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We visit Allonby on the Solway Coast, Cumbria

Earlier today we headed west to Allonby on the coast of Cumbria just south of Silloth.  Our approach to the area was met with a bit of rain, however once the car was parked the sun came out.

Stretched out before us was plenty of grass to run on so we took full advantage to stretch our legs and get aquainted with our surroundings.

A strange swooshing sound filled the air and the grass smelt a bit different but we were just glad to be exploring once again.

Following a grass path we came upon a small bridge which we crossed and after negotiating a sandy overgrown banking we rushed exitedly to the source of the swooshing sound.  Dad said it was the sea, however Charlie saw it as just water and ran headlong towards it.

Yuck, the water tasted horrid and not at all like the water in the river at Dalston the other day.  Now this takes some getting used to.

It feels like water, looks like water and is cool like water but the taste on our delicate lickers is really bad so we avoid drinking anymore and just play.  Mum says the water is salty and we shouldn’t drink it…. A bit late now mum!

On the horizon Dad spots a load of wind turbines and thinks it must be the Robin Rigg windfarm.

We tried to count the number of white poles sticking out from the sea but the view was a bit hazy.

Stepping away from the water to get dried off a little, mum spotted a red beaked bird she thought was an oystercatcher. It had black feathers on its back and a bright red or orange beak which made it stand out from the pebbles on the beach.

With the rain clouds moving away the sky cleared to give a bright blue sky and with it came the sunshine.

Mum and Dad now wished they had left their coats in the car as they were starting to get a bit hot.

First experiences.

For Charlie this was the first time at the beach and he soon learned about the strange stuff called sand. Wet sand is very sticky and soon he was covered in the stuff all the way up to his tummy.

Mum said it would drop off as our fur dried.  We hoped so, otherwise the backseats of the car were going to be covered!!

Stripes of debris on the beach marked out the various tide marks and they made for some great sniffs. Large amounts of seaweed, that is what mum called it I think, stretched into the distance along with the occasional traffic cone and broken car headlight.

Charlie tried to count the number of stones and pebbles but had to give up at four, when he ran out of paws.

Allonby Bay is on the Solway Coast, an area designated of outstanding Natural Beauty, stretching from Rockcliffe Marsh on the Scotish Border to just North of the historic harbour town of Maryport.

Leaving the sea behind us we move inland a little and onto a grass path. To our right are the sand banks with the sea beyond.  Occasionally, as we walk with our backs to the village of Allonby, we smell the sweet scent of wild rose bushes.

Mum says that these plants must have been here for some considerable time as they are around 20m across and adds that she has never heard of roses growing in salty areas.

Many bees and other insects can be seen on the flowers gathering up the pollen and nectar. Possibly these bushes are the only source of food for miles around.

Looking out across Allonby Bay is this seat in memory of Christine Marrs. This bench, one of many along the edge of the path, caught our attention due to the flowers planted at either end of the mounting plinth.

Screwed to the upper rail is a plaque which reads

‘ In memory of Christine Marrs
Beloved wife of Ernie
Donated by Stuart and Christine (C.S.H. TSPT ) 2006′

We pause for a brief rest whilst dad ties his shoelace and then we are off once more on our adventures.

Underfoot the path is dry and the grass tickles a bit as it is slightly brittle after all the recent sunshine.

Charlie is about ready for another drink so we decide it is time to turn around and start our return journey.

Although this is the main path, a number of other smaller paths lead off and to get more sniffs, our return route took in some of these.

Down one of the paths we came across the small bird in the photograph to the right..

Without the binoculars mum could not see the bird clearly enough to identify it.  She thought it maybe some form of bunting or a warbler. Do you know?

Only one windsurfer was out on the water today. Many websites indicate that the strong winds make conditions here some of the best in the country for this sport.

Across the water, in the distance can be seen the Dumfries coastline with the town of Dumfries to the right and just around the corner Kirkcudbright to the left

Almost back to the car and we take a slight detour into the village and come across The Ship Inn.

To the left of the main door is a blue plaque indicating that Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins stayed here on Wednesday 9th September 1857.

Both were good friends and stayed 2 nights in Allonby during a walking tour they were undertaking.

It is here that our walk for the day ends as we return to the car for a well earned drink and a rest.

Until next time

Buster and Charlie.

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