Grizedale
Forest
Much of the land around Hawkshead was at one time forest, and a large area to the south, denuded by copper smelting and charcoal making, but this has been reafforested thanks to the wok of the Forestry Commission. Head out toward Esthwaite Water, but 1/2 mile to the south turn right. the road climbs steeply for 500 feet then plateaus out in an area about 2 miles by 2: this is Grizedale Forest. Within the Forest, the Commission have set up a Visitor Centre*, fromwhere you may obtain maps of the many footpaths through the forest. some are easy stroolls, some are quite strenuous. There are easier paths too, with from the simplest a viewpoint over the valley which runs through the Forest. But do go equipped with good watertight foot wear, remembering that in this area the weather can change very quickly.. There is a fascinating array of some 80 wood sculptures.
(*A new centre is uner construction and will open in 2009)
*Don not miss the panoramic views on the northern edge of Grizedale Forest
Forestry Commission Webpage on Grizedale
Much of the land around Hawkshead was at one time forest, and a large area to the south, denuded by copper smelting and charcoal making, but this has been reafforested thanks to the wok of the Forestry Commission. Head out toward Esthwaite Water, but 1/2 mile to the south turn right. the road climbs steeply for 500 feet then plateaus out in an area about 2 miles by 2: this is Grizedale Forest. Within the Forest, the Commission have set up a Visitor Centre*, fromwhere you may obtain maps of the many footpaths through the forest. some are easy stroolls, some are quite strenuous. There are easier paths too, with from the simplest a viewpoint over the valley which runs through the Forest. But do go equipped with good watertight foot wear, remembering that in this area the weather can change very quickly.. There is a fascinating array of some 80 wood sculptures.
(*A new centre is uner construction and will open in 2009)
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 Panorama overlooking Hawkshead (left) Grizedale Forest (far left) wood carving |
*Don not miss the panoramic views on the northern edge of Grizedale Forest
Forestry Commission Webpage on Grizedale
