The Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is not far from Carlisle and runs along the Cumbrian side of the Solway Firth with an unusual 7m high raised beach running along the coast. There are stretches of sandstone cliffs, none particularly high, and dunes that border the foreshore where countless wildfowl congregate to feed through the winter. As the tide recedes, the feeding grounds emerge from the waters, offering up salt marsh, rich mud flats and sandy beaches. Seals, porpoises and dolphins frequent the offshore waters.

The AONB borders the town of Silloth, and economic activity includes fishing for shrimp and cockles and farming, both arable and fattening of livestock: fields here are kept small and manageable, delimited by hedging in the traditional manner. It can sometimes feel like a place forgotten by time – Roman remains can be seen, and Hadrian’s Wall runs through the north section of the AONB.

Top Solway Coast AONB Camping Options