Hawkshead to Wray Castle Walk

6.8 miles (11 km)

This circular walk from Hawkshead visits Blelham Tarn and Wray Castle before climbing to Latterbarrow.
Walk Report October 21st 2026 By Sarah Wilson:
We set off from Hawkshead, one of the Lake District’s prettiest villages, with its narrow lanes, old stone buildings and traditional cottages. It is a lovely place to begin a countryside walk, and I enjoyed the contrast between the historic village and the green landscape surrounding it.... Leaving the village behind, the route takes in some quieter scenery before reaching Blelham Tarn, a peaceful stretch of water tucked among woodland and rolling countryside.
Blelham Tarn was a lovely place to pause and enjoy the quieter side of the Lakes. The water and surrounding trees create a sheltered atmosphere, quite different from the busier shores of Windermere. I found myself looking out for waterbirds along the margins and watching the reflections on the surface. It is one of those places where the appeal lies in the tranquillity rather than a dramatic viewpoint, and I enjoyed taking a little time to appreciate it.
The walk also visits Wray Castle, whose impressive towers and Gothic-style exterior stand out against the lakeside greenery. Although the building is currently closed for restoration, the grounds remain open, and it is still worth seeing the castle from outside and enjoying its setting beside Windermere. I liked looking around the exterior and taking in the views towards the lake. There is also a café on the estate, so it makes a useful place to stop for a drink or a cake before continuing. Wray has a connection with Beatrix Potter, whose family visited the castle when she was a child, helping inspire her lifelong affection for the Lake District.
The climb up Latterbarrow provided the biggest challenge of the walk. The route is fairly gentle in places, but the final section is noticeably steeper than you might expect, and I was glad to take my time on the way up. At the summit, the monument makes a natural place to stop for photographs and catch your breath. The reward is a superb panorama across the surrounding Lakeland landscape, with Windermere, the Coniston fells and distant hills spread out around you. On a clear day, the views can extend towards Ambleside too, and it is easy to see why walkers make the effort to reach the top.
The descent needs a little care, particularly after wet weather, as some sections can be boggy underfoot. Good walking shoes or boots are a sensible choice, and I wouldn’t rush this part of the route. I enjoyed looking back towards the summit as we continued, appreciating how much the view had changed as we lost height. The mixture of open hillside, woodland and lakeside scenery gives this walk a pleasing variety without needing to tackle one of the Lake District’s higher fells.
This circular walk brings together the character of Hawkshead, the quiet beauty of Blelham Tarn, the distinctive exterior and grounds of Wray Castle, and the rewarding summit views from Latterbarrow. I particularly liked the contrast between the sheltered waterside scenery and the more open panorama at the top. Allow time for a stop at the castle grounds and café if they fit your plans, and be prepared for the steeper, potentially muddy section on Latterbarrow. It makes a varied day out in this lovely corner of the Lake District. hawkshead to * coniston to * etc