Grizedale Forest

The Grizedale (the name in Norse means valley where young pigs are kept) forest, in the Rusland valley along Coniston Waters eastern shore, contains 6046 acres of woodland encompassing both conifers and native deciduous trees. Red and roe deer inhabit the forest.

The forest is owned by the Forestry Commission, but in the 11^th century belonged to Furness Abbey. The monks coppiced the wood for timber and firewood.

Amenities in the forest include a number of car parks, a visitor centre, shop, tearoom, picnic sites and an adventure play area. There are waymarked walking trails that run from one to nine miles in length as well as cycling paths.

In the forest are about 100 sculptures completed by various carvers. A Theatre in the Forest is a venue for numerous concerts in the summer, and a number of special activities are sponsored by the commission. A hostel and education service complete the picture.

Grizedale Park Visitor Centre: 01229-860010
Address: Grisedale, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 OQJ
The centre is on a minor road in the forest, reached from the B5285 near Hawkshead.
Visitor centre, tearoom and shop open 10am-5pm in summer and until 4pm in winter.
Website: www.forestry.gov.uk/grizedale

Photos courtesy Graeme Dougal

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