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.

At a glance

Noble Knott walking trails closed and Gorse cycle trail diverted due to forestry operations works. Please contact the visitor centre for further information and help planning your visit.
05/06/2024 23:00
Forest event
5, 7, 12 July, 2, 4, 17 August, 6, 8 September
10am to 4pm

Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager! Join us on a journey to learn about the hidden world of wild edibles that surrounds us. And that’s not all...

Forest event
Sunday 14 July
11am
Meet at the visitor centre

Join us for a dog friendly guided walk along our new 4.5 mile Wow trail and discover the magic of Whinlatter.

Be prepared to enjoy fantastic views, stunning surroundings plus...

Forest event
Sunday 21 July
Start 7pm
Meet at Noble Knott car park

The full Buck moon aligns with the potent & virile energy of the young buck, bringing strength, ambition & abundance, fuelled by the long days and balmy nights!

Calling in the...

Forest event
Wednesday 24 July
11am
Meet at Visitor Centre

Art in the forest!

Painting from nature. This session is designed for slightly older children who have an interest in drawing and painting.

It’s a chance to spend time outdoors...

Food and drink

A tray of biscuits decoated with chocolate and freeze-dried raspberry

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.

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...

2024 is The Gruffalo’s 25th birthday year and to celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a brand-new forest adventure.

What to expect

The interactive family trail features all...

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...

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...

Nearby forests

Dodd Wood from Bassenthwaite Lake

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...

View of forest and hills from Carron Crag trail at 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...

A view from a mountain looking down a wooded valley

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...

View of Pillar from Blengdale Forest viewpoint

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...

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