A low level circular walk with wonderful views of the fells and lakes.

Clothing: Waterproof jacket, sweater, hat, gloves waterproof walking boots/shoes
Equipment: O.S. Map, compass, whistle, binoculars, emergency food
Refreshment stops: The Drunken Duck and Hawkshead
Conditions to be expected underfoot: tarmac, unmade tracks, loose stone, occasional damp or muddy parts, grass.

For printed directions, please ask at Skelwith Fold Reception. These are available for a suggested £1.50 donation which goes to supporting The Great North Air Ambulance.

1. On leaving Skelwith Fold Caravan Park Shop and Reception Area turn left. Follow the red road to the barrier, through the gate (ignore the path to the left) and on to the junction (by the Post Box). Turn left up the hill and follow the lane towards Hawkshead and The Drunken Duck.
2. Cross the road and follow the lane (signposted Hawkshead, Ferry) for one mile to Outgate. Cross the main road to the Public Footpath gate to the right of the Inn. Continue along the footpath passing through three kissing gates. The fourth gate leads on to a bridleway signed Hawkshead 1¼ miles. Head down the meadow then up towards a gate leading into a wood. On leaving the wood at the gate and almost immediately, leave the bridleway and go straight on along the grass path heading towards a field gate, stile and telegraph post with farm buildings in the distance. Cross a second stile and continue to the gate adjacent to a large tree. Turn right after the gate and signpost to Hawkshead ¾ mile. Within a few yards go through a gate to Loanthwaite Lane turn left (signposted Hawkshead and Latterbarrow) and continue along the lane between the farm buildings.
3. After 100 yards turn right at the signpost to Hawkshead. Follow the well-defined footpath alongside a hedge on the right, through a second gate with the hedge on the left towards Hawkshead.
4. At the second gate Hawkshead Village will come into view. Continue along the track through the third gate and on to the fourth then join a wider track. Turn left. After 50 yards turn right at the signpost to Hawkshead. Follow the path down, through a gate, to a signpost. At the sign turn right. To Hawkshead ¼ mile. Go through the gate and head across the field towards a gate. The path leads towards the river over which there is a footbridge leading to a path, which shortly crosses the main road and enters Hawkshead.
5. After visiting the many interesting landmarks in Hawkshead return to the square. Go through the passageway to the right of The Methodist Church and The Minstrel’s Gallery; turn left (Vicarage Lane) towards Grandy Nook.
6. Continue up the lane passing Ann Tyson’s cottage on the right. After 250 yards turn right onto the footpath signposted ‘Tarn Hows’ and follow it up through the meadow. After the second gate continue along the track with a wood on the left. Pass through the next kissing gate and continue to a little bridge.
7. Cross the bridge and follow the stony steps up to the kissing gate leading to a meadow. Follow the path that crosses the drive to the holiday cottages. Continue on the path to a gate leading to the road.
8. Once on the road turn left up the hill and through the hamlet of Hawkshead Hill. (It is well worth visiting the Baptist Chapel, quiet garden and ancient baptistery in the hamlet). Turn Right at the first turning (signpost) ‘Tarn Hows’ and continue to the Post Box and Telephone Box; opposite Turn right onto a footpath leading through the fields. After 100 yards pass through a gate and follow the path alongside a fence on the right. Cross a little footbridge, pass through another gate and continue along the path for 200 yards until arriving at a gate followed immediately by some steps. A fence divides the field ahead and has a kissing gate through which the path goes. Head down towards the houses ahead and the gate leading onto Skinner How Lane. Turn left.
9. Continue up to the junction, bear right passing Borwick Lodge on the right. Keep on the road for half a mile. 200 yards after passing ‘High Grassings’ there is a bridleway sign at the entrance to Sunny Brow Farm to Barngates 1 mile on the left. Go through the gate, passing a small tarn on the right, and follow the muddy track to the gate, through the field keeping to the left track
10. The next gate leads to a track skirting the wooded slopes and pass a second sign to Pullscar. After passing through two more gates descend through the woods to the gate to join the lane.
11. Turn left, cross the Pull Beck road bridge, and follow road back to Skelwith Fold. Keep straight on to Skelwith Fold – (Do not be tempted to turn left at the triangle by the signpost to Skelwith and Ambleside.)

Rambling and hill walking can be strenuous and it is up to you to approach it with caution and if you are inexperienced, to do so under appropriate supervision. You should also carry appropriate clothing, equipment and maps and wear suitable footwear. Details given were believed to be right at the time of going to press but neither the author nor Skelwith Fold Caravan Park can accept responsibility for inaccuracies or mishaps. Please keep to public rights of way and observe the Countryside Code.