The opening section of the Coast to Coast begins beside the Irish Sea at St Bees, following the sandstone cliffs before turning inland through the villages and farmland of West Cumbria. Beyond Cleator and Dent, the landscape begins to change as the route approaches the western edge of the Lake District and descends towards Ennerdale Bridge.

The articles below explore the landscapes, history and features encountered along and around this first stage — from the cliffs and heritage of St Bees to ancient sites, villages, woodland and the first Lakeland fells. Together they provide a closer look at places that can easily pass unnoticed when simply walking the route.

All articles are researched and regularly reviewed for accuracy, with photography taken during my own walks along the Coast to Coast and the surrounding landscape.