The UK Diaries: Whinlatter, Cumbria.

It’s only natural for one to associate the Lake District with its waters and mountains – the clue is in the name after all! Many itineraries are solely curated around these natural formations (perhaps rightly so) but yet, just outwith, lies the lesser-known parts of the National Park; the forests, moorlands, and even the coastal line. And I want to start with bringing to light the beauty that is Whinlatter.

Whinlatter is comprised of beautiful woodland, incredible scenic views overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake, and of course, the famous Whinlatter Pass drive. An area towards the Western Lake District where it’s not unusual to spot jets soaring above you – so be sure to keep an ear out!

Whinlatter Visitor Centre:

Perhaps the focal point, this visitor centre is the hub for all things outdoors; whilst also providing an excellent rest bite. You’re welcomed into a large paid car park on your arrival – the proceeds of which go back into the maintenance of the forest, and it’s very clear to see where this is spent as you roam around. The forest stands with so much pride!

• Trails – From mountain biking; running; hiking; nature-spotting; and even children’s walking routes, there are trails for every activity and ability. Each one clearly signposted with well maintained pathways. The WOW trail is perfect for nature-lovers, whilst the Gruffalo one is perfect for families. And if you find yourself visiting on a Saturday morning, you can tackle their challenging 5km trail run, organised by Parkrun.
• Go Ape – You can also find Go Ape here which is the ultimate tree-top adventure for all the family. This is a great way to fully immerse yourself into the forest, whilst seeing it from a different view! They also offer another activity in the form of Forest Segways – at the time of writing however, these are unavailable to be booked due to maintenance, but do keep an eye out if you fancy trying something different when you visit.
• Children’s Playground – Towards the end of the Gruffalo trail, and back near the Visitor Centre you can find an amazing playground in the woods. From swings, climbing frames, table tennis tables, and even mining sieves – there’s certainly a lot of fun to be had for children and adults alike. The perfect stop to burn off any extra energy should you have any after a hike!
• Café & Shop – With a range of locally produced stock, the gift shop here is your chance to pick up some Kendal Mint Cake, or a Herdy the Sheep souvenir. Friendly staff make for a welcoming atmosphere, and they’re always up to answer any questions you have about the forest or facilities. Located towards the back of the store is a cafe restaurant which is the place to be for refuelling after an activity-led day. Again, locally sourced food and refreshments are served here which we love to see and support.

Noble Knott:

If you’re looking for quieter, and (often) shorter trails away from the hustle of the Visitor Centre, then Noble Knott may be an option. There’s a free car park just down the road from the Visitor Centre itself – which can get busy in peak season, so please remember to be considerate when parking. This hidden gem boasts beautiful walks through the woodland, overlooking Cumbrian villages, farmlands, moorlands and, perhaps most awe-inspiringly, Bassenthwaite Lake. It’s a beautiful trail start for both the Heavy Sides route and the Words in the Woods one; each 2.5km in distance. These are particularly popular with dog walkers so be prepared to spot some four-legged friends along the way too!

Summary:

Both of the above can be found along Whinlatter Pass: a mountain pass with scenic views from all angles of your vehicle! So, if you find yourself wanting something a little bit different when you visit the Lakes, spending time in the forest could be perfect. As a rule, its a little less crowded than that of nearby beauty hotspots; but that’s not a reflection of its brilliance, just simply its competition with the waters.