Walk of the Month: Barf and Lords Seat From Whinlatter

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This month's walk: Barf and Lord's Seat from Whinlatter

A circular, short walk with fantastic views starting at Whinlatter Pass. This is less of a fixed route, more a summons to a great little corner of the Lakes. There are well-marked trails throughout Thornthwaite Forest, and you can pick up leaflets at the visitor centre. 

Loop or linear? Loop

Map: OS Explorer Map: OL4 - The English Lakes: NW area 

Total distance: 6.5km (4 miles)  

Total height gain: 452m (1485ft)

Start: Whinlatter Forest Park, OS Grid: NY206244

Bus: Honister Rambler

Unsuitable for: Buggies, wheelchairs

1. Whinlatter Forest Park OS Grid: NY206244
   Take the Honister Rambler bus to Whinlatter Forest Park.

2. Visitor centre OS Grid: NY211246: About 0.5 km (roughly 0.3 miles) from 1
   Follow the waymarked trails beyond the visitor centre. Gruffalo fans are in for a treat...

3. Cycle trail OS Grid: NY216253: About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 2
   Follow the forest tracks and cycle trails. It's not always easy to navigate, but as a general rule, always take a right-hand fork but don't head downhill!

4. Path from the hotel OS Grid: NY215262: About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 3
   Keep contouring around and you will reach the path that leads up from The Swan hotel.

5. Barf summit OS Grid: NY214267: About 0.5 km (roughly 0.3 miles) from 4
   The path leads round to the steep-faced Barf, with tremendous views over Bassenthwaite.

6. Lord's Seat OS Grid: NY204265: About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 5
   Follow the clear path across to Lord's Seat, for more stunning views.

7. Stile into woods OS Grid: NY207263: About 0.5 km (roughly 0.3 miles) from 6
   Drop down towards the forest boundary and look for the stile into the forest. Here, pick up the tracks leading back downhill.

8. Paths downhill OS Grid: NY206254: About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 7
   The Forestry Commission, who manage Thornthwaite Forest, have clearly marked the routes around it and you should have no problems navigating back to the start.

9. Tea and cake OS Grid: NY208245: About 1 km (0.62 miles) from 8
   Make sure you stop in at the visitor centre for a well-earned pot of tea and a little something.