Hello, fellow adventurers! Today marked the 13th leg of my journey along the stunning Cumbria Coastal Way, and what a day it was! I was joined by two of my best walking buddies, and together we tackled the 9.75-mile stretch from the picturesque town of Whitehaven to the historic hub of Workington. The combination of great company, breath-taking scenery, and the thrill of the trail made this a truly memorable chapter in my coastal odyssey. Here’s the full rundown for you!
Setting Off from Whitehaven
Our day began in Whitehaven, a charming coastal town with a rich maritime history. The morning air was crisp and invigorating as we gathered at the starting point, the iconic Whitehaven Harbour. The Georgian architecture and the sight of boats bobbing gently in the water set a perfect tone for the adventure ahead. With backpacks secured, water bottles filled, and spirits high, my two trusty companions and I exchanged excited grins and hit the trail.
The Cumbria Coastal Way is a gem of a route, weaving along the rugged West Cumbrian coastline, and this leg promised a mix of dramatic cliffs, sweeping sea views, and a taste of industrial heritage. At 9.75 miles, it was a manageable distance, but we knew we’d be in for some varied terrain and plenty of sights to soak in.
The Journey Unfolds
Leaving Whitehaven behind, we followed the well-marked path northward, the Irish Sea stretching out to our left like a shimmering blue canvas. The early part of the walk took us along the clifftops, where the wind carried the salty tang of the sea and seabirds swooped overhead, their cries a wild soundtrack to our trek. The views were nothing short of spectacular, with the distant outline of the Isle of Man faintly visible on the horizon.
One of the joys of walking with friends is the chatter and laughter that punctuate the journey. We swapped stories, reminisced about past adventures, and marvelled at the beauty around us. The path dipped and rose gently, taking us through patches of wildflowers, bright yellow gorse and delicate purple heather, adding splashes of colour to the rugged landscape. Every so often, we’d pause to snap photos or simply breathe in the moment, the camaraderie making every step even more special.
Highlights Along the Way
A standout moment came as we passed the imposing silhouette of the Haig Pit Mining Museum, a nod to Cumbria’s industrial past. The old colliery site, perched near the cliffs, reminded us of the region’s coal-mining legacy, and we took a moment to imagine the lives of the workers who once toiled here. The contrast between the natural beauty of the coast and these echoes of history was striking and gave us plenty to chat about as we pressed on.
The trail hugged the coastline, offering panoramic vistas of waves crashing against rocky shores below. We spotted a few curious seals bobbing in the surf, their sleek heads popping up to watch us watchers! The weather was kind to us, mostly clear skies with a gentle breeze, perfect for a day on the move. As we neared Workington, the path brought us closer to the shore, and we scrambled over some pebbly beaches, the crunch underfoot a satisfying rhythm to our pace.
Arriving in Workington
After 9.75 miles of walking, talking, and taking in the sights, Workington came into view. The town welcomed us with its own unique charm, a blend of industrial grit and coastal character. We ended our journey near the River Derwent, where it meets the sea, feeling a mix of triumph and contentment. Tired legs and happy hearts, we celebrated with a well-earned rest, snapping a final group photo to mark the occasion.
Reflections on Leg 13
Today’s walk was about more than just the miles. The Cumbria Coastal Way continues to surprise and delight, with its ever-changing views and the sense of connection to both nature and history. Sharing it with two of my best walking buddies made it extra special, their company turned a great walk into a brilliant one. We covered 9.75 miles in good time, fuelled by laughter, shared snacks, and the stunning West Cumbrian coast.
I’m already looking forward to the next leg of this incredible journey! If you’re following along, I’d love to hear your thoughts, drop a comment on my X page or contact me page. Or share your own coastal adventures. Stay tuned for more updates right here on peterkaywordspace.co.uk as I continue exploring the Cumbria Coastal Way.
Until next time, keep walking and keep exploring!
Peter
