Hawkshead to Wray Castle Walk

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
Hawkshead to Wray Castle Walk Elevation Graph
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Nearby Trails
- Hawkshead, Wray Castle, and Windermere Walk
- Tarn Hows Walk
- Hawkshead Hill, Tarn Hows, and Trover Intake Loop Trail
- Wray Castle to Ferry House Walk
- Claife Heights Circular Walk
- Tom Gill Waterfall Circular Walk
- Tarn Hows & Tom Heights Circular Walk
- High Wray Walk
- Hawkshead to Windermere Circular Walk
- Latterbarrow & Wray Castle Walk
- Grizedale Visitor Centre from Moor Top
- Tarn Hows Circular Walk