Wordsworth House countryside walk
This scenic walk, through the quiet countryside of the North Lakes, starts from Wordsworth House in Cockermouth – birthplace and childhood home of the poet William Wordsworth. Much of the route follows the Allerdale Ramble, taking in views of the fells and the hamlet of Isel with its 12th-century church, before returning across fields to the charming Georgian town of Cockermouth.
Near to
Wordsworth House and GardenStart point
Wordsworth House, CA13 9RX, grid ref: NY118307Trail information
Total stages: 10
Total stages: 10
Start point
Wordsworth House, CA13 9RX, grid ref: NY118307
Stage 1
From Wordsworth House, turn left along Main Street. At the end, turn right onto Market Place, following this road out of town. Take the time to admire the buildings and note any cafes or pubs where you might like to get some refreshments after your walk.
Stage 2
After passing Wyndham Hall caravan park, cross the road and go through the gate signed for Isel Bridge. Follow the track up Watch Hill. This is the steepest part of the walk, take as many rests as you need to enjoy the view. Please remember to keep dogs on leads throughout this section as livestock are present and always leave gates as you find them.
Stage 3
At the top, go through the gate into Hills Wood, keeping to the left-hand track. Take care as it can be muddy after wet weather. You might see deer flitting between the beech trees.
Stage 4
Follow the track down to the road and carry on. A little further on, take the left turn downhill to cross Isel Bridge over the Derwent, Wordsworth's favourite river. Go left at the fork. You will soon see a sign on the left for St Michael and All Angels' Church.
Stage 5
Continue up the hill, passing Isel Hall. The road crosses a small bridge, continuing up into woodland. Turn left into Gill Wood at the signpost for Redmain (take care not to miss it!), avoiding the brambles. At the path junction signposted Derwent Bank, carry on to cross a sleeper bridge. Take care as this area can also be muddy.
Stage 6
Cross a succession of fields and stiles (most of which are not dog friendly), gradually going uphill. The largest fell visible in the distance is Skiddaw, the Lake District's fourth-highest at 3,054ft (931m).
Stage 7
A final stile takes you back onto the road. Turn left to pass through the hamlet of Redmain. Turn left again at the sign for Redmain Lodge and follow the track through a gate to return to the fields.
Stage 8
Keeping Park Hill and the woods on your left, continue over several more stiles to the A595.
Stage 9
Turn left along the verge for 0.5 mile (0.8 km), take care as the road can be busy. Just beyond Wood Hall Farm, past a driveway with a cattle grid, you will find a gap in the hedgerow with a stile which will take you back into the fields.
Stage 10
Head downhill, and go over more stiles until you rejoin the road on the northern edge of the town. Turn right to reach Wakefield Road car park, cross the footbridge and at Main Street go right to return to your starting point.
End point
Wordsworth House, CA13 9RX, grid ref: NY118307
Trail map
Map route for Wordsworth House countryside walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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