STOP PRESS

Date Posted: 30th April 2014

Buzzing round Maryport yesterday looking into signing for the trails, I met with a problem.
Having climbed up to Mote Hill (1) from the Mill Street car park (or Maryport Station) the trail takes you down a stepped  path to the riverside (2)  to join up with Well Lane(3)  and then the harbour bridge (4). Please be aware that this path is blocked by bushes and debris before it joins Well Lane at the bottom. People walking dogs told me they get round when the tide is low but this is hazardous and not to be recommended.
I have notified the town manager and hope he can bring some pressure to bear on the council to sort it out as it has been like this for some time.
As it is a long climb back up, I suggest that you go up to Mote Hill from the south corner of Mill Street car park for the magnificent  view and then come back down the way you came as far as Furnace Lane(about half way) and do the trail backwards along Furnace Lane to take a left into Catherine street (20),The Settlement (19)  and pick up the trail again for the harbour circuit (4 -18)  coming full circle, ending at the Maritime Museum by Harbour Bridge. You can then retrace your steps up Shipping Brow, High Street, Catherine Street and back down to the car park.
Now the weather is so sunny and mild, more people are out and about on the trails.  If there are any other problems you encounter please let me know so I can pass them on. I am interested in your feedback.
A few weeks ago I took writer Blake and Cathie Morrison round the Parton and Whitehaven trails which they thought were great and full of interest. We had a casual lunch at Zest on the Quayside and Blake came away marvelling that he got change out of £20 for the three of us - certainly not London prices. Similarly The Captain Nelson on Maryport’s South Quay gets fresh fish daily straight off the boats and it is delicious.

 You can see Well Lane in Kelly's painting below the slope bottom right. This is an area worth exploring so don't be put off by a small landfall. Make the diversion. I'll let you know when it is clear again.