May is National Walking Month, so we are celebrating the simple joy of exploring our local rivers. Whether you are seeking a peaceful moment in nature, a chance to spot local wildlife, or keen to boost your fitness with some riverside exercise, river environments offer something for everyone.

Spending time near rivers, lakes and coasts has been shown to lower stress, ease anxiety and support better mental wellbeing. Blue spaces also encourage physical activity, ranging from gentle walks to cycling, which helps improve long-term health and fitness. Even the natural sounds of flowing water can help regulate the nervous system, creating a steady rhythm that promotes calmness and a sense of grounding.

Our Rivers work closely with local Rivers Trusts in the Cumbria and Norfolk region, and this month, we are highlighting the incredible places they care for, inviting you to get outside, discover new routes, and connect with our local waterways.

West Cumbria Rivers Trust

West Cumbria is full of beautiful riverside trails, each offering its own mix of wildlife, scenic viewpoints, and peaceful moments to connect with nature.

Featured Walk: Borrowdale

Our first featured walk is the Borrowdale Rainforest Ramble, a brilliant choice for a family adventure. This 1.7‑mile (2.7 km) route follows the River Derwent through the heart of Borrowdale and typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend exploring and playing along the way.

The trail is classed as moderate, with some rocky, uneven, and short, steep scrambly sections. If you’re looking to pause for a drink or a treat, you’ll find several welcoming spots nearby, including the coffee shop and gift shop at Seatoller Farm, the Yew Tree Pub with its riverside beer garden, the YHA, and the Glaramara Hotel.

Featured Walk: Walkmill

If you’re looking for a gentler trail, we recommend exploring Walkmill Community Woodland, a perfect spot for families, casual walkers, and curious explorers. The woodland is rich in history and home to a wonderfully diverse range of wildlife.

Located at Moresby Parks near Whitehaven, Walkmill offers a network of paths that let you tailor your adventure. You can enjoy a short wander or a longer outing, all on easy, flat terrain. Many of the paths are also accessible for wheelchair users, making it an inclusive choice for a day outdoors.

If you fancy refreshments before or after your walk, the nearby towns of Cleator Moor and Whitehaven offer plenty of options.

To find out more about West Cumbria’s local river walks, click here.

Wildlife Spotlight: Red Squirrels

Native red squirrels can still be found in this region, as well as across Scotland, parts of northern England and Wales, and on a handful of islands off the south coast.

They thrive in the UK’s mixed woodlands, from broadleaf stands to conifer forests. They’re especially fond of seeds and nuts, with pine cones and hazelnuts topping the menu.

As you wander through the trees, remember to look up as you might spot one of their nests, known as dreys, tucked high in the branches. These cosy homes are carefully woven from twigs and lined with moss, leaves, and bark.

To find out more about West Cumbria’s local wildlife, click here.

Get Involved with West Cumbria Rivers Trust

Why not go one step further than simply exploring West Cumbria and get involved in some of the fantastic activities run by West Cumbria Rivers Trust? This May, you can join a Mindful Wellness Walk, a brilliant chance to get outdoors, wander through beautiful woodlands, and find a moment of calm.

• Date: 15 May 2026

• Time: 10:00–13:00

• Location: Moresby Rugby Union Club, Moresby Parks, CA28 8XW

Volunteering is another great way to get involved. There are plenty of opportunities throughout the year, from surveying rivers for invasive species to planting trees or helping out at community events. It’s a rewarding way to learn more about the work of West Cumbria Rivers Trust, enjoy the great outdoors, stay active, make new friends, and give something back to nature and the local community.

To find out more about West Cumbria’s upcoming events, click here.

Eden Rivers Trust

Flowing 80 miles through east Cumbria from Hellgill Force to the Solway Firth, this stunning network of rivers, becks, and lakes spans 850 square miles of Cumbria.

Featured Walk: Brougham & Eamont Bridge

A walk with two rivers, a Roman fort, a castle, a fortified manor house, and two ancient henges, this route is perfect for anyone who loves history woven into the landscape.

This 3.75-mile circular walk begins near the Countess’s Pillar and leads you through Brougham Hall, Eamont Bridge, and the impressive Brougham Castle. The route is easy, with around half the walk following quiet minor roads. This walk takes approximately 3 hours.

Featured Walk: Shap Abbey

A walk through cattle country, with the River Lowther, mysterious earthworks, standing stones, and the atmospheric ruins of Shap Abbey.

This 6.2-mile circular route crosses open pasture fields and passes near the communities of Keld and Rosgill before reaching the abbey. Founded in the late 12th century in a secluded valley, Shap Abbey was one of 32 Premonstratensian religious houses in Britain. Today, the impressive 15th‑century tower still stands proudly, and information panels help bring monastic life to life as you explore the site. This walk takes approximately 3 hours and is of moderate difficulty.

With sweeping views of the Lake District mountains and the peaceful flow of the Lowther beside you, it’s a walk that blends history, scenery, and tranquillity.

To find out more about Eden’s local river walks, click here.

Wildlife Spotlight: The Water Vole

Once widespread across Britain’s waterways, the water vole almost vanished from Cumbria, including much of the Eden catchment. Thanks to Eden Rivers Trust’s reintroduction programme, this much‑loved species is now making a hopeful return.

Water voles have several distinctive features:

• Rounded face with a blunt nose

• Small, rounded ears hidden under thick fur

• Chestnut‑brown coat

• Short, furry tail

• Large, dark eyes

• Stocky, teddy‑bear‑like body

They’re often seen sitting upright, nibbling vegetation at the water’s edge.

By adopting a water vole, you’ll help the Eden Rivers Trust to restore their habitats and strengthen their populations, while also supporting the wider work to protect and enhance Eden’s rivers. To adopt a water vole, click here.

Get Involved with Eden Rivers Trust

Why not go one step further than simply exploring the Eden and get involved in some of the fantastic activities run by Eden Rivers Trust? This spring, there are plenty of ways to lend a hand, learn new skills, and support the health of our rivers.

Attend the Eden Community Tree Nursery for a brilliant opportunity to get outdoors, meet new people and help nurture the next generation of native trees for the Eden catchment.

Upcoming sessions:

• 12th May 13:00-16:00

• 15th May 10:00-13:00

• 19th May 13:00-16:00

• 22nd May 10:00-13:00

• 26th May 13:00-16:00

• 29th May 10:00-13:00

Another opportunity to get involved is to join the ‘Bank the Balsam’ afternoons. Himalayan balsam is an invasive, non‑native plant that crowds out our native species, and we need your help to remove it.

Upcoming sessions:

• Branthwaite – 23 May

• Appleby – 31 August

To find out more about Eden Rivers Trust’s upcoming events, volunteering opportunities, and ways to get involved, click here.