Whinlatter offers an incredible day out for the whole family, with a huge variety of waymarked walking trails to suit all abilities. This guide focuses on the easier, family-friendly routes that still provide breathtaking views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater, and the surrounding fells. With a visitor centre, cafe, adventure playgrounds, and world-class mountain biking, it's a destination that has something for everyone.
Easy Walks at a Glance
1 - 2 Hours
Per trail
1 - 2.5 Miles
Various loops
Easy
Well-surfaced trails
Very Dog Friendly
A canine paradise
Popular Easy Walking Trails
1. Revelin Moss Trail (1 mile / 1.6 km)
Starting from the Revelin Moss car park, this is the easiest trail in the forest. It's a gentle, accessible loop with the dramatic backdrop of Grisedale Pike. It's perfect for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and little legs.
2. Masmill Beck Trail (1.25 miles / 2 km)
Beginning at the quiet Noble Knott car park, this gentle circular route meanders through ancient oak trees before joining a forest road with fabulous views of Bassenthwaite Lake on its return.
3. Words in the Woods Trail (1.5 miles / 2.5 km)
A lovely trail from Noble Knott that features waymarked posts with thoughtful and humorous quotes about trees and nature, adding an extra layer of interest to your walk through the mature woodland.
4. Heavy Sides Trail (1.5 miles / 2.5 km)
Also from Noble Knott, this trail offers more of a climb through coniferous woodland to the forest boundary, rewarding you with excellent views before returning through a beautiful mixed woodland.
Visitor Information & Tips
- Main Visitor Centre: The main hub for Whinlatter is the Visitor Centre (CA12 5TW), which has a large pay-and-display car park, cafe, shop, toilets, bike hire, and information on all the trails.
- Trail Maps: Pick up a detailed map of all the walking and biking trails from the Visitor Centre to help you plan your day.
- Adventure Play: The WildPlay and Zog trails are fantastic for keeping children entertained, with imaginative play areas dotted through the forest.
- Wildlife: Whinlatter is a haven for wildlife. Look out for red squirrels in the woods and, from April to August, visit the Dodd Wood viewpoints to see the famous Bassenthwaite ospreys.
More to Explore Nearby
Go Ape Treetop Adventure
For thrill-seekers, the Go Ape course at Whinlatter offers high ropes, zip wires, and Tarzan swings high up in the forest canopy for an unforgettable adventure.
Grisedale Pike
For experienced hikers looking for a serious challenge, Whinlatter is a popular starting point for the strenuous but hugely rewarding climb to the summit of Grisedale Pike.
Keswick
The popular market town of Keswick is just a few miles away, offering a huge range of shops, pubs, restaurants, a theatre, a cinema, and the quirky Derwent Pencil Museum.