Whinlatter Forest Park

A large forest in the heart of the North Lakes. The roads up to the forest are quite steep but there are flat parts of road that give breathtaking views over towards Penrith and Carlisle. The parking is at the bottom of a small slope that leads up to a small shop/visitor centre with a cafe (indoor and outdoor seating). There is a tramper trail that I found accessible for my powered wheelchair. There were however some parts that I did not like. For example, after the visitor centre there is a steep slope leading down to the start of the trail and at the start of the trail there is a small curb that is manageable for powered wheelchairs with curb climbing capabilities. Some of the path is very steep but again my powered wheelchair was able to manage them (it was me who was less confident with the gradients). When I went, which was in July, it had rained the day before so there was quite a lot of mud and at some points there is thick mud in the middle of the path but it is wide enough to go to the side to avoid this. The trail is 2.5miles (according to the Whinlatter website) and loops back around to the visitor centre for a well earned lunch.

The main trails are very good for using with a powerchair. Those which might be too steep are highlighted in the trail booklet and on signs. The numbering system could be better and we recommended they use colour coding. The staff were receptive to suggestions, well informed, friendly and happy. The shop and cafe are first rate and easy to negotiate (room for many cyclists, walkers and my powerchair). We had some excellent food served by friendly, happy people. The toilet was easy to negotiate, clean and spacious - no nonsense. The views over Derwentwater are fantastic and we loved hearing the wind through the treetops.