Solway Firth
The Solway Firth is the inlet that separates the northwesternmost county in England ( Cumbria ) from the southwesternmost Scotland ( Dumfries and Galloway ) and cuts more than 50 km deep into the country in a northeastern direction. It extends from St Bees Head just south of Whitehaven in Cumbria to the Mull of Galloway at the west end of Dumfries and Galloway. The rivers Eden , Esk , Annan and Nith flow into it . To the west of the Firth is the Irish Sea .
The coastline is characterized by flat hills. For long stretches it is often considered to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in the British Isles . The area is mainly rural. Fishing and agriculture still play a major role in the regional economy , although tourism is becoming increasingly important.
The water itself is usually harmless and no major dangers are to be expected, with the possible exception of the mudflats , which often have dangerous spots of quicksand . Visitors are advised not to hike the area without an expert guide.
The Solway Firth is home to more than 750 square kilometers of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and five National Nature Reserves, including Caerlaverock NNR .
Historical
Between 1869 and 1921 the upper end of the Solway Firth between Bowness and Annan was crossed by a railway line on a 1,780 m long viaduct. The viaduct was demolished between 1931 and 1933.
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Coordinates: 54 ° 45 ′ 0 ″ N , 3 ° 40 ′ 0 ″ W.