Whitbarrow Walking

Viewed from the A590 - the busy road that winds around the southern edge of the Lake District - Whitbarrow's towering limestone crags give it a dramatic appearance. For walkers, numerous longer variations are possible but this short loop passes through wildlife-rich deciduous woodland and across the scrubby grassland that makes up the summit plateau. For those on a long drive across the South Lakes, this is an excellent place to stop for an hour or two.

Looking towards Chapel Head Scar on the way up Whitbarrow  © Carolina Smith
Looking towards Chapel Head Scar on the way up Whitbarrow
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Detailed description

1
SD4368185957 From the parking spot, follow the obvious path towards Whitbarrow. The big limestone crag straight ahead is Chapel Head Scar, home to a number of classic climbing routes. After passing a football pitch, follow the footpath to the left to enter the ancient woodland.

2
SD4396886265 Ascend quite steeply through the woodland, then past young birch trees already showing the early signs of being ravaged by high winds, to emerge on to the picturesque, scrubby crest known as Flodder Allotment. Patches of scree and limestone pavement give this hilltop real character. The summit itself, Lord's Seat, is marked by a robust cairn and affords sweeping views of the Lake District and Morecambe Bay.

3
SD4410286997 Head north-east along the obvious path, then take the left fork to walk among trees to the corner of the wall. Now turn left and follow this wall to Bell Rake, where the path descends alongside a scree slope into the woodland. There is a short mine level on the left-hand side part way down.

4
SD4352687649 Turn left on the woodland track and follow this obvious path south, back to the start. High Park Wood is a biodiverse place, with tree species including oak, birch, hazel, yew and Lancastrian whitebeam. Both red and roe deer are often seen here, and in spring and summer keep your eyes peeled for rare butterflies.

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