Wow Trail

A viewpoint panel in the foreground with a lake and mountain behind

Wow Trail

Explore the Wonders of Whinlatter

Brand new for 2023, this immersive and engaging trail showcases not only the story of England’s only mountain forest but also highlights what makes the Lake District World Heritage site one of the most special places on the planet.

There’s only one word to describe it – Wow!

Telling this engaging story through nine key areas, you'll enjoy not only a peaceful forest experience but also the riveting and inspiring story of Whinlatter, the Lake District and the wider vital work of Forestry England and work to protect the nation’s forests for our changing future.

The trail tells the story of Whinlatter and helps you truly experience the forest, be it through catching a glimpse of the wildlife which call the forest home in the nature hide, or through guided experiences from knowledgeable and inspirational staff and volunteers.

The Lake District is a living landscape shaped by agriculture, industry and tourism, and there’s no better place to experience it than here. Whether you want to soak up the stunning views, take part in some osprey spotting or talk to our volunteers about the myriad of stories in front of you, this is one experience not to miss.

What are you waiting for?

Plan your visit today and prepare to be wowed!

Trail Map

Essential Information

Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Keswick, CA12 5TW

Opening hours

Get directions

Start from the visitor centre

Grade - Moderate

Trail Length

4.5 miles

Accessibility

The trail follows surfaced paths with a maximum gradient of 1 in 7 and a minimum width of 2m. There are no stiles, steps or gates but there are some gradual and steeper slopes. This trail may be suitable for some off-road mobility scooters.

A bench overlooking a forest scene with mountains beyond

Soak up the best view in the Lake District

Offering some of the finest scenery the Lake District has to offer. Look across Bassenthwaite Lake, the only ‘true’ lake in the national park and home to stunning ospreys for over 20 years, to the working forest of Dodd Wood in front of the towering Skiddaw massif. To the east, the popular town of Keswick sits at the head of Derwent Water.

Five forest loungers in a woodland clearing

Forest wellbeing

Our dedicated wellbeing area is deep within the trees and secluded from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Stretch out on our forest bathers and look up through the canopy to the open sky beyond. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds of nature all around you – what can you hear as ears become attuned and your breathing slows?

A couple sitting in a nature hide looking out through the window at the forest beyond

Reconnect with nature

Our brand-new nature hide offers the chance to spot these amazing creatures from a hidden vantage point as well as providing information on forest’s inhabitants. With rare red squirrels, deer, badgers, foxes and more in the forest there’s plenty to spot for the lucky and the patient through.

A wooden archway structure with the word Wow engraved on it with pictures of mice

Discover the Forestry England story

Whinlatter is a 100-year-old working forest and our staff and volunteers work hard to look after this very special place for people, wildlife and the climate. We’re at the forefront of climate research – by planning decades ahead and diversifying our planting we’re ensuring trees and wildlife within our landscapes will be more resilient to our changing world.