Six Walks to do from St. Bees…

  • Coast to Coast 

Distance: 292km Time: 14 days Difficulty: Challenging (Smaller sections of the route around St. Bees can be explored) 

One of the most obvious choices for a walk in St,Bees is the ‘Coast to Coast’. Wainwright devised this walk in 1973, publishing the first Coast to Coast guidebook, covering over 182- miles and incorporating three national parks; The Lake District, The Yorkshire Dales and The North York Moors. Most people walk the route in around 14 days starting at St Bees and ending in Robin Hoods Bay.  Of course, we understand a 182-mile route is not everyone’s idea of fun, so you can choose to explore shorter sections of the footpath from St. Bees, such as St Bees to Dent Fell or continuing on to Ennerdale Bridge to complete only the first section of the route. The start of the Coast to Coast footpath begins at the Wainwright Wall by the Lifeboat Station. There is a stone marker with a plaque of the route and information about the walk. 

  • St Bees to Whitehaven 

Distance: 9km Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Medium

The footpath from St.Bees to Whitehaven follows the Cumbrian Coastal Way exploring the stunning cliff tops with beautiful views over the Irish Sea with plenty of benches along the way for a picnic or rest. The route runs over 9kn (6 miles) with the option of catching the train back to St. Bees once you reach Whitehaven. The route starts at St. Bees village, taking you along the cliffs at South Head before reaching St. Bees Head. Here, you can stop to bird watch at the RSPB Nature Reserve, which is home to the largest seabird colony in the north-west. The path continues on to Kells passing the old site of the Haig Colliery Mining Museum. Once you reach the South Beach and Hurd Rocks at Whitehaven, there is a short walk to the end at the towns West Pier and harbour. You can choose to walk back the way you came, or catch the train back to St. Bees. 

  • Scalebarrow Brow circular 

Distance: 3km Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy

One of the more easy-going routes around St.Bees, this walk is a relaxed, circular hike through pleasant countryside exploring St.Bees beach, Scalebarrow Brow and St.Bees Priory.  The route begins at the beach car park and passes the Lifeboat Station, continuing along the promenade towards St Bees Head. The path crosses Rottington Beck and passes a kissing gate before reaching Cottam’s Corner. On reaching the road, cross a little bridge leading to the bottom of the small hill known as Scalebarrow. Follow the path up the hill and over the top back towards St.Bees. The road back will pass St.Bees School and the priory before heading back to the car park. 

  • Seacoate and St Bees circular 

Distance: 3.5km Time: 1.5 hours Difficulty: Easy 

The Seacoate circular walk is a relaxing route exploring down the coast and returning back through St Bees village. The walk begins at the car park at St. Bees beach and heads down the coast away from St.Bees Head. You can choose to either walk along the cliff path or stroll along the beach. At the end of the beach or cliff route, there is a kissing gate joining the England Coastal Path and passing the remains of the Sea Mill to cross over Pow Beck. From here, continue on over the railway line and return back to the village. 

  • The St Begas Way 

Distance: 64km Time: 4 days Difficulty: Challenging 

Another long distance trail starting from St. Bees and ending at Bassenthwaite, the St Bega’s Way is a pilgrimage hike connecting the two churches in the Lake District dedicated to St Bega. From St Bees priory, you travel inland through the West Cumbrian scenery before reaching the chapel of Bassenthwaite. Along the way, you will explore the Cumbrian coastal plain, Lakeland fells such as Scafells, Ennerdales, Great Gabel, Skiddaw and others, the lands of Ennerdale Water, lakes including Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite and Borrowdale.  The whole route covers 40 miles and is challenging however you can explore as much or little of the route as you like. 

  • Rottington Hall and the Byerstead Road circular 

Distance: 5km Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy 

This walk to Rottington Hall and back via the Byerstead Road visits the small hamlet of Rottington, which used to be a separate parish prior to joining with St. Bees in 1973. The route starts at St Bees station car park and heads north towards Sandwith passing the priory, Scalebarrow hill, Rottington Beck and Rottington Hall Farm before returning via a delightful wooded valley near Byerstead Road. The road passes Thorneybeck Quarry before re-joining at the village back to the station.