THIS route follows spectacular coastal scenery from sea level to the soaring cliff top. Seabirds and flowers are everywhere in the warmer months while a winter walk can be equally fascinating. Streets of old cottages lead up to the cliffs. These highpoints provided watch towers for the Celts during the Iron Ages and later the Romans had a substantial port on the headlands. This is certainly a town not to be rushed.

From the Cumbrian Coast follow the A596 (T) signed to Maryport. Descend into the town and follow the obvious signs leading down to the harbour. Pass the bridge over the River Ellen to reach the large Pay and Display car park by the Aquarium.

There are plenty of pubs and cafes in the town but do not miss the pleasant little cafe attached to the Aquarium.

1 From the Aquarium turn right and head towards the town. Firstly take time to explore the old harbour which has recently had a major face lift. In the early 1750s there were only a few fishermen’s cottages along the estuary of the River Ellen. Then local landowner Humphrey Senhouse realised the potential of the hamlet of Ellenport and named his town Maryport after his wife. By the 1800s new docks were thriving and iron works, glass works, paper mills, breweries, tanneries and shipyards all doing a roaring trade. These have now been replaced by up-market marinas.

2 Cross the bridge over the Ellen and look out for an attractive sculpture overlooking the Maritime Museum, which was once a sailors’ alehouse called the Queen’s Head. Here also was once the home of Thomas Henry Ismay, the founder of the White Star shipping line, which operated many of the most famous transatlantic liners. From the museum turn left to reach the Victorian church outside of which are a couple of old cannons and an anchor surrounded by flower beds.

3 From the church a new promenade has been built which is now part of the Cumbria Coastal Path which is a perfect haunt for both professional and amateur botanists. The route follows the well-named Strand Street which once marked the tidal limit before the promenade was built. The Senhouse Roman Museum is clearly signed from this point.

4 Turn right at a footpath sign to the Roman Museum and climb a long flight of steep steps. At the top of the steps turn left where the museum is clearly signed. Look left from the cliff top down to the harbour and in around 1/4 mile approach the Senhouse Museum, which has its own small car park. The museum is open on most days in the summer but with a restricted opening in winter. For details ring 01900-816168. What is unique about this museum is that it holds the best collection of altars dedicated to Roman Gods to be found anywhere in the world.

5 From the museum retrace the inward route for about 300 yards. Turn left and then right along minor roads lined with terraced houses. Descend steeply to a road junction into the heart of the town.

6 With the recently constructed tourist information centre on the left turn sharp right. Return to the Maritime Museum now on the left. Cross the bridge over the River Ellen and turn right to return to the car park. Don’t miss the Marine Aquarium (01900-817760), which is privately run and specialises mainly in the marine creatures which are found locally. There are touch pads and lots of child-friendly leaflets and ideas with regard to places where rock pools can be found.

Distance: 3 miles Time: allow at least two hours Map: Explorer OL 4 Starting point: from the car park opposite the Aquarium, grid reference 034366 NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.