Solway Coast Cycling
The Solway Coast is a certified Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) located in northern Cumbria, ideal for cycling with a network of cycle routes and bikeways.
Cycling from Cockermouth to the Solway Coast
Cockermouth town is a fantastic destination to base yourself if you’re planning to cycle along the Solway Coast. This easy bike route takes you up the west Cumbrian coastline via a traffic free, flat path. Surrounded by wildlife, saltmarshes, and dunes, it really is a stunning, family-friendly cycling route idyllic for all kinds of people, and even the dog!
The Solway Coast is a certified Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) located in northern Cumbria. The national cycle network begins from Maryport, a harbour town based outside of the Lake District Park, and is just a 12 minute drive away from Cockermouth (6.8 mile ride).
Solway Coast cycle route
From here, the Solway Coast cycle route awaits where you can split your bike tour into several key points: Maryport to Allonby, Allonby to Mawbray Banks (2 miles), and finally taking you on ahead to complete the route as you make it to Silloth (a further 5 miles). The route from start to finish takes around 1 hour and 13 minutes (14.5 miles), all along a smooth flat path.
Bird lovers must pack their binoculars and check out the wading birds dancing amongst the sea. Don’t worry, you won’t get caught out on this ride, toilets are available here – a must-have if you’re cycling with little ones – and there’s also a shop nearby should you need to pick up some extra refreshments.
Maryport to Allonby cycle path
Cycling from Maryport to Allonby is just 5.7 miles long, which you can ride at a steady pace in about 30 minutes. As you push the pedals, take a moment to breathe in the salty fresh air and look out at the coastal sites including Scotland across the water. As you reach Allonby, it’s the perfect time to stop off for an ice cream and dip your feet in the sand.
For those happy to venture ahead on the cycle path, Silloth can be reached in just five more miles. As you meet the heart of Cumbria’s cycleway, you’ll be greeted by its seaside resort feel and particularly calming atmosphere. Silloth’s beach spreads out a mile long north to its shingle beach called the ‘Grune Point’ (also great for birdwatching!), which was created naturally by the waves.
Maryport to Silloth cycle path
Take a walk along the promenade and look out to the views of the Solway Firth. If you’ve packed a picnic for the day, there are plenty of spots to settle down, whether that’s on the sandy west beach or on the village Green. Within Silloth, there are a number of facilities and attractions for the family to experience together. Kids can jump on the new climbing frame, go crazy at the water splash park, and everyone can learn something new from the Discovery Centre, and Bank Mill Nursery – home to a local nature reserve, perfect for animal lovers!
Once you’re finished for the day, depending on your timings, head home on the Solway cycle path where you could be met by a breathtaking sunset. The short one hour bike ride back to Maryport will quickly pass, and with so much to see the Solway Coast is a cycling day out you’ll keep coming back for.