Two perfect evening walks for new arrivals with stunning views for relatively little effort!

Clothing: Light waterproof/windproof jacket – depending upon the weather conditions, strong shoes or walking boots
Equipment: O.S. map (not essential)
Refreshment: Skelwith Fold shop
Conditions to be expected underfoot: tarmac, uneven 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.

Walk 1

1. On leaving Skelwith Fold Caravan Park Shop and Reception Area turn left and cross the road to the ‘phone box and follow the sign to the children’s play area.
2. Continue along the tarmac path passing by the all weather play area and take the footpath to the left up into the woods. Follow the wide track to a bench (in memory of Fred Willis). Rest a while here to admire the view of the Langdale Pikes.
3. Continue along the path to a gate to the lane (Bog Lane) and turn right. Continue along the lane, enter woodland and take the permitted path on the left. It eventually rejoins Bog Lane. Turn left past some cottages on the right. Conitinue until reaching Brathay Church on the right. Continue along the lane to the turning on the left that leads to a footbridge (it is also a cycle route). By going onto the bridge your efforts might be rewarded by a glimpse of a kingfisher, a dipper and other water birds or even canoeists!
4. Return to Bog Lane and continue with the river on the left until arriving at a small car park and Brathay Pool beyond.
5. Turn right along the cycleway/footpath (blue sign ‘Bowness via ferry) which follows parallel to the main road. Continue along this route and enter some woodland. Eventually arrive at an access point to the road. With caution turn right and in 50 yards arrive at Skelwith Fold Caravan Park main entrance.
6. Join the drive and return to Reception.

Walk 2 – This can be used as an extension to the first walk

1. On leaving Skelwith Fold Caravan Park Shop and Reception turn left. Follow the red road to the barrier, through the gate and on to the junction (by the post box).
2. Turn right through Skelwith Fold ignoring the right turn to Ambleside. Continue along the lane and down the hill for a few yards and suddenly one of the most wonderful views in the lake District appears! There is a slate tablet set into the wall depicting the hills and mountains in the distance. After admiring the view retrace your steps back to Skelwith Fold Caravan Park gate. Take the Public Footpath signed to the right. Go through the first metal gate. Follow the path passing through the next gate (Skelwith Fold Caravan Park can be seen on the left). The third gate is to a field. Enter the field with the woods on the right.
3. Continue along the path to a second iron gate that leads to a sloping meadow.
4. Aim for the bottom left hand corner of the meadow where there is a gate (by Pull Beck property) to the road.
5. With great care cross the road and take the permitted footpath and cycle way and turn left. In a short while there is a flight of stone steps (In memory of Harry Cowan) leading to a roadside pavement. Go past the houses and orchard. The footpath and cycle way can then be found again as it winds its way through the wooded area close to the road.
6. The footpath and cycle way emerges by the bus stop opposite the entrance to Skelwith Fold Caravan Park.
7. Cross the road carefully and return along the main drive to your starting place.

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.