Almost two thirds of the Borough of Copeland lies within the
Lake District National Park. The landscape combines wonderfully
spectacular and subtle features, but does not suffer from the high
degree of congestion suffered by much of the National Park. This
enables the retention of a tranquillity and peace, whilst at the
same time catering for those wishing to take part in more active
pursuits.
Walking and climbing on the mountains and fells are obviously a
very popular pastime, but visitors just wanting to relax and enjoy
the beauty at a leisurely pace have not been forgotten. There are
many forest trails and walks that gently weave their way through
the countryside.
The area has many hotels, inns, guest houses and camping
facilities that make special arrangements for the climbing
fraternity - and the 'raw materials' are readily available and
plentiful - from the difficult, specialist rock climbs to the
gentle walks and paths.
There are town trails, coastal paths, lake, forest and riverside
walks as well as the more demanding long distance routes including
the 'Cumbria Coastal Way', the Ravenbar (from Ravenglass to
Scarborough) and the famous 'Coast to Coast Walk' starting at St.
Bees.
From the coastal areas of award-winning sandy beaches and craggy
cliffs, journey inland to Western Lakeland's perfect compliment of
high mountains and fells with the peaceful lakes and serene
valleys. There are RSPB reserves at St. Bees and Haverigg.
The development of the 'C2C' Cycleway, starting at Whitehaven
harbour and crossing the country to the North East, has brought a vast increase in the numbers of cyclists
visiting the area.
When cyclists arrive, they have a major problem - which of the
many new routes they should take first!?.. There are the long
distance routes, such as the 'C2C' and 'The Reivers' route, and
also many local cycle paths crossing the area - all things
considered, its not such a bad problem to have!
For details of the many activities; accommodation; facilities;
events; cycling, road and walking routes to enjoy the landscape of
the Western Lake District to the best advantage, as well any other
assistance you require, please contact the Tourist Information
Centres which will do their best to help you, and can send you the
Western Lake District Visitor Guide and any promotional material
upon request.
For more information contact:
Whitehaven Tourist Information Centre, Market Hall, Market
Place, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 7JG
Telephone: (01946) 598914
Email: tic@copelandbc.gov.uk