The English Riviera

Great walk from Cockington to Manscombe Woods and beyond

Start from Derwent Hill and walk the 5 minutes to Cockington Country Park, park in one of the car parks and follow the signs to The Lakes and Gamekeeper’s Cottage, where a sign will direct you right to Manscombe Woods. You can either walk through woods themselves or on the path just outside, which is signposted the John Musgrove Heritage Trail. Dogs will love this walk as they can rummage in the undergrowth to their hearts’ content. At the top of the hill you will come to a field full of friendly cows. Don’t worry if they come and take a peak at you; they have a penchant for passers by.

Carry straight on to Scasdon Woods, where you take the higher woodland path. Just before the end, if you don’t want to retrace your steps, take the bridle path to the right, but it is sharp and steep and only for the very fit. Climb deep into the woods and when you emerge you can either press on towards Occombe Farm or return to Cockington, where you can enjoy a cream tea in Cockington Village or in the Court House Café in Cockington Court, which also offers an extensive menu of freshly prepared local food, much from the organic Occombe Farm. For those in need of a pint, The Drum Inn stays open all year round, even on Christmas Day.