Attractions and Places To See around Cleator Moor - Top 20

Cleator Moor is a gateway to diverse natural landscapes. You can visit the tranquil Ennerdale Water, known for its solitude and clear waters, ideal for circular walks. The area also features several fells offering panoramic views, such as Blake Fell Summit, Crag Fell Summit, and Lank Rigg Summit. Additionally, the dramatic cliffs of St Bees Head and the sandy St Bees Beach are a short drive away.

Yes, the area offers excellent walking and hiking. You can enjoy circular walks around Ennerdale Water. For more challenging hikes, fells like Dent Fell, Blake Fell, Crag Fell, and Lank Rigg provide various routes and impressive views. Many of these fells are part of the famous Wainwright walks.

Cleator Moor has a rich industrial heritage reflected in its cultural sites. You can see three sculptures by Conrad Atkinson in the market square, commemorating the town's mining past. There's also a blue plaque dedicated to artist L.S. Lowry, who painted local scenes. Historic churches like St. Mary's Catholic Church (with its Lourdes replica grotto) and the Church of St John Evangelist are also notable.

For families, Longlands Lake and Clints Quarry are popular spots for exploring nature and spotting wildlife like red squirrels. The old railway line from Whitehaven to Ennerdale, passing through Cleator Moor, is now a tarmacked cycleway and footpath, perfect for family bike rides or walks. St Bees Beach also offers a great day out for families.

Many fells around Cleator Moor offer stunning viewpoints. Blake Fell Summit provides views of the Cumbrian Coast and Lake District mountains. Crag Fell Summit is an excellent vantage point to appreciate Ennerdale Water, while Lank Rigg Summit offers views over the coast and surrounding western fells. Dent Fell also provides impressive vistas.

Cleator Moor is part of the West Cumbria cycle network. The old railway line from Whitehaven to Ennerdale is now a tarmacked cycleway, forming part of the Sustrans C2C cycle route. You can find various road cycling, mountain biking, and touring bicycle routes starting from or passing through the area. Explore options like the 'View of Ennerdale – View of Ennerdale Water loop' or 'River Liza Gravel Track – Ennerdale Water Lakeside Path loop' on komoot's cycling guides for the region.

Ennerdale Water is unique as the most westerly and remote of the Lake District lakes, and notably, it's the only road-free lake. This offers a real sense of solitude and tranquility. It's 2.5 miles (4 km) long and 148 feet (45 m) deep, with crystal clear waters that are a fantastic habitat for fish and wildlife. It's an ideal spot for those looking to escape crowds.

Yes, Cleator Moor features several artistic elements. In the market square, you'll find three sculptures by internationally recognized artist Conrad Atkinson: 'The Miner,' 'The Phoenix,' and 'The Hand,' which pay tribute to the town's mining heritage. Additionally, murals by artist Angry Dan, inspired by British creatives like L.S. Lowry and William Wordsworth, were commissioned in 2022 and adorn the town.

Beyond hiking and cycling, you can enjoy birdwatching at St Bees Head, a designated Heritage Coast known for its dramatic cliffs and seabird colonies. The tranquil environment of Ennerdale Water is perfect for peaceful contemplation and photography. Nannycatch Gorge also offers a delightful valley to explore.

The Lake District generally offers beautiful scenery year-round, but for walking and cycling, late spring to early autumn (May to October) typically provides the most favorable weather conditions. During these months, trails are usually drier, and temperatures are milder, making outdoor exploration more comfortable. However, the remote nature of Ennerdale Water means it offers solitude even in high season.

St Bees Head, a short drive from Cleator Moor, is significant for several reasons. It marks the dramatic start of Wainwright's famous Coast to Coast Walk. It's also a designated Heritage Coast, offering stunning views and being an important site for birdwatching due to its cliff-nesting seabirds. The sandy St Bees Beach is also a popular attraction.

Yes, Cleator Moor has connections to the renowned artist L.S. Lowry. He frequently visited the town and painted several local scenes, including Cowles fish and chip shop and The Co-op on Market Square. A blue plaque dedicated to Lowry is located outside the public library on Market Square, marking his artistic legacy in the area.