Head into the wooded hills above Keswick for forest walks, mountain-bike trails and outdoor family adventures. Whinlatter rewards a little planning: choose a route that suits your group, leave time for the climbs and check the latest trail updates before setting out.
Forestry England has announced a full closure on Sunday 25 October because of forecast high winds. Reopening depends on ranger safety checks. Do not travel on this date; check the latest official notice for later visits.
Separate forestry operations are also causing trail closures and diversions, including changes to the Wow, Seat How and cycling routes. Consult the trail updates page and follow signs on site. This dated notice does not confirm reopening.
Where: Whinlatter Pass, near Keswick, CA12 5TW.
Best for: woodland walks, mountain biking, WildPlay and Go Ape.
Budget for: parking, refreshments and separately booked activities.
Our suggestion: allow half a day for a walk and café stop, or longer for a ride or booked adventure.
Start with the official walking map. Numbered junction posts help you follow your route, but take the map with you and follow any temporary diversion signs.
Revelin Moss is a shorter option: the usual route is 1 mile (1.6 km), starting at Revelin Moss car park, with Grisedale Pike forming its backdrop. The Comb Beck wellbeing trail normally covers about 1.75 miles (2.75 km), with prompts to pause and notice the woodland.
Seat How and the Wow Trail offer longer outings. Check current access before committing to a circuit: forestry operations can turn circular walks into out-and-back routes. Choose footwear for uneven ground and carry a waterproof layer.
Dodd Wood is a separate woodland destination, not a trail within Whinlatter.
Whinlatter’s cycling options include the Quercus blue trail, the red mountain-bike trails and the Gorse forest-road route. Check the official cycling page for route grades, maps and hire information.
Gorse is normally 10 km (6.2 miles), mainly on forest roads, with sustained climbs and descents. It is currently shortened by forestry work.
Blue does not mean flat or suitable for every beginner. Choose a trail for your skills, fitness and equipment, and book ahead with the on-site Cyclewise team if you need a hire bike. Walkers should keep off dedicated mountain-bike trails, and riders should respect walking-only paths.
The WildPlay trail has nine play zones with climbing, swinging and water play. Some short sections are steep, so allow time and supervise children along the route.
Go Ape, Gruffalo activities and guided alpaca walks add other options. Check the current activity listings for availability and booking requirements.
Café Ambio provides a refreshment stop at the visitor centre. For your own picnic, tables are available along WildPlay and at the Gruffalo viewpoint, with other picnic spots at Revelin Moss and Noble Knott.
Check Forestry England’s visitor information before travelling. Café, visitor-centre and activity hours differ, and severe weather can close the forest.
The Tripadvisor link below offers reviews and listings. Before booking an experience, check its location, age or height requirements, supervision rules and inclusions. Parking, bike hire and Go Ape bookings are separate costs.
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission from qualifying Tripadvisor bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Explore our existing photos of the forest, walking routes and Go Ape. Conditions and activity availability change, so use the official visitor links when planning your day.
From the A66 near Keswick, take the B5292 through Braithwaite and follow visitor-centre signs up Whinlatter Pass. Use CA12 5TW for the visitor centre.
Current parking charges at Whinlatter and Revelin Moss are £2.90 for the first hour, then 70p per 15 minutes, capped at £14 per day. Stays under 20 minutes are free. The main car park uses ANPR and payment on exit; charges include Blue Badge holders. Check signs for payment details and tariff changes.
The seasonal 77/77A bus links Keswick and Whinlatter in summer. Check current operating dates and return times rather than assuming a year-round service. Car-free arrival is free; separately booked activities still cost extra.
Four accessible bays are available in the main car park. A surfaced, sloping path of about 50 metres leads to the visitor centre. If you need a closer drop-off, contact the team before travelling.
All-terrain mobility scooters can be booked in advance through Outdoor Mobility. Parts of the Wow Trail suit some all-terrain scooters, but slopes and current diversions matter. Read the access guide and ask staff about a suitable route; the whole forest should not be assumed wheelchair accessible.
Keep dogs under control, give wildlife space and take litter home. Respect forestry machinery and closure signs. Barbecues are not permitted, and camping or overnight stays are not allowed in the forest or its car parks.
Browse our Keswick guide for a town stop, or visit Castlerigg Stone Circle for another outdoor outing. Mirehouse and Gardens offers a different kind of woodland visit when open.
Allow time for local roads and check each attraction’s opening arrangements before combining visits.
Consider Braithwaite or Keswick as a base for exploring Whinlatter and the northern Lakes. Compare property locations, parking and cancellation terms, and check bike storage if you are bringing your own cycle.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from qualifying bookings, at no extra cost to you.
