A Walk in the Woods

Wythop Woods is a little known but nonetheless very photogenic area of the Lake District, connected to the much more frequented Whinlatter Forest, the area is best accessed from Beck Wythop car park on the western shore of Bassenthwaite Lake. From here a good trail leads northward through the woods to gain the Wythop valley via a wide col. Fine views are to be had across Bassenthwaite Lake to Skiddaw, Ullock Pike and the Caldbeck Fells and the discerning walker will find plenty of opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity of this place seemingly far from the busy A66 and the tourist hordes of Keswick.

For the peak bagger doing the Wainwrights, an easy ascent of Sale Fell can be made from the col with a return along a delightful path via Kelswick Farm, or for a longer walk include Ling Fell to the West across the Wythop Valley. You’ll most likely have both summits to yourself.