Hawkshead to Wray Castle Walk

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
3.5-5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
13.7 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
415 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

Walking the trail from Hawkshead to Wray Castle is an amazing adventure that will allow you to take in the historic beauty of a Victorian-Era castle. While out on the trail, you will walk through the village and cross the picturesque countryside before arriving at the edge of Windermere where the majestic castle can be found. From here, the trail will take you south around the summit of Latterbarrow for some beautiful views overlooking the surrounding Lake DIstrict terrain.

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Route Description for Hawkshead to Wray Castle Walk

As can be expected with a route that features a popular tourist attraction, the Hawkshead to Wray Castle Walk sees its fair share of visitors. If you don’t want to deal with the crowds, make sure to arrive early enough to secure parking and get a head start. Trails along this route are very well-maintained, meaning you can likely get away with trail runners, so long as they are comfortable enough for a near 13.7 km journey.

Setting out from the village of Hawkshead, follow the route northeast as it cuts across the picturesque countryside and passes by the calm waters of Blelham Tarn. Shortly after this, you will arrive at the grounds of Wray Castle situated near the shores of Windermere. Explore the area and take in the views of this grand building dating back to the 19th Century before following the trail to the southeast. Here, you will climb uphill through a mixture of open land and forest that skirts around the summit of Latterbarrow, providing some beautiful views of the surrounding fells. Continue west along the trail as it descends the hillside on the return to Hawkshead, where you can pop in and out of the shops or visit the pub for a celebratory drink.

Getting to the Hawkshead to Wray Castle Walk Trailhead

To reach the car park for the Hawkshead to Wray Castle Walk from Ambleside, drive southwest on Rothay Road/A593 and turn right just before the Ambleside Rugby Club to continue on the same road. After 0.2 km, turn left and follow it for 0.8 km before making another left onto the B5286. After 6.0 km, continue straight onto the B5285 and follow it for 0.8 km, where you will turn right. In 59 m, you will find the car park on either side.

Route Information

  • When to do

    Year-Round

  • Backcountry Campsites

    The Croft Campsite, The Wray

  • Pets allowed

    Yes

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Hawkshead to Wray Castle Walk Elevation Graph

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Hawkshead to Wray Castle Walk Reviews

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