Whinlatter Forest
United Kingdom
High up on the heights to the west of Keswick lies the extensive plantations of England’s only true mountain forest. Rising sharply to 490m it encompasses 4.6 sq. miles of pine, larch, fir, cypress and spruce as well as native broadleaves including birch and oak. This is Thornthwaite Forest, planted in 1919 which we reach via the Whinlatter Pass, one of the easiest passes to traverse in the Lakes. The forest park is a designated red squirrel reserve and nearby Bassenthwaite Lake is home to magnificent nesting ospreys in the summer months. Roe deer, badgers, foxes and buzzards all live here too so keep a look out, you may be in luck and spot one of these beautiful, elusive creatures. On the way back down from the summit, you can stop, get out and gaze down on dreamy Bassenthwaite and the majestic surrounding hills. Great photos on a clear day..
Contents
7 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Whinlatter, a landscape that holds the unique distinction of being England’s only mountain forest. Rising to over 1,000 feet above sea level, this is a place where the managed forestry of the Forestry Commission meets…
Listen in the app2The Visitor Center: A Hub of Activity
Our journey begins at the Whinlatter Visitor Center, the nerve center of the forest. This facility is more than just a place to park; it is an educational hub where visitors can learn about the forest's ecology and history. …
Listen in the app3Conquering the North Red Loop: Mountain Biking Excellence
For the mountain biking community, Whinlatter is a place of pilgrimage. The North Red Loop is perhaps its most famous challenge. …
Listen in the app4Ascending Seat How: The Summit Trail
For those who prefer to explore on foot, the Seat How Summit Trail offers a quintessential Whinlatter experience. This four-to-five-mile hike involves an ascent of approximately 1,000 feet, taking you through some of the forest's…
Listen in the app5The Blue Hiking Trail and Gilly Wood
If you are looking for a more accessible encounter with the forest, the Blue Hiking Trail is an excellent choice. This route is designed to be gentler on the legs while still providing that essential sense of being 'lost' in the…
Listen in the app6Wildlife Guardians: Red Squirrels and Ospreys
Whinlatter is a vital stronghold for one of Britain’s most endangered mammals: the Red Squirrel. The dense coniferous forest provides the perfect habitat for these shy creatures, who prefer the seeds of pine cones to the acorns…
Listen in the app7Final Reflections: The Lungs of the Northern Lakes
As we conclude our audio tour of Whinlatter Forest, we are reminded of the delicate balance required to manage a mountain for both timber and pleasure. This is a landscape in constant motion—growing, being harvested, and being…
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What is Whinlatter Forest?
Whinlatter Forest is a place in United Kingdom with 7 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Type | Nature |
| Story sections | 7 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 54.6096, -3.2269 |
| Last updated |