Christine Slater chose to walk around Maryport, beginning at The Settlement, past the Fairy Path and ending at the Maritime Museum.

Christine Slater

“The walk began at The Settlement @ Castle Hill, a community arts and education centre at the southern end of High Street, Maryport. I walked down High Street to it’s junction with Senhouse Street, and then onwards and upwards, eventually reaching the Senhouse Roman Museum, which sits in top of the Sea Brows. I retraced my steps for a few meters to the top of the Fairy Path, which opened in the spring during the last lockdown, having been repaired following a landslip a few years ago. To celebrate the re-opening and to provide some joy after the long winter, the community spontaneously started decorating the path, and it has since become a haven of colour. At the bottom of the Fairy Path, you reach the promenade, is the perfect place to enjoy the glorious Solway sunsets.

Turning back towards the North Quay of the harbour, you reach Christ Church, which is currently disused, but has featured in paintings by LS Lowry and Workington-born artist Percy Kelly. In front of the church is a colourful mosaic designed and made by pupils from Netherhall School. The walk ended by the Maritime Museum, which features some of the work of Maryport artist, William Mitchell, and is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Maryport, the former Queen’s Head public house.”

Question 1: Creativity – What does creativity/culture mean to you? 

Colour-shapes-textures and sound.

Question 2: Connectivity – Covid-19 has forced us all to reimagine ways to connect. What have you missed – and what new possibilities have opened up? 

Cumbrians, including myself, have a deeply felt sense of connection to the place they were born. We may be lucky enough to travel the world, and experience life in other places, but we always end up coming home. The Covid-lockdowns have forced us to slow down and fully appreciate the beauty we have on our doorstep. The sound of the sea, the ever changing views and the fantastic Solway sunsets, which were particularly colourful during the first lockdown in 2020.

Question 3: Place – How can we, collectively, and artfully, better care for our environment?

The Fairy Path is an excellent example of members of the community collectively and artfully caring for their environment.