Along the Cocker

The old market town of Cockermouth is the meeting place of the Rivers Cocker and Derwent and this pleasant half-day walk south into the Cocker Valley goes by farms and several old mill sites which were the basis of the area's prosperity, several of the latter still being used to good if different purpose. Returns along the river bank, where bird life flourishes. (Cattle may be met in some fields).

1. Start from the Tourist Information Centre at Cockermouth Town Hall. Go down the steps to the right facing the entrance, and turn left at the foot of the steps to walk along side the R.Cocker. Cross the river by the "Quaker" Bridge and go straight ahead along South Street and bear right at Station Road. Pass War Memorial and County Fire Station HQ on site of old railway station. Keep left beside terraced houses of Fern Bank and continue round corner into Parkside Avenue. At main road turn left, keeping on footpath to the big roundabout at the A66. The road must be crossed here, with greatest care. Aim for the Egremont Road opposite and go up beside the Sheep and Wool Centre.

2. Turn left into the Centre entrance, but then keep straight ahead up the farm road to Waterloo Farm. This pass by on the left and keep straight ahead through gate and over two fields with stiles.

3. Last stile leads into metalled road. Turn left. Stroll down the hill, passing magnificent beech trees in the left-hand hedge. Bear left with road at bottom of incline.

4. Just past Southwaite Farm the road comes near to the R.Cocker, and the remains of the old weir of the mill can be seen. Southwaite Mill itself is now holiday apartments.

5. Bridge over R.Cocker. At end of bridge look out for Public Footpath sign to stile on right.

6. For the next mile the path wends its way beside the river, crossing several stiles and small footbridges. At Simonscales Mill, now a private house, the route goes inland for a short distance before rejoining the River bank, and going under the road bridge of the A66. That is soon forgotten crossing straight over the meadow, whilst the river takes an oxbow bend to the left.

7. Cross the R.Cocker by the footbridge to the left. Note on the opposite bank the old "Double Mills". This may be visited as it is now the local YHA

8. From bridge turn right to walk through Harris Park. As path rises beside a well-tended garden to through kissing gate to path between garden and house. Turn left to road and follow path beside the river, passing the sites of yet more old mills. Come to this end of the "Quaker" bridge again. Cross right and return to Start at the Town Hall.

Getting there

Parking: Car Park near Town Hall + other Car Parks in Cockermouth.