There are miles of waymarked walks, high-level routes and children’s trails to be found, some of which take in spectacular views across the fells and forests. These routes take you through mature forest, open glades, viewpoints and alongside streams, waterfalls and ponds, meaning there is always something to catch your attention.

The forest also offers excellent mountain biking opportunities and a planning application has recently been submitted, which, it is hoped, will lead to Whinlatter becoming a National Mountain Biking Centre.

A permanent orienteering course is also available that is perfect for those new to this challenging sport.

For younger visitors there are the Rabbit Run and Foxtrot trails to follow or excess energy can simply be burned off on the adventure playground.

The forest naturally contains an abundance of wildlife such as badgers, squirrels and a great many birds, including the famous Bassenthwaite Ospreys, the Northwest’s only breeding pair. They can be viewed live in their nest from a giant screen in the visitor centre or in their natural environment from the Dodd Wood open-air viewpoint (April to September).

The visitor centre also contains a shop and a café selling homemade, quality food.