Dramatic St Bees Head
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Our view
"The high sandstone cliffs of St Bees make a formidable bastion against the Irish Sea."
Walk directions
From the parking area within the farmyard return to the surfaced road and walk back along to the top of the hill marked by the telecommunications mast. Take the track on the right, Hannahmoor Lane, signed 'Coastal Way' Fleswick Bay'. Cross the ladder stile beside the gate and continue along the track, dipping at first and then rising through more stiles and gates, to climb the shoulder of Hannah Moor. There are grand views east to the Lakeland fells and west across to the Isle of Man.
The fifth stile, on the crest of Hannah Moor, has waymark arrows showing the path, which falls diagonally down the next open field. Follow the indicated direction across to the far boundary, then rightwards down the hill. Exit the field by another stile at the bottom and then continue downhill to one further stile.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Track, grassy paths and lane, rocks slippery after rain, seven stiles
Landscape
- Elevated fields, rocky bay, cliff top and open seascapes
Dog friendliness
- Good for fit and active dogs under strict control
Parking
- Tarn Flatt Hall Farm by private access road to lighthouse, small fee payable at farmhouse
Toilets en route
- On seafront at St Bees village
About the walk
This walk makes a rewarding round of the North Head of St Bees. North Head forms an imposing headland of sandstone looking out across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man and over the Solway Firth to the hills of Galloway in Scotland. Here you'll find the most spectacular sea cliffs in the northwest of...
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Cumbria's rugged yet beautiful landscape is best known for the Lake District National Park that sits within its boundaries. It’s famous for Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, and Derwent Water, ‘Queen of the English Lakes', but other lesser-known areas in the south, such as the Lune Valley and the coastal towns, are secret gems of wide cobbled streets and rolling hills.
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Sella Park Country House Hotel
This property, parts of which date back to at least the 16th century, is set in six acres of mature grounds which lead down to the River Calder. The individually designed bedrooms are v...
Seven Acres Caravan Park
This sheltered park is close to quiet west Cumbrian coastal villages and beaches, and also handy for Eskdale and Wasdale. There is a good choice of pitches, some are hedged bays for pri...
The Lutwidge Arms
This Victorian roadside inn is family run and offers a welcoming atmosphere. Its name comes from the Lutwidge family of Holmrook Hall, whose lineage included Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, b...
Kirkstile Inn
This historic 16th-century inn lies in a valley surrounded by mountains. Serving great food and ale, its rustic bar and adjoining rooms prove to be a mecca for walkers. There is also a ...
Buttermere Cottage
Awaiting description...
Crummock Cottage
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Loweswater Cottage
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Crummockwater Cottages
Crummockwater Cottages in Loweswater enjoy stunning views of Crummock Water and the surrounding fells including Haystacks and Great Gable. The cottages are the converted barns and stabl...
Places to eat nearby View all
