar stones and inscriptions, set beside the remains of a Roman fort with an observation point.
Maryport Harbour & Marina – A working harbour with fishing boats, marina and wide views across the Solway. The harbour has a 4-Star Gold Anchor Marina, a harbourside caravan park with touring pitches and hard standing for boats.
Fleming Square & Town Centre – Georgian and Victorian streets laid out in a clear grid pattern.
Maryport Maritime Museum – Exploring the town’s seafaring past, including links to the Ismay family and the White Star Line.
Lake District Coast Aquarium – Interactive displays showcasing marine life from the Cumbrian coast and inland waters.
Bank End Ramble – A 3-mile, rewarding walk rising above the town, with views across the Solway Firth. The best way to see the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, an area that stretches from its easterly boundary at Floriston on the Border Esk to Maryport, is on foot.
The Percy Kelly Maryport Walking Trail is a good introduction to Maryport and you will see that a lot of what renowned artist Percy captured, can still be seen today. See fine paintings by Percy Kelly and also the acclaimed maritime artist William Mitchell in the museum.
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Getting Around – The harbour and town centre are compact and walkable, with key sites close together.
Parking –
• Harbour Car Parks – Best for marina, museum and aquarium access
• Town Centre Parking – Convenient for exploring streets and shopsBest Time to Visit – Clear days for views across the Solway; quieter outside peak summer.
Facilities – Good range of cafés, shops and visitor facilities.
Continuing the Journey — Toward Allonby
Leaving Maryport, the route follows the B5300 north as the coastline opens out further. The landscape becomes flatter and more expansive, with long stretches of shoreline and fewer interruptions, leading toward the quieter village of Allonby.
Allonby — Seaside village and open Solway views
Allonby sits quietly along the Solway Coast, with a long sandy beach and uninterrupted views across the estuary toward Scotland. Smaller and more understated than traditional seaside towns, it retains much of its Georgian and Victorian character, with simple streets and buildings set close to the shoreline.
This is a place defined by space rather than activity — wide skies, open sea views and a slower pace. It also forms part of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a natural stopping point for walking and taking in the wider landscape.
• Long sandy beach with wide views across the Solway Firth
• Quiet village within the Solway Coast AONB
• Historic seaside character with a slower pace
What to See & Do
Allonby Beach – A wide, open beach ideal for walking, with views stretching across to Scotland.
Solway Coast Walking – Access to coastal paths and sea banks forming part of the wider Cumbria Coastal Way.
Village Streets & Seafront – Georgian and Victorian buildings reflecting its past as a sea-bathing resort.
Historic Buildings – Including the former sea baths, Christ Church and the Reading Room overlooking the seafront.
Smuggling Heritage – The village’s history as part of historic smuggling routes along the Solway coast.
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Getting There – Follow the B5300 north from Maryport toward Silloth.
Getting Around – Compact and easy to explore on foot.
Parking –
• Seafront Parking Areas – Convenient for beach accessBest Time to Visit – Clear days for views across the Solway; quieter outside peak periods.
Facilities – Limited but includes cafés and local amenities.
Toward Silloth
Leaving Allonby, the route continues north along one of the most open stretches of the Cumbria coast. The road runs close to the shoreline, with uninterrupted views across the Solway Firth and very little to break the horizon.
As you approach Silloth, the landscape remains wide and uncluttered before the town appears almost suddenly — set back from the shore, with its green spaces, promenade and distant views across to Scotland.
Silloth — Victorian seaside and wide Solway views
Silloth is one of the most distinctive seaside towns along the Cumbria coast, known for its open setting, wide green and long views across the Solway Firth. Once a popular Victorian resort, the town still retains that character, with broad streets, a promenade and a sense of space that sets it apart from more typical coastal destinations.
Facing the hills of southern Scotland and backed by the Lake District fells, Silloth offers some of the best coastal views in the region. Its mild climate and expansive setting make it a natural place to pause, particularly at the end of this stretch of the journey.
• Classic Victorian seaside town with a strong sense of space
• Wide views across the Solway Firth toward Scotland
• Relaxed, open setting ideal for walking and slower travel
What to See & Do
Silloth Green & Promenade – A large open green leading to the seafront, with space to walk, relax and take in the coastal views.
Solway Firth Views – Clear, far-reaching views across to the Scottish coastline, particularly striking at sunset.
Seafront Walks – Easy walking along the promenade toward Skinburness and along the shoreline.
Silloth Golf Course – A well-regarded links course set within the open coastal landscape.
Discovery Centre – Located in the town centre, with information on the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Getting Around – Silloth is compact and easy to explore on foot, particularly around the green and seafront.
Parking –
• Seafront & Green Parking Areas – Convenient for promenade and beach accessBest Time to Visit – Clear days for views across the Solway; sunsets are a particular highlight.
Facilities – Good range of cafés, shops and basic visitor facilities.
On the Route — Toward Carlisle
From Silloth, the route turns inland toward Carlisle along the A595, moving away from the open shoreline and into the Solway plain.
Wigton (optional stop) – A small market town just off the route, offering a brief inland contrast. The Wigton Heritage Trail provides a simple way to explore its history, including connections to writer Melvyn Bragg and local landmarks around the town centre.
Watchtree Nature Reserve (detour) – A large open reserve on the Solway plain, with walking and cycling routes through quiet landscapes and wildlife habitats. Learn more here .
Solway Coast & Northern Shore
Maryport → Allonby → Silloth
Cumbrian Coastal Route Last updated: 14 May 2026
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