Workington

There are so many recommended walks in the area that it's hard to decide which one to do. I had ordered something from M&S and the closest store is in Workington, so we drove there to pick up the merch and do one of the recommended walks.  The town itself seems quite down at the heels, though it was once the second busiest port in the UK.

It's located at the mouth of the River Derwent and evidence of both Roman and Viking settlements have been found there. In the industrial revolution, the town became a center for iron and steel production due to its proximity to the iron ore fields to the south which produced the  high grade phospherous-free hematite required to produce low carbon steel. The steel works were a major industry in the area until 1982. After the loss of its two industries, coal and steel, the town became an unemployment black spot in Cumbria.  Bruce said that the one pub he popped into was frightening, with locals making him feel exeedingly unwelcome. I only interacted with the clerk at M&S and she was nice, so my impression of Workington was a bit better than his.

After our dealings in town, we started off for our walk which would take us near the river then into farm land and back through town. While not as picturesque as Loweswater, we did find some enjoyable scenery. I was particularly fond of the old stone buildings.

Back in town I stopped at the public toilets. An artist had been commissioned to design tiles for the entrance.  How very odd.

All business concluded, we left Workington and probably won't return.