Ahead of the Year of the Coast 2023, a special 200-mile route exploring Cumbria’s coast – the ‘CCR 200’ – has been extended and rebranded to inspire motorhome and campervan owners to explore some of the region’s hidden gems.

The five stages of the CCR 200 already take visitors on a journey from Morecambe Bay up the Cumbrian coastline to Solway and the city of Carlisle.

Along the way, it takes in two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, numerous nature reserves and wildlife including grey seals and many rare birds. Secluded beaches, majestic castles and ancient tales of smuggling and the spice trade all add to the amazing views.

Now, an additional loop has been added to the route to help motorhome and campervan owners explore a little further inland; from Carlisle into Hadrian’s Wall Country and the reaches of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site.

There are also plans for two further loops bringing in Alston and the North Pennines, as well as part of the Yorkshire Dales and South Lakes.

The additions are based on previous coach touring routes, making them suitable for larger vehicle access and handy to enjoy local sights and attractions. Meanwhile, there are fresh descriptions for many existing sections of the CCR200, plus a new downloadable map for people to use.

Cumbria Tourism has also been working with the county’s six local authorities to give the CCR 200 more of its own distinct identity and longevity – much like Scotland’s ‘South West Coastal 300’ or for walkers, the famous Coast to Coast walk.

Part of this activity has included creating a range of new resources to help businesses on the route promote all the CCR 200 has to offer.

As well as camping and motorhome sites, local shops, attractions and food and drink providers are being given access to imagery, logos, social media content and other background information – all now available on the Resource Hub at www.cumbriatourism.org

Sustainable Tourism Officer at Cumbria Tourism, Gemma Procter, says, “The Cumbrian Coastal Route, or CCR 200, is a great way for motorhome and campervan owners to explore these beautiful – but often little-known – areas of Cumbria.

“By extending the route, we are hoping people will be inspired to explore even more new places and experiences they may not have previously been aware of. Of course, this is also a benefit to local businesses and communities who can welcome new customers and share a slice of the unique character these hidden gems have to offer.”

She adds, “The CCR 200 has also been developed hand-in-hand with the Motorcaravanners’ Code of Conduct, to help people avoid the complex and sometimes narrow rural road network, whilst highlighting the most suitable routes to explore the world-renowned but sensitive landscape without missing its scenic highlights.”

This project has been delivered and supported with the support of Cumbria’s Tactical Visitor Management Group (TVMG) which is a collective, county-wide response to help manage the flow of visitors to the county and to support local communities.