Setmurthy

Forest currently closed due to storm damage

Visitor information

Explore Setmurthy, a beautiful woodland close to the market town of Cockermouth

It is enjoyed by walkers, runners, horse riders, schools and nature enthusiasts.

Please note: there is a network of unofficial mountain bike trails at Setmurthy that Forestry England does not endorse.

At a glance

  • Walking trails
  • Horse riding 
  • Dogs welcome

Things to do

Setmurthy offers an enjoyable gravel forest road link, to and from the bridleway between Cockermouth and Isel. There are no waymarked trails.

The forest roads can be accessed at a couple of points on the southern edge of the forest where the forest roads meet the public road.

No permit is needed to ride at Setmurthy. 

For more information on our facilities, opening times and contact details, please see our visitor information.

Walking is the perfect way to get some fresh air and explore some of the area's most beautiful landscapes.

Setmurthy offers a network of forest roads and permissive paths through mature mixed woodland and along a ridge with views to the north.

There is also a popular connection to the ridge bridleway over Watch Hill, which is a great platform to view the expansive panoramas across the north-western & western fells. 

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