Discover the Hidden Gem of England’s Coastal Path in the Lake District: Cozy Inns and Scenic Towns

Overview of the England Coastal Path

The England Coastal Path will be the longest continuous walking path in the world, at 2,795 miles, when completed. Although currently unfinished, various segments are opening across the country, often overlooking scenic beaches and passing through delightfully charming towns, welcoming pubs, lush green landscapes, restaurants known for sticky toffee puddings or fresh seafood, majestic castles, and diverse wildlife.

Hiking Experience in West Cumbria

This August, my husband and I flew to London and boarded a train north to explore a new section of the England Coastal Path in West Cumbria, located in the U.K.’s stunning Lake District, just two hours south of Scotland. This 11-mile stretch of path was completed in February 2022, and we were excited to uncover an undiscovered region brimming with breathtaking beauty and friendly locals eager to share their knowledge and hospitality.

During our four-day hiking adventure, we began in Silecroft, a quaint village boasting a long, rocky beach. We attentively observed local birds, including red knots and ringed plovers. A gravel path transformed into sea dunes as we made our way toward Hodbarrow Pier in Millom. In Millom, we learned about the multimillion-dollar Millom Iron Line project, which aims to enhance the area’s seafront and outdated infrastructure into a must-visit attraction, reminiscent of New York City’s High Line. Following the trails through Millom Marsh led us through fields and along the seafront to Green Road Railway Station, marking the end of this newest segment of the trail.

Favorite Spots Along the Trail

The Pennington Hotel, Ravenglass

I completely fell for the charming village of Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the scenic Lake District National Park. The Pennington Hotel is situated in the heart of the village, offering 22 rooms with gorgeous views of the estuary. After a delightful dinner at the Estuary Bar & Grill, we strolled along the wide tidal flats, soaking in the stunning sky and collecting perfect stones to take home. It felt like we were the only tourists present.

The Wayside Inn and Whiskey Barn

Nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and established around 1637, the Wayside Inn and Whiskey Barn is a tranquil and private bed-and-breakfast featuring four beautifully appointed rooms. We were captivated by the farmhouse interior design, thoughtful touches such as whiskey-scented soaps, plush towels, a library of local poetry, and deep soaking tubs. An unforgettable evening was spent with the innkeeper, unwinding in the whiskey barn while planning our summit of Black Combe fell, conveniently accessible via a private trail from the inn.

Muncaster Castle

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a castle and waking up with a royal view, Muncaster Castle can bring those fantasies to life with its Coachman’s Quarters rooms and, during summer, glamping tents on the grounds. We enjoyed an enchanting bird and owl show and spent countless hours exploring the castle, listening to tales of its ghosts and famous visitors, including King Henry VI. We learned about the “Luck of Muncaster,” a curious cup gifted by King Henry VI, and felt incredibly fortunate to visit West Cumbria. We hope to return one day to conquer the entire England Coastal Trail with our children.