On minor roads between the A167 near Plawsworth and West Rainton on the A690 stands Cocken Bridge, the only road bridge between Chester-le-Street and Durham. It lies on a quiet stretch of the river amid pleasant countryside and near Low Cocken Farm to the east. The East Coast Main Line railway is nearby and the river makes a turn to the east soon after passing under the bridge on its way to Finchale Priory.