We choose a spot on the map ten or eleven miles north of Maryport and our very generous AirBnb host offers us a lift – wonderful! He drops us off in a carpark just before Beckfoot and close to a boardwalk leading to the sea.

An information sign tells us where we are and what to expect – not cows I hope, although these are very pretty – Belted Galloways maybe.

A little later we are faced with a choice of high or low road and because the sea actually does look miles away we continue on the low tide route down to Oldkin Farm.

We are now approaching the village of Allonby and it’s time for refreshments. Locals we ask are all a bit vague about cafes that are open, but just as we are about to give up we find one. And just in case you’re wondering what Damian is drinking………..

Further south we notice signs for Milefortlet 21 and the Salt Pans of Crosscanonby, an area which formed part of Hadrian’s coastal defences of the north west frontier (and thus the Roman Empire). It is the only site of this kind to have been wholly excavated. Close by are the remains of a seventeenth century salt works – making salt from seawater was practised all along the Cumbrian coast for hundreds of years.

Unfortunately, and as is so often the case, we are on a mission and cannot afford the time to go see.

We are now approaching the outskirts of Maryport – and Damian is wearing ………….

The path takes us high above the town – the backs of the small terraced houses look like rows of broken teeth, but there is a clear view over to the harbour.

And now a pint and the tennis………

Distance: 11 miles