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.
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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.
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A66 bridge over the River Cocker | Summerscales Farm |
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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.
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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.