Forest bathing at Whinlatter Forest

Forestry England calls Whinlatter England's only true mountain forest. It climbs the slopes of Whinlatter Pass west of Keswick, so the walking is higher than in most English woods, and gaps in the conifers open onto Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and the town below. The network is a mix of gravel forest roads, surfaced paths and tracks, with every junction marked, which makes it easy to wander without worrying about getting lost.

The visitor centre, café and main car park sit at the top of the pass, and the walking trails start from there. Whinlatter also has the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District, so check the trail map and stay on the walking routes. On a clear day the higher paths give the views; on a wet or windy one the denser forest lower down is more sheltered. Forestry work sometimes closes or diverts paths, so look at the notices before you set off.