Walk around Braithwaite – Whinlatter, Lake District, England

Short circular walk around the village of Braithwaite passing by Whinlatter forest. Beautiful views from the walk.

Braithwaite to Whinlatter forest walk information:

  • Distance: 8km
  • Duration: 3h30
  • Ascent: 430m
  • Level: Easy
  • Car park: Free along the road in the village of Braithwaite, CA12 5SY, Keswick
  • Dog friendly: forest tracks, some road section to follow, no livestocks
UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_fa4

I have some trouble organising hikes in winter because the days are short, it’s cold and I generally lack motivation. In addition, most of the hikes I have in my books are too long for winter days. So, I usually pick from my list of places that I already know to find my inspiration and by just changing some trails I can plot a new hike.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_fac

That Sunday, the wind was blowing a lot and it was about 0 °C so we wanted a short hike, with beautiful and sheltered landscapes. After discussion with our group of friends we decided to go to the Whinlatter forest that we already knew. Indeed, we did two hikes in this area before.

Find the Lord’s Seat, Broom Fell and Graystones here. For the Barf and Lord seat it is here.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_fa2

For this one we decided to start from the village of Braithwaite then to go towards Thornthwaite and to go back to the visitor center of the Whinlatter forest. Once at the visitor center we decided to go down through the opposite side of the forest, a part we did not know, before returning to the car.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_fa7

We organised this short hike quickly in the morning following our feeling, the trails we knew and those we wanted to discover, and it created a new hike quite enjoyable that ended with a beer at the Royal Oak pub.

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_fa5

Here are the key steps to do this hike:

  • From the Royal Oak take the B592 towards Whinlatter, then take the first path on the right which goes towards the fields and Thornthwaite. Continue straight on this path. Pass the Hallgarth Beck River, then straight to Ladstock. Then continue straight until you cross the river of Comb Beck and take the first left.
  • Follow this path that runs along the river for a little while and goes towards the Whinlatter Visitor Center. Once at the visitor center, cross the national road and walk about 300 meters before turning left onto a path that goes through the forest. Follow this path until you reach a bigger one.
  • Take left and continue straight for a moment until another intersection of path where you have to turn left. Then right and left again. Again, on the left then right then take the path on the left which goes down and follows Masmill Beck. Follow up to the national. In this part pay attention to the bikes and only take the paths reserved for walkers.
  • At the road, take the path slightly in front and continue straight until you find the path that you took previously. Take right on this path and continue straight ahead to the village of Braithwaite.

Do you know this area?

UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_fae
UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_fb5
UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_fb0

Find all our dog-friendly walks in the Lake District here. To discover the United Kingdom it is here.

8 thoughts on “Walk around Braithwaite – Whinlatter, Lake District, England

  1. Looks beautiful. Braithwaite is a lovely village. Camped there last year and did the Coledale round where you walk up a Wainwright fell called Barrow with views of Bassenthwaite and Derwent water. I’m glad it has been a bit warmer in recent days.x

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Yes, it can be hard to get motivated when it’s cold and miserable out. But once you’ve set out, you probably enjoy yourself and are glad you made the effort. At least, that’s how I often feel in the winter 😉

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment