Whitehaven colourful coastal walk
This dramatic clifftop walk starts at Whitehaven’s historic 17th-century harbour, passing the town’s industrial archaeology to join Wainwright’s Coast to Coast path.
See the work of the Colourful Coast project
Experience wild, secluded beaches and discover a series of hidden gems such as Saltom Pit, the Haig Pit and Fleswick Bay. Wander through flower rich open access grasslands near Whitehaven managed by the National Trust in partnership.
Total steps: 5
Total steps: 5
Start point
The Beacon, Whitehaven
Step 1
Start by Wellington Terrace at Whitehaven Harbour (just past the Beacon Museum). Follow waymarkers up to The Candlestick (Wellington Pit's imposing chimney), then continue to the Haig Pit. On the clifftop you'll join the wagon way where trucks full of coal used to be shunted down to the harbour.
Step 2
Just after Haig Pit, follow the side path to the right to a board above Saltom Pit. There was once a path here which led to the ruined winding house. Continue along the cliff path.
Step 3
Follow the path for a short distance to come to another junction. Here, the wagon way continues on to the left, while the narrower footpath runs along the clifftop to the right. Follow the cliff edge path beyond the fields up the heathery slopes ahead onto St Bees Head. You will join an incline sloping up the cliffside towards the sandstone quarry. Here you can choose to drop down to Barrowmouth Bay.
Step 4
At the quarry follow the waymarked path on the seaward side of the quarry gates for stunning precipitous cliff top views of the coastline to the North all the way to Workington.
Step 5
This path brings you to the lighthouse, RSPB viewing points, Fleswick Bay and eventually to the beach at St Bees. To reach the railway station next to St Bees Priory, take the road running out of the car park behind the beach. When the main road curves to the left, turn right onto a side-road and then onto a footpath which crosses a field towards the Priory. The station is 220yd (200m) to the right of the Priory.
End point
The Beacon, Whitehaven
Trail map
More near here
Buttermere to Rannerdale walk
This scenic and invigorating Lakeland ridge walk takes you from the Buttermere Valley up to the summit of Rannerdale Knotts, offering impressive views over lakes and high peaks.
Lanthwaite Wood and Crummock Water walk
Explore the hills and woodlands on the eastern side of Crummock Water on this circular walk near Buttermere, Lake District.
Get in touch
Whitehaven Coast, Haig Pit Car Park, Solway Road, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 9BG
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Walking in the Lake District
From gentle ambles to more challenging hikes, these are some of the best walks to explore the heart of the Lake District.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Exploring the Whitehaven Coast
There’s lots to discover on the Whitehaven Coast, from carpets of colourful wildflowers to thousands of nesting seabirds. Find out more.
Top coastal walks
Explore some of the UK's most famous natural landmarks on a coastal walk. With a variety of walking trails offering clifftop views, golden sands and local wildlife, there's a walk for everyone.