Whinlatter Forest

Visitor information

Welcome to England's only true mountain forest

Whinlatter is home to stunning views, fantastic walks, exhilarating mountain biking, rare wildlife and adventure play.

Set within the Lake District, a World Heritage Site, Whinlatter has unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. It is also home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District. 

The Lakes are a dramatic and unique landscape which has been formed through man’s activities, such as forestry and land management. This landscape has inspired many of the world’s greatest artists, writers and thinkers.

Trail Maps

What's on

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Forest event

Full moon women's circle - Pink Moon

Wednesday 24 April
Start 7pm
Meet at Noble Knott car park

The full Pink moon aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness & optimism, a time to focus our energy on creating and manifesting our dreams and goals.

Calling in the elements & directions we cast a sacred circle to celebrate and connect with the energy of the moon, to release anything that no longer serves us and create our very best life!

You can expect:

Meditation ~ visualisation ~ drumming ~ fire ritual ~ manifestation!

Sharing with other women in a supportive and nurturing circle.

Forest tea and cake provided - please let me know of any dietary requirements on booking.

All you need to be is you! All you need to bring is yourself, some warm clothes, a torch, and maybe a journal...

 

Age 16+. Please note this event is in the depths of the forest 300m up a steep path. We have a large shelter and it will still go ahead in the rain. There are no toilets in the forest so please go before you arrive. 

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Forest event

Women's Wild Bushcraft

Sunday 28 April
10am to 2pm

The wild women instructors will guide you through an unforgettable day of fun where you will dip your toes into the world of bushcraft and survival skills. You will learn foraging, fire lighting, cooking and gain knowledge of the woodland.

Time spent with our inspiring and knowledgeable instructors will leave you with wonderful memories set in Whinlatter Mountain Forest.

Mums, daughters, grannies come for a grand day out. 

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Forest event

Full moon women's circle - flower moon

Friday 24 May
Start 7pm
Meet at Noble Knott car park

The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and symbolises fertility, growth and change; blossoming into your fullest potential!

Calling in the elements & directions we cast a sacred circle to celebrate and connect with the energy of the moon, to release anything that no longer serves us and create our very best life!

 

You can expect:

Meditation ~ visualisation ~ drumming ~ fire ritual ~ manifestation!

Sharing with other women in a supportive and nurturing circle.

Forest tea and cake provided - please let me know of any dietary requirements on booking.

All you need to be is you! All you need to bring is yourself, some warm clothes, a torch, and maybe a journal...

 

Age 16+. Please note this event is in the depths of the forest 300m up a steep path. We have a large shelter and it will still go ahead in the rain. There are no toilets in the forest so please go before you arrive.

Find out more
Forest event

Whinlatter Forest half marathon & 10km trail running event

Sunday 26 May
Start 9.45am
Meet at Visitor Centre

Can you conquer Whinlatter in 2024?

The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With breath-taking views across the Lake District towards Keswick and Skiddaw this run won’t disappoint those who love the Lakes. The runs are mainly on firm trail paths starting on the North side and finishing on the South side. 

All Finishers will be rewarded with Wild Deer Merchandise, a Medal, snack and a Beer or soft drink.

This event is Canicross friendly and we allow one dog per runner.

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Food and drink

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Flat bread falafel from Cafe Ambio

Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter

Whether you fancy a hot drink to start your visit, a warming meal or snack after your walk or ride or even a Sunday dinner then Cafe Ambio is the place to be! With a wide range of mouth-watering dishes, a warm and welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff who are always happy to help be sure to pop in next time you visit.
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Things to do

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Cycling and mountain biking trails at Whinlatter

Whether you've just bought your first bike, or you're looking for your next adrenaline fix, Whinlatter Forest puts the mountain back into biking, with climbs to amazing views and rewarding descents.

Due to high demand for hired bikes, we advise that you book in advance of your visit by contacting the Cyclewise team at Whinlatter via their website.

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Gruffalo Party trail at Whinlatter

The Gruffalo is celebrating his 25th birthday and to celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a brand-new forest adventure.

What to expect

The interactive family trail features all sorts of party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures.

Follow the trail to help find the missing party items to give the Gruffalo a birthday to remember. Search for balloons, pine cones, apples and the Gruffalo himself, and complete fun activities and rubbings as you go along.

Get the party started with a Gruffalo Party Trail pack

Pick up your pack for just £4 from the Visitor Centre during opening hours, packed with fun things to do on your party adventure.

Inside you’ll find:

kraft bag to colour inparty headband to wearparty trail activity leafletstickerspencil and crayonkeepsake sew-on Gruffalo Party patch

Share your party fun using the #GruffaloTrail hashtag.

The Gruffalo © 1999 & TM Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

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Running trails at Whinlatter

Stunning scenery, a higher calorie burn and increased mental wellbeing are just a few things to look forward to when you run in England's only true mountain forest.

Supported by Sport England and using National Lottery funding, our range of running trails (from 2.5km right up to half-marathon distance) at Whinlatter make running through the forest more accessible, so you can feel confident to just hit the trails and enjoy all the benefits of being active outdoors.

 
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Walking trails at Whinlatter

Whinlatter is home to stunning views and offers some fantastic walks. There are many miles of gravel roads, surfaced paths and tracks to explore.

Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the guide map making it easy to create your own route.

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Nearby forests

Dodd Wood from Bassenthwaite Lake

Dodd Wood

Dodd Wood is a fantastic place to get some stunning views of the northern Lake District. The network of walking trails will take you deep into the woodland and walk to the top of Dodd Summit for views across the fells.

You may also see red squirrels in the wood throughout the year.

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View of forest and hills from Carron Crag trail at Grizedale

Grizedale

Breath-taking views, stunning artwork and endless forest trails, come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer!

Explore the forest on two wheels, foot or horse back and keep your eyes peeled along the way for our unique sculptures which are dotted throughout the forest. For more of a challenge, test your nerve and swing among the trees on one of our Go Ape courses.

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A view from a mountain looking down a wooded valley

Ennerdale

Lying on the north western edge of the Lake District National Park, Ennerdale is home to some of England’s most vibrant natural environments and one of the longest running wild land restoration projects in the UK!

Rising abruptly out of the coastal plain of West Cumbria, Ennerdale is one of the most remote of Cumbrian valleys. There is a sense of tranquility, self-will and wildness, a feeling more of Scotland or Scandinavia.

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View of Pillar from Blengdale Forest viewpoint

Blengdale Forest

Discover a variety of outdoor experiences at Blengdale Forest, from a gentle walk up the valley of the River Bleng to a cycle ride around the forest roads. 

From the highest points, Blengdale offers wild views of Wasdale, Haycock and the West Cumbrian Coast.

For some light refreshment stop off in Gosforth and sample the delicious Gosforth Bakery's pies, famous throughout Cumbria.

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