Overview

Whinlatter Forest offers stunning views, outstanding hiking trails, exciting mountain biking, rare wildlife sightings, and fun adventure activities.

Located in the World Heritage Site of the Lake District, Whinlatter Forest provides unparalleled views of Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater, and Keswick. It also has the longest purposely-built mountain biking trails in the entire Lake District.

You can take on the Gruffalo challenge by exploring the woods and discovering various characters, go on a treetop adventure, or even feed an alpaca! There’s so much to do at Whinlatter Forest.

Things to do

Fun with the Gruffalo
Discover a fun navigational challenge at Whinlatter Forest by using a simple map to locate twelve hidden Gruffalo markers in the deep, dark wood. If you’re feeling competitive, you can run, walk or skip the course against the clock. Prior to starting the trail, you can purchase a Gruffalo orienteering leaflet that includes a map and certificate for just £1.50 from the Visitor Centre. While navigating, keep a lookout for the various Gruffalo character sculptures carved in different positions.

Wildplay Playground
Swing, slide, splash and climb on the children’s trail through the trees with nine different play zones set in an amazing mountain forest! Test your engineering skills on the Archimedes Screws and draw water from the stream or work with friends to move gravel using the pulleys and shoots in the gravel pit. Try out the climbing wall and giant timber climbing frame, or fly through the air on the log swing.

Go Ape Forest Segway
Experience breathtaking views of Cumbria by riding an all-terrain Segway with Go Ape. The team will take you to the most stunning vantage points where you can admire the sights from Skiddaw to Helvellyn.

Go Ape Treetop Adventure
Looking for a fun activity to do with your kids and younger family members? Take them on a classic Treetop Adventure! The course takes approximately an hour to complete and features a practice area and three loops, each ending with a thrilling zipwire experience. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Treetop Adventure Plus is also available.

Cycling
Whinlatter Forest offers an exciting biking experience, with challenging uphill rides and thrilling downhill descents suitable for riders of any level.

Walking
Whinlatter Forest offers amazing views and excellent hiking trails. Visitors can explore several miles of gravel roads, surfaced paths, and tracks.

Guided Alpaca Walks
Alpacaly Ever After offers their renowned alpaca walks in Whinlatter Forest. You can explore the only authentic mountain forest in England while getting to know the charming alpacas up close. You can also participate in feeding time!

Food & Drink

If you’re looking for a hot drink to start your visit, a warming meal or snack after a walk or ride, or even a delicious Sunday dinner, then Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter is the perfect place to be. Their menu offers many mouth-watering dishes to suit every taste bud. The warm and welcoming atmosphere, along with the friendly staff who are always eager to help, make it a place you’ll definitely want to visit next time you’re in the area.