From Cockermouth take the road East (Castlegate Drive) past the school out of town towards Embleton. Shortly after the school on a right hand bend you turn left at a fork in the road, signed for the Golf Course. Drive up here for about a mile and a lay-by appears on the right, park here if possible, if not there's more lay-bys further along. 

Cross the road and head up the forestry road into the forest. Follow the main track up to the top of the hill ignoring any side-tracks. At the top, take the left fork (ignore the one on the right which heads downhill). Here, you can explore what remains of the ancient woodland and enjoy views over the valley then return via the same way. 

Alternatively, you can park in a lay by just after the turn off for the golf course and walk back towards the school, looking for a footpath sign on your right. Head across the fields marked with the footpath sign, up the hill and into the woods that way, there may be sheep/cows in the fields. You can then either return the same way or follow the forestry track back to the road and turn right, to walk down the road back to the start.