This excellent circular walk combines forest tracks and open fellside to take in two Wainwright summits: the heathery dome of Lord's Seat and the rockier top of Barf. Starting from the convenience of Whinlatter Forest Park, the route offers a great sense of remoteness and rewards walkers with stunning panoramic views over Bassenthwaite Lake, the Skiddaw range, and out towards the Solway Coast.
The Walk at a Glance
3 - 4 Hours
Circular Route
5.2 Miles / 8.4 km
Moderate ascent
Moderate
Boggy sections
Dog Friendly
Off-lead in forest
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Start at Whinlatter Visitor Centre
Begin at the main Whinlatter Forest visitor centre car park (CA12 5TW). From the car park, take the well-marked Seat How Summit Trail, which starts near the main building and begins to climb gently through the forest.
2. Forest Tracks to Open Fell
Follow the Seat How trail as it winds upwards. After about 1.25 miles, leave the main waymarked trail and continue straight on a path that breaks out of the forest onto open fellside, heading north-west.
3. Summit of Lord's Seat
Follow the clear path across the heathery moorland. This section can be boggy after rain. The path leads directly to the summit of Lord's Seat (552m), marked by a cairn and an old fence post. The panoramic views from here are magnificent.
4. Traverse to Barf
From Lord's Seat, take the obvious path heading north-east. It's a pleasant ridge walk of about 0.75 miles, with a slight descent, to the summit of Barf (468m). The view of Bassenthwaite Lake directly below is superb.
5. The Return Journey
From Barf, take the path heading south, descending steeply at first back towards the forest. The path crosses Beckstones Gill and joins a wide forest track. Follow this main track as it descends through the forest, eventually rejoining the Seat How trail which leads you back to the visitor centre.
Visitor Information & Tips
- Parking & Facilities: Use the main pay-and-display car park at Whinlatter. The visitor centre has a cafe, shop, toilets, and information on all the forest trails.
- The Bishop of Barf: Don't attempt the direct "ascent" of Barf from the roadside! This is a precipitous and dangerous scramble. On the crags you can see a white-painted rock known as 'The Bishop of Barf'.
- Footwear: The open fell section between the two summits can be very wet and boggy. Waterproof hiking boots are essential.
- Wildlife: Keep an eye out for red squirrels and deer within the forest, and ospreys can often be seen fishing over Bassenthwaite Lake between April and September.
More to Explore Nearby
Grisedale Pike
For a much more challenging day out, Whinlatter is a popular starting point for the classic ascent of Grisedale Pike, which forms part of the magnificent Coledale Horseshoe.
Go Ape Treetop Adventure
Located right at the Whinlatter visitor centre, Go Ape offers thrilling high ropes courses and zip wires through the forest canopy for an adrenaline-fueled adventure.
The Lakes Distillery
Just a short drive away, near Bassenthwaite Lake, you can tour this award-winning distillery to see how they make their whisky, gin, and vodka, followed by a tasting session.