Haig

Haig, once home to Cumbria’s largest coal pit, is now a key part of Whitehaven’s coastal tourism. The colliery, which closed in 1986, had tunnels stretching 4.5 miles under the Solway Firth and into the Irish Sea. Following its closure, the area remained underutilised until restoration began in 2002, with the site transferred to the Land Trust in 2008.  

Today, Haig offers visitors stunning views of the Irish Sea and a chance to explore the cliffs, which are home to thousands of seabirds such as puffins and razorbills. With improved access through Open Access land and new permissive pathways, Haig forms part of a seamless journey from the harbour to the wild coastline.