Last up-dated:  27th October, 2009 This site is no longer being maintained.   An anti-nuclear viewpoint of the proposals to build a 240' (80m) high nuclear reactor on the fields immediately behind the bungalows can be found at www.toxiccoast.com We have recorded the Radio 4 article on the proposals.   Click here to listen to the .mp3 file.

Braystones is an isolated community on the west coast of Cumbria.

There are three main elements to the community:  those who live on the beach - whether permanently or for holidays only, a small hamlet about half a mile from the railway station, and a caravan site round the tarn.

The nearest place most people will have heard of is likely to be Sellafield, which is about four miles south of Braystones.   Sellafield is the home of the nuclear re-processing plant.   These days it is the major employer in the region, many local services owing their continued existence to its presence.

In the heading photograph, the headland to the left is Nethertown Head.   Then the single row of bungalows down to the station.   Tarnside Caravan Park is conspicuous on the hill above and to the right of the typical Furness Railway-built station.   St. Bee's Head is beyond Nethertown, and beyond that, Whitehaven and Workington.   Going inland there is the town of Egremont, approximately 2½ miles away.   The Isle of Man is clearly visible on most days. On very clear days the coast of Scotland is visible to the left of Nethertown.


Poorly served by roads, the railway station building was sold off many years ago and the station is now an "On Request" stop - akin to a bus stop but with higher steps.   The crossing gates are now self-operated by those wishing to cross.   The train service is adequate, but not particularly convenient.   The nearest bus route is the Beckermet to Whitehaven route, which passes along the the road from Braystones hamlet to Nethertown.

Part of the access lane to the beach is publicly owned, whilst a shorter length adjacent to the station house is owned by Network Rail.   The greater part of the lane is maintained by the residents, aided with occasional resources from Network Rail and Sellafield plc. The crossing and access ramp to the beach are the responsibility of Network Rail.

In very recent years the community has gained access to some of the 20th century's amenities, such as mains water and electricity.   Some residents even have telephones!   In days of yore, water was obtained from a series of wells, fed by springs emerging from the embankment and channelled under the railway line.   Most of the original wells have been removed and the (probably much healthier!) mains water is now used by most residents.

Because of the remoteness, a vehicle of some sort is a necessity, preferably one with good ground clearance!   Most of the residents contribute to the maintenance of a basic road along the top of the beach, in front of the bungalows, as well as to the dirt track leading to the station. Originally only passable by tractors and four-wheel drive vehicles, over the years it has become easier to use and is now passable by anything with reasonable ground clearance. The crossing remains a bit problematical for anything out of the ordinary.

Despite being on the less-popular side of the mountains, there is a lot on offer to those venturing to this part of the world.   Many of the best lakes are within 20 miles, and there are lots of tourist attractions.  

The coast to coast walk starts in Whitehaven and takes in St. Bees Head before striking inland for the east coast.   Just 14 miles to the south is Ravenglass, a former Roman fort and terminus of 'L'al Ratty' - the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.   This is a great day out, taking passengers up the Esk valley to Boot, where a variety of walks converge.  

There is a dramatic waterfall within (comparatively!) easy walking distance of the Boot terminus.   For the less energetic, there are several places to rest with refreshment whilst waiting the return train.

Wastwater, set against the backdrop of some of the very finest of the Lakeland fells:  Great Gable, Scafell, Scafell Pike, Haycock and Seatallan; and  acknowledged, as the Best View in Britain (see the photo gallery) is only 12 miles away.

Braystones is not for those wishing to have a lavish nightlife, but for peace, quiet and gentle natural beauty it would be hard to beat.   Sea fishing, bird watching, and beach-combing are popular pastimes for the regulars.   Canny residents collect their winter firewood supplies following winter storms.   Sadly, from time to time, a bungalow or two actually form the winter firewood supplies as the tide can sometimes be ferocious enough to wash them away.

The intention of this site is to enable those interested to keep up with developments in this lovely remote spot.   Those interested in the history of the bungalows and comprehensive records and pictures of them, together with personal memories from many residents, should visit the past-presented website.