This being our first cycling trip, we planned in a rest day at Whitehaven and our legs and posteriors thanked us for our forethought and decision!

Spectacular views of Whitehaven from the Kells. This giant chimney is affectionately known as the Candlestick, and provided ventilation to the coal mines that once reached 15 miles out under the sea. It got its nickname as gasses from the mine would occasionally ignite as they left the top!

After a full English breakfast with all the trimmings, we went for a wander around this lovely port town. In its heyday, Whitehaven was the 2nd largest port in the UK after London, and while most of the coal, ship building and commerce has closed down or moved on, hints of the past glory days are everywhere throughout the harbour and the valley hillsides.

Looking back at what would have been the rear of St Nicholas Church, sadly ravaged by fire in 1971. Only the bell tower and side chapel are left

On our way to the harbour we stopped at St Nicholas Church which burnt down almost 80 years to the day after it was completed. Parts of the exterior walls and the bell tower are all that remain, and is now home to a small chapel and a nice little tea room. We liked the information leaflet detailing the church’s history, including the building costs right down to 2 shillings and a half-penny!

One of the old lighthouses at the end of the outer pier. It’s a pretty sharp photo considering the buffeting the wind was giving us!

Similar to our arrival yesterday it was a gusty day and we really felt the wind as we walked along the walls of the inner harbour, which because it has a lock between them, it’s possible to walk all the way around!