" St Bees Colourful Coast " at EveryTrail

[ Alter the settings to zoom or change the Map, use Everytrail to download the Gps route ]

 

The section of the coast path from St Bees to Whitehaven is renowned

for the colour of the farm fields, the sea cliffs and of the sea itself. 

We walk part of it on a short, slightly circular outing to the Lighthouse and back along the cliffs.

Parking off road at the radio mast . . . the highest part of St Bees Head . . . hence the radio mast !

From the arrangement of aerials it would appear to bounce signals up and down the coast, though it is probably aiming at the Isle of Man too.

The wind farms and industry of the Workington and Whitehaven coast are to the north

as we walk down the road towards the farm.

Scotland is clear today . . . as is that kestrel that is hovering in the breeze.

Looking across at the lighthouse . . . which has a backdrop of a rather hazy Isle of Man.

Tarnflatt Hall Farm residents.

New cattle pens alongside the barn . . . the circular arrangement is to facilitate moving cattle into the "crush" at the end

should they need to be checked out by the farmer or vet.

Looking back at the farm as another couple follow us down.

What is really striking is the rich green colour of the fields . . . compared to the brown winter-like grass closer to home.

'Home' is in the distance amongst the fell tops peeking over the horizon.

Is it just the fine day or is the lighthouse looking newly painted . . . can't decide.

If you're after the detail of this famous light, click on the Trinity House site here

Rebuilt after an 1822 fire before which it was coal fired.	A fence to deter intruders.

Actually the fence was here on the old fog horn and lookout building down by the cliff edge.

Anyone trying to get around those spikes will be dangling over the 300ft cliff edge !

The hills of Dumfries and Galloway across the Solway Firth . . . and that kestrel is back again.

Close enough and steady enough at last to catch a photo.	Time to be heading off around the cliff path.

The red sandstone gives this area its 'colourful' tag . . .	. . . looking vertically down nearly 300 feet

As the path continues around the headland the views across to Whitehaven and Workington come back into view.

In its day Whitehaven was the second most important port for the American shipping trade

and the heritage of Rum, slavery and Paul Jones are inextricably linked through the towns history and now its museums.

A lesser black backed gull on a fly-past.	The red comes from the sandstone and also traces of iron ore.

Close detail from 1933, maybe even 1833 ?	Tokens of Love.

More detail masked by the passage of time . . . and the lichen.

Out to sea . . . two unusual boats are entering port.

They will be drilling and maintenance rigs from the Robin Rigg wind farm out there in the Solway.

The two rigs are being towed towards Whitehaven harbour.

Time, well at least a short time, to relax on this rather cobbled-together seat which is part wooden, part cast iron.

Can't stay too long as we are out to see Rogue Herries at the theatre tonight.

One last look at the view before we head back to the car.

We leave the coast and head back inland to the radio mast.

The footpath develops into a farm lane and we're almost there.

To read more of the full coastal walk click on "Colourful Coast"

- - - o o o - - -

STOP PRESS:      A couple of interesting responses from Loweswatercam viewers tonight . . .

Lovely photos Roger, nice to see the coastline. That lighthouse is so similar to Anvil Point Lighthouse at Durlston, Swanage! Julie Willsher

Old WWII radar station in the background there. Chain Home Low RADAR Station Russell Barnes

- - - o o o - - -