Thornthwaite and Whinlatter Forest

(See Bassenthwaite and Bassenthwaite Lake)

Rising in places to a height of 2590 feet, Thornthwaite Forest, which encompasses Whinlatter Forest, lies on the A66 alongside Bassenthwaite Lake. Both conifers and native broadleaf trees make up the plantings.

England's only mountain forest is not natural. It was planted shortly after WW I to provide timber. The Whinlatter Forest Park has a popular visitor centre and includes an AV presentation, model of a working forest, a badger set, and other educational displays about the forest.

There is a trail layout within the forest with all trails marked as to difficulty. Other routes through the forest lead onto the surrounding fells-one to the summit of Tarbarrow Moss, another to Seat How viewpoint, ones to Lord's Seat, another to Barf, and still another to Grisedale Pike. Far ranging views of the Lake District and part of Galloway in Scotland can be enjoyed from Thornthwaite Forest.

The forest provides a habitat for wildlife including badgers, frogs, toads, foxes, roe deer, and red squirrels. The many varieties of birdlife include buzzards and peregrine falcons.

Thornthwaite Forest is on the A66 on Bassenthwaite's western shore.

Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre
Whinlatter Pass
Braithwaite
Keswick
Cumbria CA12 5TW
Open 10am-5pm in summer, until 4pm in winter
Carpark (charge), shop and tearoom
Eight waymarked trails, two junior trails, two waymarked cycle routes, three high level trails, an all ability trail, orienteering, four picnic sites.
Tel. 017687 78469

Photos courtesy of Barbara Ballard

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