Hardknott

Hardknott is currently open although trees still block some trails. Please adhere to all safety signage and at this time stick to main tracks and do not walk under leaning or hanging trees.

Visitor information

Take a walk within an exciting ecological restoration project in the heart of the Lake District.

The entire 630 hectare site at Hardknott Forest is being restored to native habitats of oak and birch woodland, peatbogs, heather and grassland.

Walks through the forest offer great opportunities to observe wildlife, enjoy stunning scenery and see the results of the practical work being done by the Restoring Hardknott Forest project.

At a glance

Walking trails available on public rights of way
08/06/2022 11:36

Things to do

Walking in the woodland is the perfect way to get some fresh air and explore the Lake District's most beautiful landscapes.

Explore Hardknott on its open access paths that run through the car park and into the woodland. 

Nearby forests

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

Reservoir

Cogra Moss is a beautiful enclosed forest surrounding a reservoir which is now used by the Cockermouth Angling Association.

The walk up to the dam is along surfaced tracks. Beyond the dam a number of unsurfaced paths provide you with great access around the reservoir in a loop.

For the more adventurous, the walk up onto the top of Blake Fell is harder but provides fantastic views of the northern lake district fells, Scotland, the Solway Coast and Isle of Man.

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