A new guidebook reveals the hidden gems along the Workington to Whitehaven section of the King Charles III England Coast Path.
Written by Ange Harker, an author from the North West, the book offers a detailed look at this section of the 590km (367-mile) route from Gretna to Chester.
This is the first comprehensive guide to the North West section of the path, published by expert outdoor adventure publisher Cicerone.
It highlights an alternative to the busy Lake District fells, providing less crowded walks with beautiful sea views.
The flatter terrain is noted as being more accessible and suitable for beginner hikers.
Walkers can also experience the industrial heritage and history of England’s North West coastline, with key areas including Whitehaven, Millom, and Liverpool’s famous dockland.
Wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to explore the diverse array of birdlife found on the tidal flats and sand dunes.
The trail is also noted for its transport links, making it ideal for day walking.
Cicerone, a publisher with more than 50 years of experience in producing outdoor guidebooks for cyclists and hikers, has ensured the guidebook is packed with practical information.
This includes accommodation listings, transport links, and refreshment stops along the way, all presented in a facilities table.
The guidebook also includes a detailed route description and 1:50,000 OS mapping to keep walkers on track.
Two separate, pocket-sized map booklets are also available, covering the entire route.
Ange Harker, the author of the guidebook, is an expert on this section of the England Coast Path.
In her role within Natural England’s Coastal Access Delivery Team in the North West, she contributed to devising and planning this stretch of the route.
Route Description: Workington to Whitehaven
Total Distance: 15.3km (part of Stage 6: Maryport to Whitehaven)
From Workington Railway Station to Derwent Howe (3km, 45min)
Turn left out of Workington railway station and left again to join the riverside. Follow the river, circuiting a small marina partway, to its end (and start of the C2C cycle route).
Turn left, through a car park, to The Howe’s crucifix monument.
Derwent Howe (Workington) to Harrington (4km, 1hr)
Soon after, strike left by a boulder to join a fence then descend steps on your left. Continue ahead to the main road by KFC.
Turn right, then sharp right after the rail bridge onto a cycle path for 1.7km.
Take an underpass beyond a small lake at Salterbeck.
Follow the lower railway fence path to avoid erosion.
Approaching Harrington, stay left at a fork to a car park then follow the harbour to its far back corner.
Harrington to Whitehaven (8.3km, 2hr 15min)
Cross the road and take a flight of steps in a retaining wall ahead. Use roads for step-free option.
Turn right on the road, which becomes farm track then bridleway, passing the Lowca wind farm, before swinging inland to the road above Parton (maps may show the original cliff route, but the ground became too unstable for the path).
Turn right, and right again on a track to the beach. Cross a footbridge and continue ahead above the beach. Go through a car park then an underpass.
At the road junction turn right, then right again on Bank Yard Road. Continue on a tarmac track (NCN 72) beneath sandstone cliffs, to Whitehaven.
Pass an industrial yard entrance, then turn right onto the main road.
Pass the petrol garage for railway access and supermarket. Follow the road around for more town centre facilities and attractions.
Whitehaven
Following earlier occupations by the Romans (in nearby Parton) and Vikings, the fishing village of Whitehaven, much like Maryport, rose to prominence through its port.
The ‘planned’ town and attractive stone pier were constructed to further the mining and export of local coal by the Lowther family; transatlantic trade soon led to imports of tobacco, sugar, cotton and coffee.
While other centres overtook Whitehaven’s shipping role, the coal industry continued until the 1980s, much of it using a 4-mile-long tunnel under the sea. Notable remains include the ‘Candlestick’ ventilation shaft overlooking the harbour, the restored Saltom Pit building visible beneath the cliffs a little further south, and the modern Haig Colliery just beyond it on the clifftop.
The guidebook, Walking the King Charles III England Coast Path: North West, is available in shops and online at cicerone.co.uk.
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