The beach on the West Cumbrian Coast between Maryport and Skinburness, just beyond Silloth, runs almost continuously for more than 12 miles. There are quite a few informal pull-ins just off the road which vary from reasonably flat gravel areas to very bumpy paths across the dunes. None of these ‘ car parks’, are more than a few yards off the road so finding a parking space is pretty easy although being a tourist area they are very rarely completely empty. We are on the edge of the Solway Firth here, so the rise and fall of the tide is quite large. At low tide the beach can extend for half a mile or so. I have been walking as a naturist along sections of these beaches for a couple of years now. The quietest sections are just south of Allonby or north of
Mawbray
The quality of the beach area is very variable; the sections near Maryport are very rocky, although there are large areas of sand when the tide is out. The sand increases as you move up the coast and the whole length is very flat. There can be very wet sections so you have to be careful of soft sand but so far apart from getting my feet wet now and again I’ve never had any problems. Because this is a tourist area at sunny weekends and holiday times it is very busy, particularly around Allonby town. There are dog walkers at all hours of the day but generally once you have found a quiet parking spot, at low tide you can walk out to the edge of the sea and enjoy the area pretty much to yourself. The period between low and high tide is generally about five hours but because the beach is very flat the sea comes in very quickly so you must be aware at all times and keep an eye on the approaching water.
Allonby Walks
I have done this section many times. It’s glorious in the sun and the midsections of the beach about a mile north of Maryport are usually very quiet. As far I can ascertain, none of this area is ‘officially’ nudist so it’s always best to keep an eye out for other people, especially families.
Flimby
This section is immediately to the south of Maryport with an unofficial campervan park right on the beach so the sections near the town are definitely not naturist friendly. However about half a mile south the beach is not very often frequented except for lone walkers or people with their dogs. The sand is very flat and firm here and I have actually done a bit of naked cycling, although it is tough going on the wet sand.
All in all there are lots of fantastic walks, naked or clothed, with views of Scotland across the Firth. The wind almost never stops but on the quieter days walking nude along the water’s edge is exhilarating. If anyone wishes to visit the area drop me a line.