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A walk along the River Cocker

A 5 mile circular walk from Cockermouth, largely on grassy footpaths with about ¾ mile along a minor road. A good opportunity for enjoying some fine views of the fells with the reward of splendid refreshments at the end of the walk. Some sections can be muddy after heavy rain.

See Ordinance Survey Map Explorer 303 “Whitehaven & Workington, Cockermouth & Egremont”

Go down the steps at the side of the Town Hall and cross the River Cocker via the nearby footbridge. Turn left and follow Rubbybanks Road alongside the river. Continue ahead, the road soon becomes a track. Follow the river until you reach another footbridge that takes you back across to the other side. Turn immediately right to cross a stile. Across the river you see the former mill (Double Mills) now the Youth Hostel.

Double Mills Youth Hostel

Follow the track, faint at first, go over another stile as the now clearer path leads you beneath the A66. Proceed along the riverside crossing a number of stiles and passing a paddock and farm at Simonscales Mill before you eventually arrive at a minor road.

A66 bridge over the River CockerSummerscales Farm

Between Summerscales and Southwaite Farms

Turn right and cross the river for the third and final time. You pass pleasant looking holiday accommodation at Southwaite Farm and are now on the road for about ¾ mile. The firmness of the surface is alleviated by the fine views over the fells

Towards the top of the rise, about 100 yards before the road to Mosser and Brandlingill, leave the road via a ladder stile to join a public bridleway. Walk ahead on the faint track towards the farm buildings. After you pass the farm buildings (Waterloo Farm) you are on a metalled track and this leads you to a road near the Sheep and Wool Centre.

Between Southwaite Farm and the Sheep and Wool Center

Refreshments are available at the Sheep and Wool Center, or at Wellington Farm (cross the road ahead and turn right then left to follow the tempting sign for a further ½ mile) or at the Squirrels Pantry (see below)).

To complete the walk, turn right to reach a major junction roads at a roundabout. Cross the A66 with great care to pick up the pavement opposite the petrol station passing the entrance to the Squirrels Pantry at Oakhurst Garden Centre. Now follow the road back into Cockermouth and the end of the walk.

Walk by Peter Donaghy. June 2006.