Hawkshead Walking Routes

About

Planning an adventure in the Lake District, Cumbria? Make sure you’re prepared for your route, the weather, and every possibility. Be AdventureSmart and check out our top tips on staying safe, and having fun before you go.

1. Hawkshead to Tarn Hows

This route visits the lovely Tarn Hows from the village of Hawkshead. It’s about a 2 mile walk from the village, climbing to the Tarns on a mixture of country lanes and public footpaths. The walk starts in the centre of Hawkshead and follows Vicarage Lane out of the village. You then turn right to follow a footpath up to Keen Ground Wood and the hamlet of Hawkshead Hill. You then pass through the woodland of Hill Fell and the Sawrey Ground Plantation before coming to Tarn Hows. Here you’ll find well surfaced tracks taking you around the tarn with some nice woodland trails as well. You can also climb to a lovely viewpoint at the south eastern end of the site.

2. Latterbarrow from Hawkshead

Latterbarrow is a very popular little fell close to Hawkshead, in fact if you stand at the entrance to the car park and look north east you can just about see the tall beacon that sits on its summit. The walk starts at the only car park in Hawkshead, take the path from the North Lonsdale Road signed to Latterbarrow & Wray Castle. The summit area of Latterbarrow is a bumpy plateau crowned by a tall beacon. It’s said to be a memorial but there is no plaque, and no one can remember to whom, or any other reason why it’s there. The return is made by descending away from Hawkshead to wander a clear path through the plantations to a track. Once on the track it’s quite an easy walk to gradually swing back to the village.

3. Esthwaite Water from Hawkshead

Enjoy a short stroll down to Esthwaite Water from the village of Hawkshead on this easy walk in the Lake District. Esthwaite is one of the less well known lakes of the national park. It’s also one of the smaller ones, covering around 280 acres (1.1 km2). Esthwaite is well known for its trout and pike fishing. Starting in the centre of the village you can follow footpaths and country lanes south and then east to the water’s edge. The walk starts from St Michael and All Angels Church in the village and picks up a footpath heading south from there. This takes you to Roger Ground where you turn east on a country lane towards the lake. You’ll pass the Waterside House B&B before coming to the lake. There’s lovely views across the lake to the surrounding fells. Also look out for the resident Ospreys diving for fish on the water.

4. Near Sawrey

Near Sawrey is just two miles from Hawkshead; a delightful cluster of traditional cottages, along with the Tower Bank pub, hotels and tearooms. From the car park, go onto North Lonsdale Road, following the sign to Windermere, and turn left at the T-junction again following the sign towards Windermere and Near Sawrey. Cross the stone bridge over Black Beck (where you’ll sometimes catch sight of a heron) and with care follow the road, gradually bearing right. After about half a mile watch out for the gate which opens onto the well-marked footpath, and follow this taking in wonderful views of Esthwaite Water. After re-joining the road for a short stretch, there is a wooded lakeside path where in summer you might just glimpse osprey nesting in treetops on the far shore. Rejoin the road again, keeping an eye out for the gate onto the final section of footpath up to the playground at Near Sawrey. This is our favourite spot for blackberrying in Autumn, but keep it secret!). After exploring Sawrey, you can carry on clockwise around Esthwaite via the lakeside Boathouse Café (mostly on road after the café) or simply return the way you came.

5. Wray Castle from Hawkshead

Wray Castle is a lovely walk from the village along a well signed path. The walk starts at the only car park in Hawkshead, taking the path from the North Lonsdale Road signed to Latterbarrow & Wray Castle. The Mock-Gothic castle is located on the shores of Lake Windermere, the grounds also include pretty gardens and woodland with a tree trail which is a great walk for children.

Downloadable PDF with Map