The best walks and hikes around Bridekirk
4.5
(799)
6,633
hikers
274
hikes
Hikes around Bridekirk explore a landscape of rolling hills, river valleys, and agricultural land. Situated near the River Derwent and the town of Cockermouth, the area provides access to a network of public footpaths. The terrain is defined by gentle ascents to local fells and flatter paths along the river, offering varied walking routes near Bridekirk and Cockermouth.
Best hiking trails around Bridekirk
- The most popular hiking route is Wordsworth House and Garden – The Lakeland Shepherd Monument loop from…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
4.8
(5)
55
hikers
8.72km
02:29
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.2
(6)
37
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(5)
26
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
31
hikers
6.31km
01:50
170m
170m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(6)
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Millers Bridge, also known as Harris Bridge, is a steel pedestrian bridge over the River Derwent in Cockermouth, Cumbria, connecting the northern and southern parts of the city. The original structure was destroyed by severe flooding in 2009, and the bridge was rebuilt in 2010 with modified foundations to address changes in the riverbank caused by erosion. The reopening by HRH The Princess Royal underscored the importance of this connection to the local community. As a functional infrastructure, the bridge not only provides pedestrian access but also views of the surrounding landscape.
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Wordsworth House rises majestically on Main Street in Cockermouth, a charming town on the edge of the Lake District. Built around 1745, the house reflects the understated grandeur of Georgian architecture: a perfectly symmetrical façade of sand-colored bricks, tall rectangular windows with classically framed woodwork, and an ornate yet understated doorway that evokes the sense of order and proportion characteristic of this period. The poet William Wordsmouth was born here in 1770.
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The pre-Victorian centre of old Cockermouth, Market Place is the heart of the old town.
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The lovely village of Papcastle, Roman Derventio, is just across the River Derwent from Cockermouth.
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One of two old Mills at Double Mills, both water powered from the River Cocker. The remains of one water wheel are still visible.
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Millers Bridge, as it is known in Cockermouth (official maps refer to it as Harris Bridge), was reopened in 2010 by HRH the Princess Royal after it had suffered severe damage in the 2009 floods and a section of it collapsed into the River Derwent. Part of the steel bridge had to be rebuilt to fit the new shape of the river banks, which were heavily eroded during the floods and have now been fortified.
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This footbridge over the River Cocker is the last crossing point upstream on foot before Southwaite Bridge. It is located close to Double Mills and joins the lower section of Harris Park with the park on the east bank of the river.
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This woodland is north of Double Mills Bridge and the fitness area and opposite Rubbybanks Road that follows the west bank of the River Cocker down into town. There is a lovely shaded path through the wood, high above the Cocker and finishing in the Greenway.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many circular walks starting from Bridekirk?
Yes, the area around Bridekirk is well-suited for circular walks. You'll find numerous routes that loop through the countryside, often following public footpaths through fields and along riverbanks. For a moderate loop with some elevation, the Watch Hill Summit – Setmurthy Common Summit loop from Slatefell offers rewarding views over the landscape.
What are some good hikes for families with children?
The region offers several easier, family-friendly options. Look for shorter, flatter routes, particularly the paths along the River Derwent. Many of the 147 easy trails in the area involve gentle terrain through fields and woodlands, making them suitable for a day out with kids.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails around Bridekirk?
Most public footpaths around Bridekirk are dog-friendly, but you will be walking through agricultural land with livestock. It is essential to keep your dog on a lead, especially near sheep and cattle. Always follow the Countryside Code and be mindful of local signage.
Where can I find the best views on hikes near Bridekirk?
For fantastic panoramic views, hikes that ascend the local fells are your best option. Trails leading up to summits like Watch Hill or Slate Fell provide excellent vantage points over Cockermouth, the Solway Firth, and the surrounding fells. A bit further afield, Walla Crag is a highly-regarded viewpoint offering stunning vistas over Keswick and Derwentwater.
How many hiking trails are there in the Bridekirk area?
There are over 260 hiking routes to explore around Bridekirk. These range from over 140 easy walks suitable for all skill levels to more than 100 moderate trails and a handful of difficult treks for experienced hikers.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Bridekirk?
The trails in this region are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the mix of gentle riverside paths and the rewarding climbs up to local fells that offer expansive views.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced walkers?
While the immediate area is known for gentle to moderate terrain, more challenging hikes are accessible nearby within the Lake District National Park. For a demanding local route, consider the The River Cocker in Cockermouth – Millers Bridge (Cockermouth) loop from Cockermouth, which is a longer trail at over 14 km with some elevation gain.
Can I get to the trailheads using public transport?
Bridekirk itself has limited public transport. However, the nearby town of Cockermouth is better served by bus routes connecting to other parts of Cumbria. Many trails can be started from Cockermouth, allowing you to access the network of footpaths without a car.
Where is the best place to park for a walk near Bridekirk?
Parking in Bridekirk village is very limited. For most hikes, it's best to start from the nearby town of Cockermouth, which has several public car parks. From there, you can easily access the footpaths leading towards Bridekirk and the surrounding fells.
Are there any historical points of interest along the walking routes?
Yes, the 12th-century St. Bridget's Church in Bridekirk is a notable historic landmark. You can incorporate a visit into your walk by following local footpaths that pass near the village. Additionally, the Wordsworth House and Garden – The Lakeland Shepherd Monument loop from Cockermouth takes you past significant local heritage sites.
What is the terrain like on the hikes around Bridekirk?
The terrain is quite varied. You can expect gentle, flat paths along the River Derwent and River Cocker, which are ideal for easy strolls. For more of a workout, the trails leading up to fells like Watch Hill and Slate Fell involve moderate ascents on grassy paths and through sections of woodland.
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