UK - Cumbria by Gavin Wilson

Everyone thinks they know the Lake District, that is until they venture a little bit further north and west - past Keswick with its ice cream shops and outdoor clothing emporiums, past Bassenthwaite lake with its now famous ospreys, and on to West Cumbria.

Often overlooked because much of it lies beyond the edge of the Lake District National Park boundary, West Cumbria has many treasures and secrets to give up, but only to those prepared to explore. On the Northern Cumbrian coast are miles of deserted beaches, home to an abundance of widlife, fabulous sunsets, and expansive views across the Solway Firth to southern Scotland.

Furthest north is the seaside town of Allonby, a pretty little town, fast becoming a centre for the relatively new sport of kite surfing. Coming west along the coast lies Silloth, wide streets and an air of faded Victorian grandeur. Further west still lies Maryport, with its harbour, fishing boats and the extremely popular aquarium. Then comes the former industrial port of Workington, not the most attractive town but currently undergoing a transformation into a serious retail destination. Finally we get to Whitehaven, a Georgian harbour town; with over 250 listed buildings, it's a town worth spending the day exploring.

Coming inland, we find the market town of Cockermouth, situated at the confluence of the rivers Derwent and Cocker. A hidden gem, mainly Georgian, with its wide main street and a distinct lack of the clone shops so familiar in most other high streets nowadays. Instead there is a wealth of independent cafes, galleries, antique shops and more, all waiting to be explored in the nooks and crannies of this town. A must before leaving Cockermouth is Wordsworth House, childhood home of the poet, now famous across the world.

Of course there are lakes, hills and walks in this area too, but West Cumbria has so much more to offer to those prepared to take a longer look.

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