Whinlatter Forest Park

England’s only true mountain forest and winner of the Cumbria Tourism award for Visitor Attraction of the Year 2012. Whinlatter Forest is managed by the Forestry Commission and is a great day out for all ages. Head to the Visitor Centre and main car park to start your visit. If you’re looking for adventure, try the Altura or Quercus mountain bike trails, which make full use of the stunning setting. The Whinlatter WildPlay trail is for children of all ages. Its 9 different play areas take you on a journey through the trees and include a climbing wall, water features, giant swings and a secret path. There are also two children’s discovery trails, to help explore the forest – maps available from the Visitor Centre.Or if you’ve got a head for heights, swing through the trees on the Go-Ape tree top course.

The forest has walking trails of varying lengths to suit all abilities, taking you to up to viewpoints across Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwent Water, Skiddaw and Grisedale Pike. The Visitor Centre is home to the Lake District Osprey Project from April to August each year, with an exhibition about the project and volunteers to help interpret the live camera pictures of the nest at Dodd Wood throughout the season.

There are also family events held in the forest over the year – check website for up to date information.

The Visitor Centre and Shop sell forest maps and a range of locally sourced products. Siskins Café offers home cooked food while Cyclewise, the onsite bike shop, hires out bikes as well as selling bikes and kit, and offering a range of bike skills and training courses.