THE MAIL readers have reacted to a list highlighting some of Cumbria’s best ‘secret beaches’ to avoid the crowds this summer.

The list included Walney Island, Silecroft beach and Ravenglass beach – some of the lesser-known and likely less-dense shores worth visiting ahead of the expected staycation boom this year.

These beachgoers were particularly hard to please.

Furness Abbot said: “They’re not secret anymore.”

Another said: “Costa Del Cumbria. Fantastic views of Sellafied or hundreds of wind turbines anyone?

“Dog mess and cigarette butts on the windswept beaches, to your liking? Mmmn! Lovely!

“The sooner we can travel freely abroad again, the better. Let’s be honest: staycations are rubbish.”

The king of sting said: “I’m sure there will be one through and through Cumbrian who will disagree but give me a beach in Cyprus any day. Preferably in Paphos where the bar is on the beach.

"Have you seen the size of the seagulls out west?!"

Jo Woody said: “Cumbria beaches leave a lot to be desired. St Bees is probably the best, but we have an excellent coastline.

“Two different things altogether.”

Ericcccccc said: “Staycations in Cumbria are rubbish unless you want to climb a mountain. In other parts of the UK there is lots to do, you don’t need to travel overseas.

“Of these beaches two are overshadowed by the world's biggest nuclear dump, like anyone with any sense would allow their kids or dogs to go on beaches where particles of nuclear waste have been found.

“As for the rest of Cumbria you can visit the dullest museums in the UK and pay (whereas the best in the UK are free!) such as Tullie House or the Pencil Museum.

“Cumbria is fine for walkers and climbers. Other than that, the best things are the M6, A66 and A69 out.”