Morning
Spend the morning in Dodd Wood, just a few miles to the North of Keswick, an area of woodland managed by the Forestry Commission, where you'll find a network of waymarked trails through some huge Douglas firs. The routes range from short trails of 1 and 1.5 miles ideal for younger children to the longer and steeper Dodd summit trail. If you follow the track up to the top of Dodd you'll be rewarded with fabulous 360 degree views. The Forestry Commission have created special viewpoints in Dodd Wood to watch the Bassenthwaite Ospreys during the season (April to August). Dodd Wood is also a great place to view red squirrels as there is a feeding station at the Osprey viewpoint.
Afternoon
Visit Mirehouse and Gardens (open April -Oct) the family home of the Speddings just over the road from the Dodd Wood car park. The historic house and its grounds are wonderful to explore. There are natural playgrounds, a lakeside walk to the shores of Bassenthwaite, terraced lawns, a bee garden and a heather maze.
More info
Where this day goes
The 3 places this day visits, with Keswick for scale. Straight-line positions rather than a route — the day above says how to get between them.
Map
- Bassenthwaite
- Dodd Wood
- Mirehouse
- Keswick
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