On the edge of the Solway Firth, near Cockermouth, Silloth Beach is sand and shingle, backed by sand dunes and, in places, man-made sea defences. When the tide is out, large expanses of sand flats are exposed and are sometimes used for kite buggying. The beach is otherwise popular for a variety of activities including sea kayaking and canoeing, wind surfing, kite surfing and fishing. The water quality is acceptable. The beach is on the Cumbria Coastal Way. Grune Point, a raised sand and shingle beach with mudflats, is a short walk - this attracts a wide range of rare flora and fauna, including over 70 recorded species of birds.