GPS Cycle and Walking Routescycle iconwalk icon

Brigsteer Woods Walks

4.04 miles (6.5 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This walk takes you from the Cumbrian village of Brigsteer to Brigsteer Woods and the fine viewpoint at the 18th century Helsington Church.
You can reach the woods by following a country lane south from the village. Here you will find a number of peaceful woodland trails and the Simms Well. The woods are run by the National Trust and include a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The route returns via Holesack and the noteworthy Helsington Church. The church dates back to 1726 and commands extensive views across the Lyth Valley towards the distant Lakeland fells and Morecambe Bay. It's a great spot with view indicators detailing the various sights you can see from the elevated position of the historic church.
Just to the east of the route you can extend your walking in the Sizergh Castle estate. The National Trust owned estate has some lovely gardens, orchards and semi-natural woodland to explore.
Just to the south there's Levens Hall where you can enjoy some fine topiary and views of the River Kent. To the north there's the more challenging climb to Scout Scar where there's more tremendous views to the Lakeland Fells.

Postcode

LA8 8AN - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Brigsteer Woods OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Brigsteer Woods Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Brigsteer Woods

  • Sizergh Castle - Enjoy a short walk through the delightful grounds of Sizergh Castle in the Lake District
  • Levens Hall - Enjoy a peaceful walk around the beautiful park and gardens surrounding this manor house in Kendal
  • Lyth Valley - This 10 mile circular walk explores the beautiful Lyth Valley on the south eastern edge of the Lake District
  • Scout Scar - Enjoy a short but steep climb to a wonderful viewpoint near Kendal
  • Kendal Castle and River Walk - A circular walk visiting the River Kent and Kendal Castle

Pubs/Cafes

Back in the village you can enjoy some post walk refreshments at The Wheatsheaf Inn. The historic inn dates back to the 1880s with a babbling brook running beneath it. There's a fine interior with log fires, cosy corners and a lovely sunny conservatory. Outside there's a nice garden area for warmer weather. They serve an excellent Sunday roast and also provide quality rooms if you'd like to stay in the area.

Dog Walking

The woodland trails are ideal for a dog walk and the Wheatsheaf mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Brigsteer is located just a few miles from the town of Kendal where you can try the Kendal Castle and River Walk. There's good views from the historic castle and nice easy trails along the River Kent here.

Photos

The Wheatsheaf Hotel Brigsteer - geograph.org.uk - 1053275

The Wheatsheaf Hotel Brigsteer

Flowery cottage on Parkend Lane - geograph.org.uk - 4667025

Flowery cottage on Parkend Lane

Woodland track, Brigsteer Park - geograph.org.uk - 2390709

Woodland track, Brigsteer Park

The track to Brigsteer Woods - geograph.org.uk - 2390715

The track to Brigsteer Woods

Brigsteer Woods - geograph.org.uk - 1546838

Brigsteer Woods

View indicators, Helsington Church - geograph.org.uk - 2390677

View indicators, Helsington Church

Simm Well, Brigsteer Wood - geograph.org.uk - 4556893

Simm Well, Brigsteer Wood

Erratic boulder below Helsington Church - geograph.org.uk - 2390681

Erratic boulder below Helsington Church

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Brigsteer.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)