I first visited Maryport about 25 years ago when we had our camper van. We visited a museum but didn't stay long as we spent most time at the lakes. Then friends moved there some years ago and I have visited them lots of times but again I didn't see much of it as they had the car and we drove to other places. The only shops we went into were a couple of small supermarkets which again we drove to.
I hadn't visited for about 3 years partly due to being unwell then helping daughter move plus my own move and not long after than covid struck. Then about two months ago my friend who is now 91 fell and broke her hip and spent 3 weeks in hospital after an operation then 5 weeks recovering in a care home. I knew she was very down so booked to visit her in the home and made travel plans. Normally most of my holidays are very frugal but as I haven't been able to travel for ages I decided on luxury. Well luxury for me anyway. No airbnb, bunk house or youth hostel but a hotel overlooking the harbour. I usually look out for cheap coach deals but thought in view of the virus numbers going up I would feel safer on a train so that was booked as well.
I walked through town for the first time from the station to the hotel. I had never seen the main shops before. It felt like going back in time. I wasn't able to see my friend until the next afternoon so I spent the morning walking about and saw the river for the first time. Happily she went home the next morning so I was able to spend the afternoon and evening with them. However I really enjoyed walking along the coast path in the morning. So here are some of my photos. The view from my bedroom window. The solway firth and the hills of Scotland are on the horizon.
The Roman museum was closed but in a beautiful spot high above the coast. Nearby was a shelter with a bookcase full of books free to take. I did take one which was called "Feeding the Nation" by Marguerite Patten full of wartime recipes.
So from thinking Maryport was a boring seedy town I know find it fascinating. Hopefully I will visit my friends again later in the year so there is more to explore. Next time will be planned more leisurely and be frugal.
