The best walks and hikes in Greystoke Forest

There are over 240 hiking routes to explore in and around Greystoke Forest. The trails range from easy woodland strolls to challenging mountain ascents, offering something for every fitness level.

Yes, Greystoke Forest is a great place for dog walking, with many wide, well-maintained paths through the woodlands. However, remember that the forest is home to wildlife like deer and red squirrels, and some routes may pass through areas with livestock. It's best to keep your dog under control and on a lead where necessary.

Absolutely. The forest is ideal for families, with many gentle and relatively flat trails. For a very easy and rewarding walk, consider the Bowscale Tarn loop from Mungrisdale. It's a short route leading to a beautiful tarn nestled beneath the fells, perfect for a family outing.

Parking availability varies depending on your chosen route. Many popular trails starting from villages like Mungrisdale have on-street parking, but it can be limited. For some of the fell walks, you may find designated lay-bys or small car parks near the trailhead, such as the one for Carrock Fell. Always park considerately and check for any local restrictions.

Greystoke Forest is a haven for wildlife. It's one of the best places in the region to spot the native red squirrel. If you're quiet, you might also see deer moving through the trees. Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for barn owls, especially during dawn or dusk.

Yes, for experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the area offers some demanding routes with significant elevation gain. The High Pike Summit – Knott Summit Cairn loop from Carrock Fell is a long and strenuous hike that rewards you with panoramic views from the summits. It requires a very good level of fitness.

The forest itself is the main attraction, but key features include Gillcambon Tarn, a picturesque small lake perfect for a rest stop, and Gillcambon Beck. On clearer days, many trails offer stunning viewpoints of major Lake District peaks like Blencathra and the Helvellyn range. The nearby Greystoke Castle also adds historical interest to the area.

Yes, you can easily combine a walk with a visit to a traditional pub. The Mill Inn – Mungrisdale Pinfold loop from Mungrisdale is a pleasant walk that starts and ends near The Mill Inn, making it a perfect choice for a post-hike refreshment.

Both offer excellent woodland hiking, but with different characters. Greystoke Forest is generally quieter, known for its peaceful conifer plantations and gentle slopes on the edge of the National Park. Whinlatter Forest is a popular mountain park with more facilities, including a visitor centre and cafe, and features trails with steeper climbs and purpose-built mountain bike tracks.

Yes, some routes demand more than just fitness. The Atkinson Pike – Blencathra Summit loop from Mungrisdale is a hard hike that requires sure-footedness and alpine experience, especially when navigating the ridges and scrambles to reach the summit of Blencathra.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 1,900 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquility of the forest, the well-maintained paths, and the beautiful views of the surrounding fells that appear from clearings in the woods.

While primarily known for hiking, the area is also popular with cyclists. The forest has miles of tracks suitable for mountain biking, with good climbs and descents. For road cyclists, there are numerous on-road and cycle path routes, such as the 'To Greystoke and Back' route, which offers a moderate ride with the northern fells as a backdrop. You can find more information on local cycle routes at visiteden.co.uk.