An undulating walk with magnificent views and the opportunity to visit the National Trust Property of Wray Castle.

Clothing: Light waterproof anorak depending on weather conditions. Suitable walking boots, strong waterproof shoes or approach shoes
Equipment: OS Map OL7, compass, camera, (GPS)
Refreshment stops: Wray Castle, Outgate Inn, The Drunken Duck
Conditions to be expected underfoot: Grass, rough stone tracks, occasional muddy patches tarmac lanes.

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 Reception turn left and head along the drive up to the rear entrance to the barrier and gate at NY351 026. Turn Left onto the Public Footpath. Pass through a metal kissing gate, a wooden kissing gate, then a wooden field gate and another metal kissing gate leading to a meadow. Continue down the meadow aiming to the left of the properties at the bottom.
2. Pass through the wicket gate (NY359 021) and cross the road carefully to join the track immediately opposite, turn Right. Follow along the track to a sign ‘Pullwood Bay’ (NY 360 020) and take the left fork. The track follows alongside the driveway to a point where it crosses it (NY360 0210). Continue up the winding track through the woods passing through four little cairns and shortly arrive at a wooden field gate. (NY366 016) leading to open land. Shortly Wray Castle can be seen on the skyline towards the left.
3. Pass through two wooden field gates to join a tarmac lane. Cross the lane with caution to re-join the track and pass through a wicket gate. The track winds its way parallel to the lane to eventually arrive at a wooden field gate and on to the lane. Turn Right and walk up along the lane for 200 yards and turn Left on to the drive to Wray Castle. Continue along the drive to the Castle. (200 yards) (There is the opportunity to visit the castle, the grounds and Lake Windermere’s shoreline. There are picnic tables, and magnificent views from the grounds. Also, there is a café and facilities.)
4. The return route is along the drive passing the Dower House and immediately Turn Right (sign to Ambleside and Hawkshead) down a pleasant track leading to the lane to the NT Campsite (NY370 011) Turn left and shortly arrive at the road. With caution cross the road to the field gate to join the track signed ‘Ambleside route 6’. Blelham Tarn can be seen on the left.
5. Go through the gate onto the bridleway. After 200 m along the bridleway arrive at a wooden kissing gate into woodland. Cross the bridge (NY 364 006) pass through a gate and along the track to a fingerpost (NY362 004). Follow the route to Outgate passing through three wooden field gates to eventually join the main road. Turn Left.
   After 20 yds Turn Left through a little gate into ‘Stevney Spinney’. On leaving the spinney Turn Left down a tarmac drive. Turn Right at the bottom towards the main road. Turn Left to arrive at the Outgate Inn.
6. Carefully cross the road and follow the sign to ‘Barngates’. From here the route is a tarmac lane and the views can be enjoyed without the constant fear of tripping or stumbling!
7. On arriving at The Drunken Duck crossroads and junction cross over and follow the sign to ‘Skelwith Bridge’.
8. Continue along the road for ¾ mile and fork right (straight on really) (NY347 022) signed ‘Skelwith Fold’. Pass the sign to Holmeshead Farm and down to the post box at Skelwith Fold. Turn Right along the lane to arrive at Skelwith Fold Caravan Park.

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.