Awe-inspiring views across to Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwentwater, freedom in the forest, woodland tracks to explore… all followed by that perfect cup of tea.
Sounds perfect but where?
Whinlatter Forest, near Keswick in the Lake District.
It’s easy to find. From Keswick, take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite village, turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton.
Follow Whinlatter Visitor Centre signposts for approximately 3 miles.
There is blue badge parking near to the visitor centre, but be warned it is an uphill push to reach the building. It is manageable in a manual wheelchair, if you have forearms like Popeye. However, I am told that you can drop guests with mobility issues can be dropped off at the back of the centre and then the driver has to parked back down at the bottom. Rest assured that effort to reach the top is well worth it.
On this visit to Whinlatter I was able to borrow the Tramper* that is available for hire from Lake District Mobility, a charity that has been set up in Cumbria, to make the countryside more accessible as possible to people with mobility disability.
A two and a half mile route around the forest has been designed and assessed for the Tramper and believe me…it does not disappoint. From leaving the centre you will be filled with joy with the exhilarating experience of roaming around this forest.
You don’t have to be a map reader either as the route has been well marked out along the way for you to follow. Simply put, my day out at Whinlatter was stupendous.
Thank you Lake District Mobility.
The charity has provided Trampers in other locations in the Lake District.
Langdale Estate. To book the Tramper contact to Langdale Leisure Centre directly by calling them on 015394 38014, or by email: reservations@langdale.co.uk
Grizedale Forest, near Hawkshead. Again, to book the Tramper contact Grizedale directly at grizedale@forestryengland.uk or 0300 067 4495.
*There is a membership scheme to borrow the Trampers. Please see their website for details.