Watery Walks
Explore ten beautiful trails along West Cumbria’s rivers. From the winding Irt to the dramatic St John’s Beck, each path reveals unique wildlife, scenic spots, and chances to connect with nature. These walks are a doorway to the hidden wonders of our region’s rivers.
Choose your route below to access maps, wildlife insights, creative activities and tailored podcasts to accompany your walk. Try a family adventure walk in Borrowdale rainforest, a community inspired art-trail along the banks of the River Ehen in Egremont or a challenging mountain trek along St John’s Beck. There’s something to inspire every explorer!
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Click below to view all trails in West Cumbria
Nether Wasdale
Meanders and Mussels
Nether Wasdale | River Irt
1.75 miles/2.8km | 30-45 min
Cockermouth
Poetry and Pebbles: verse by the river
Cockermouth | River Cocker
3.6 miles/5.8km | 1hr 15 min - 1hr 45 min
Borrowdale
Rainforest ramble:
a family adventure walk
Borrowdale | River Derwent
1.7 miles / 2.7km | 45 min - 1hr
Egremont - north
Wild wanders:
a lollipop shaped family wildlife walk
Egremont | River Ehen
3.8 miles / 6.1km | 1hr 30 min - 2hr
Whitehaven
Keekle waterways & woodlands:
a muddy riverside ramble
Whitehaven | River Keekle
2 miles / 3.3km | 45 - 50 min
Workington - south
Art in nature:
A family friendly trail
Workington | River Derwent
1.2 miles / 1.9km | 30 - 40 min
Walkmill
Family storytelling:
At Walkmill Community Woodland
Moresby Parks
As long as you like exploring trails!
St John’s in the Vale
Hills to headwaters:
A proper trek
Thirlmere | St John’s Beck
5.4 miles/8.7km | 2hr - 2hr 30 min
Egremont - south
River Totems: a family art trail
Egremont | River Ehen
3.3 miles/5.3km | 1hr - 1hr 30 min
Workington - north
Town & country:
A riverside gem
Workington | River Derwent
6 miles/10km | 2.5 hr - 3hr
Stay safe by the stream
Please read our safety guide and trails disclaimer before undertaking a walk
Walk Wisely – How to stay safe when walking by water
Trails Disclaimer – We take no liability for accidents
A community effort
The Watery Walks project is a true community effort - created for the community, shaped by the community. Together, we’ve repaired bridges and steps, brought art trails to life, and held workshops with local schools, home-schooled children, and the wider public. We’ve even created podcasts to enrich the experience, connecting our communities more deeply with their rivers. It’s been an incredible journey, with contributions from everyone - schoolchildren to renowned writer Robert Macfarlane.
Now it’s your turn—explore your local river and see where it takes you!
Thank you
Watery Walks has been a true collaboration, bringing together artists, designers, photographers, videographers, podcasters, and poets.
We’re proud to have worked exclusively with Cumbrian-based professionals, whose talent and dedication have enriched this project. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Patron, Lord Egremont, for his extraordinary support, and to our partners at the National Trust, Lake District National Park, and Cumberland Council for their invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout.
Project funders
