THIS six and a half mile walk along the Cumbrian coast, within the National Park, is so different from the inland mountainous scenery of Lakeland.

It has large fields of barley, fine herds of cattle, flocks of sheep and a glorious quiet charm of its own. You will meet few people but see plenty of birds. Annaside Banks is one of Cumbria’s splendid secrets. The footpath traverses low cliffs with fine views to boulder-strewn beaches and across the Irish Sea. The walk continues beside the River Annas and then returns along a good track below the dramatic flanks of Black Combe.

Park in the layby in front of Whitbeck Church on the A595, north west of Millom and three miles before Bootle (grid ref 119839).

1 From the parking area in front of the church, cross the A road, with care, and take the signposted narrow lane towards Gutterby. Cross the railway line, with equal care, and follow the continuing lane, which swings right. Look right for a good view of Black Combe’s western flank. Stride on for nearly a mile to pass Gutterby farm. Away to the right you can see the Muncaster Fell and then the Irish Sea comes into view. Stroll on and, where the track swings sharp right, pass through a gate ahead and follow a track bearing half left.

2 Carry on until you reach a gate, beyond which the track gradually descends a gill down to the sea. Do NOT pass through the gate, instead take a stile, with a tiny board saying Cumbria Coastal Way, to the north of the track (passed on your right as you approached the gate). This gives access to the fenced shallow cliffs. Carry on along the side of the fence with a large pasture stretching away to the right. Cross two stiles to reach Bog Hole, a basin-shaped depression in the cliff. Look down on the shore for redshanks, curlews and oyster catchers. Skylarks flit about the turf before ascending into the air. Beyond the next stile, join a reinforced track and saunter along the low cliffs for almost a mile.

3 Follow the track as it swings inland and then descends, hedge-lined, before reaching the tiny settlement of Annaside. Head on along the track as it winds left, for a very short way, before some farm buildings, to reach the River Annas. Here look for the easily-missed waymarked stile over the fence on your right, right up against the river. Keep along the side of the river and go over the next stile and then pick your way across a rather wet field to the next stile, again close beside the river.

4 Start up the middle of the large field and then slant to the far right corner to go over another stile. Beyond, wind right for a few steps to pick up a reinforced path, where you turn left. Then take the first gate (unmarked) on the left. Climb a little slope to the riverbank and walk right. In spite of the lush vegetation the narrow path has been well trodden. To your left is the tree-lined river and to your right a deepish ditch. Carry on to pass under the right arch of the sturdy three-arched railway bridge; notice the stones of the arches are placed aslant for strength.

5 Walk on a few steps to take a gate to continue beside the river. The path is quite well used, the vegetation rampant, and the flowers a delight. Continue on with the ditch generally to your right, which you cross twice on small footbridges. Then take care when only a short stretch of the ditch continues to another little footbridge and keep to the side of the fence, on the right, when the path slopes awkwardly.

6 Carry on to a cross a plank footbridge and climb the waymarked stile beyond. This gives access on to a large field. Turn right to walk the flat pasture, then climb the slope beside the fence on your right, to join the access track to Barfield Farm. Go right along this to join a reinforced lane. Pause here to look left to see reed-fringed Barfield Tarn. Then descend left to come to the A595. Cross, with care, and go through the signposted gate opposite. Continue ahead, passing through two more gates, to reach a track beyond the fell wall.

7 Head right along the distinct track, keeping parallel with the wall on your right, below the forbidding slopes of bracken-clad Black Combe. Look right across the hinterland, and the sea, towards Snaefell on the Isle of Man. Pass a tiny cottage tucked under the steep slopes, and stride on, keeping on the high-level track, when the wall turns away right. Follow the track as it drops down a slope and soon comes beside the fine curving wall to reach Whitbeck Mill, and its waterfalls to the left. Beyond, stroll the wide track as it slowly descends and then winds right to Whitbeck Church to rejoin your car.

Information Distance: 6 1/2 miles Time: 3-4 hours Terrain: Generally easy to walk and well waymarked. Tracks can be muddy after rain.

Map: OS Explorer OL 6

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.