With 4km of pathways and connections to Hornchurch Country Park, you can do it all on Ingrebourne Hill. 

There’s a great deal to look out for. Whether it’s mountain bikes hurtling around the specially built track; taking in relaxing views whilst enjoying a picnic beside the lake; playing in the Spitfire Scramble play area, or just observing the wildlife.

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.

Located near Polegate, Abbot's Wood is a great place for a stroll at any time of year, with walking trails, a medieval lake, play area, barbecues and picnic tables.

The largely flat circular family forest trail takes you through our newly-planted woodland trees and around the lake where you will find a secluded haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Our bird hide sits on the water edge and offers fantastic views across the lake of water birds, the sand martin wall and shingle island.

Cannop Ponds is one of the best waters in the forest for angling. Managed by Yorkley Angling Club, day permits can be bought on the bank from the Club bailiff or from local tackle shops

There are two lakes, both of which offer a variety of fish to impressive sizes:

Cannop 1, Southern Lake

Approx. 50 pegs  7 Disabled Platforms with Access Depth 3ft to 20ft

Once an aristocrat's dream, Dimmingsdale is now a delight for everyone.

Come and stroll down magnificent drives built by the Earl of Shrewsbury, where fine carriages once rode. The rolling countryside provides an abundance of woodland, streams, ponds and lakes which will transport you to a place of peace and calm.

Make sure to stop off for a drink and snack at the Rambler’s Retreat which offers a wide range of refreshments in a relaxed setting.

The ultimate walk, this trail takes you down one side of the Grizedale valley and back up the other, passing many of the sculptures along the way, as well as some of the best views in the forest. It includes the summit of Carron Crag, the highest point in the forest.

This trail is named after the geological time period in which the forests characteristic grey slate and shale rocks were formed. 

​​​​​​This relaxing trail takes visitors around the lake and is suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and horses as well as bicycles. There is seating and a bird hide along the way to stop and admire our diverse range of feathered residents.

Bedgebury is an award winning visitor attraction with something for everyone. Open all year, Bedgebury is the perfect place for healthy outdoor activity.

Soar through the trees, against the backdrop of Grizedale Forest’s stunning scenery

Pre-booking is essential for Go Ape in our forests. More information is available on the Go Ape website.

Enjoy an exhilarating zip wire adventure in one of our favourite places in the Lake District, Grizedale Forest.

OPEN WITH SOME DIVERSIONS - Following the old County Road as it climbs eastwards out of the valley, this walk takes you to Grizedale's only natural tarn (mountain lake).

This popular walk takes in many sculptures along the way, including The Clockwork Forest, Concrete Country and Some Fern.

This trail is one of contrasts. The beginning takes you through some of the mighty oaks adjacent to Masmill Beck.

The trail then climbs through an area of coniferous trees which border the forest boundary along Heavy Sides where the views of Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite Lake awaits you. 

Restoring Hardknott Forest is an exciting project to restore one of the largest conifer plantations in the Lake District to native woodland.

Regular volunteer days are held every month, as well as other opportunities such as wildlife walks. All events are free to attend and are listed here. We also run regular residentials, staying in local accommodation within the beautiful Duddon Valley.

Walk among mature trees, to shade or shelter under depending on the weather, and Blakemere Moss, a lake ideal for bird watchers.   

A visit to Kielder Castle visitor centre will uncover many surprises. Get lost in the Minotaur Maze, discover the fascinating night sky or walk along the unique Lakeside Way, a 26 mile multi-use path around the lake which can be accessed from Kielder Castle. You can discover the amazing night sky – perhaps from the comfort of your campervan, as Forestry England car parks can be used to stay overnight for just £12.

Explore peaceful woodland and see a lake shore waterfall as well as historic sites on this hour long trail.

Starts from Bowness Knott car park.

The trail meanders through the ancient oaks at Noble Knott taking in some fabulous views of Bassenthwaite Lake along the way. 

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. 

The Dragonfly sculpture, positioned close to Staindale Lake, is directly inspired by the dragonflies and demoiselles that inhabit the area throughout the year and celebrates their beauty in both life and death. Peter Maris has carved interpretations of fossilised wings, cut into two rocks - the carved texture of the stones augmented with colour enhancer giving prominence and preservation to the natural visual qualities of the rock.

Mallards Pike is the perfect place for an adventure on the water!

The lower lake can be booked by organised, private groups (e.g. schools, scouts etc.) for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding or raft building activities. These groups need to hold their own public liability insurance. Pre-booking for this is essential, anybody entering the water must have permission from Forestry England.

This lakeside path is a fully surfaced and allows you to walk around the edge of the lake. Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, there are several benches along the way to stop and enjoy the scenery and watch the ducks.

Grab a hot chocolate or ice cream from the cafe, and enjoy the peace and tranquility. There is also a dog dip area if your four legged friends enjoy a swim.

Please note: cycling is not permitted on this path, please dismount from your bikes.

A short, surfaced trail for all abilities. The trail takes you along the lake shore, offering stunning views across the water.

Starts from Bleach Green car park.

Starting from the Lakes carpark, the Blue Walk passes through Sequoia Avenue, one of the special features of the area.

This double rowed avenue of Sequoias was planted in the 1800s to honour the Duke of Wellington and at one time featured alternate red flowering chestnut trees.

Add this loop to either the Henhurst Lake Walk or Broomfield Loop to see our orchards of plums, apples and cobnuts. All off lead. All gradients less than 1:20.

Starting on the south side of the forest, this route is a little gentler than our infamous pink 5km route.

This run has challenges, but the hills are not as long or as steep.

Along the route you'll glimpse the edge of Bassenthwaite Lake.

Enjoy a tasty treat next to the reservoir at Wistlandpound. Just bring along good food and company!

Picnic tables can be found along the path around the lake.

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

The summit of Dodd Wood gives unrivaled panoramas which encompass Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake, the Solway Coast and even the hills of Dumfries and Galloway. This steep circular trail passes through wooded slopes, dramtic open hill and spectacular scenery.

Dodd Wood occupies an area of 302 ha to the south east of Bassenthwaite Lake, 4km north of Keswick. It lies on the western flank of the Skiddaw mountain range and is wholly within the Lake District National Park.

Explore Sence Valley on its surfaced trails that run throughout the woodland, and around the lakes.

Some informal tracks through the trees have been created with the on-site volunteer group to provide alternative routes around the woodlands, these informal trails are uneven and may be muddy at certain times of year.