8 November 2024 West Coast

The Reivers Route is a 170-mile coast-to-coast cycle route from Tynemouth to Whitehaven through unspoilt Northumberland and the Kielder Forest. The route takes in Carlisle and the Lake District and provides a great alternative or return route for the Sea to Sea (C2C) Route.

Sculpted by the north eastern company Fire Pit Design, ‘Alauna Aura’ is a stainless steel sculpture positioned on the Maryport Harbour. Named by the public, ‘Alauna’ refers to the Roman name of the area in which Maryport lies, with aura perhaps referring to the rich energy that emanates from the area’s local tradition and history. At first glance circular, the orb is instead ellipse shaped, decorated in a multitude of detailed cut-outs of ships, figures, and the name of the town amongst other images relating to the local landscape and culture. All of the images cut from the steel make reference to the history and heritage of Maryport, hearkening back to the Roman times, its fishing and mining industries, shipbuilding and its involvement in the Titanic.

At night the sculpture is transformed, lit up with changing colours that create an aura of mysticism as they flicker around the harbour.

Cycle this morning down to Maryport Harbor spotted some lovely ? see images

Graffiti unusual up here on the Sea Cadets building.