Discover the historic and natural superstars of Cumbria’s Solway Coast
Cumbria’s Solway Coast is a very special place. It stretches from Rockcliffe in the north, to Maryport in the south, covering about 115 square kilometres of the Solway Plain. It’s a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty due to the extraordinary variety of wildlife, fauna and areas of important historic interest.
Monarchs and masters of the sea have left their mark on this corner of England
The Vikings to John Paul Jones, founder of the US navy; Robert the Bruce to King Edward I, who fell to his death, stricken by illness as he fought across the Solway marshland – Monarchs and masters of the sea have left their mark on this corner of England.
From Roman through to medieval times, troops crossed the Solway estuary at low tide on secret paths, risking lives to make the shortcut between the warring countries and the much fought over Debatable Lands. Romance also played its part as star-crossed lovers escaped from England to Scotland across the Solway to marry in Gretna Green. A railway bridge across the estuary linked Scotland and England until 1934, now you can see what remains, after an iceberg destroyed the bridge beyond repair. The Solway estuary has been a haven for smugglers as well as a safe place for military operations which played a significant role in the world wars.
The built environment along the Solway is of interest too with its quaint towns and villages. See a traditionally built ‘auld clay dabbin’ cottage and world war military sites including the imposing Anthorn transmitters that overlook the Solway. A built environment that goes back to Roman times. And these days re-used Roman stone can still be seen today in buildings along the line of Hadrian’s Wall.
