The Lake Walk is a 2.5km loop marked by red waymarker posts, guiding you past the lake, with lots of places to stop for a picnic.

The trail is easy and comprises of hard forest roads and smaller side tracks.

Some sections can become muddy after wet weather.

Enjoy a long circuit of Ennerdale water.

Start from either car park.

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.

On this surfaced trail you will pass by young woodlands, a Treehouse Play Area and Henhurst Lake. Dogs must be kept on a lead in some parts. 

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.

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. 

Forests tracks, gravel climbs, B-roads and not forgetting Lakes! The Lake District Mountain Epic is a perfect way to get the best of the Lake District in one ride.

Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into England’s only mountain forest (Whinlatter) and into beautiful remote trails in this amazing national park.

A challenging but very rewarding early summer gravel epic!

Residing within the Lake District National Park, Whitbarrow Forest is situated on a limestone ridge overlooking the Lyth Valley approximately eight kilometres to the south-west of Kendal.

The wider Whitbarrow massif is a popular walking area; much of which is now designated open access land. The whole area is well-served with public footpaths, permissive paths and a wide range of other paths and tracks.

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.

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.

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!

Stunning views across the Errwood Reservoir, picturesque natural scenery and endless rolling hills make Goyt Valley the perfect location for an adventurous day out in the Peak District. 

The Peak District National Park Authority, United Utilities and Forestry England work together to provide access and conservation management for the benefit of people and wildlife.

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. 

Please note this trail is currently closed - please click HERE for nearby alternatives.

Spend some time in the landscape that inspired Arthur Ransome's main characters in Swallows and Amazons, while on holiday in the Lake District the four friends explored the woodlands and foreshore surrounding Coniston Water.

A long cycle trail taking in much of the forest on the western side of the valley and overlooking Coniston Water. Fantastic views of the heart of the Lake District, looking across Coniston to the Langdales. 

To find out about cycle hire, tag-a-longs and electric bikes, contact our on-site bike hire specialists.

The summit of Deadwater Fell lies at just under 1900 feet (571 metres) and straddles the border between Scotland and England.

The uphill climb is well worth the effort as the views on a clear day stretch all the way from the Lake District to the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh and even over to the North Sea coast.

This fantastic blue grade route is a gem waiting to be discovered. Expect flowing single track with gentle berms, rolling jumps, wide gradual climbs with technical features for the adventurous riders. 

The Quercus Trail is named after the Latin for oak because the furthest loop of the trail runs through Masmill Oak Woodland.

Whinlatter is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District.

Explore over 4000 hectares of forest and woodland and discover sculptures by some of the leading names in contemporary art.

Grizedale Forest's extensive network of walking and cycling trails are a great way to explore and discover sculptures.

The trails offer a range of options for visitors of all abilities and incredible views of the surrounding Lake District Fells.

Discover other arts projects across England. 

A new opportunity for adventure at Whinlatter Forest, the Gorse Cycle Trail opened 1st March 2019. The new waymarked 10km route, sticking mostly to well-surfaced forest roads, takes you to the best parts of the forest and explores the quieter corners of Whinlatter at Noble Knott. With stunning vistas across the Lake District, it’s one not to be missed.

Alpacaly Ever After's mission is to rehome alpacas and llamas from all over the country and give them a wonderful new home with the very best of care, while bringing people in touch with the landscape and the natural world through outstanding alpaca and llama experiences, accessible to all and surrounded by the beauty of the Lake District World Heritage Site.

The Wharncliffe Woods steep terrain creates a popular venue for both mountain biking and strenuous walking, without going to the Peak District!

The Woods have a rich post industrial history with many quarry workings hidden within the woods. Amongst the trees, numerous streams meander down the hillside.

Located on the edge of Exmoor National Park, just north of Barnstaple, Wistlandpound Reservoir is the perfect spot for a peaceful walk, stunning views, and a rewarding picnic.

The site is managed by South West Lakes Trust. 

This trail circles Staindale Lake along boardwalks and well-surfaced paths. It's particularly worth stopping at Staindale Lake dam on the west end of the lake to enjoy its tranquil blue waters and spot the wildlife here on the birdfeeders.

From surfaced trails and cycle routes to outdoor play areas, a cafe and a sensory garden, a visit to Rosliston Forestry Centre is a great day out for everyone! 

Rosliston Forestry Centre is managed in partnership with South Derbyshire District Council. It was created on former farmland in 1993 and opened in 1994. For more information on things to do -  please visit the Rosliston Forestry Centre website. 

Located within the Thetford Forest district, Harling Woods - also known as Thorpe Forest - offers great opportunities to get outdoors and escape to nature.

With open access to a range of paths and trails, a Forest Holiday site and endless woodland to explore, Harling Wood is a great place for a day out.

Visit safely

Throughout the year, various recreational events are held in the woodland. Please take note of any marshals and safety signage in place when you visit.

Popular with walkers, cyclists and wildlife watchers, there is a network of over 5km of trails around the woodland, and visitors can enjoy the striking wooden viewpoint created by artist Richard Caink.

Part of the Abram Flashes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh National Nature Reserve, Viridor Wood features a mix of woodland, grassland and fishing lakes.