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Written by: Janie
Gentle strolls, beautiful views and cosy cafés – Carlisle, The Western Lake District and Coast offers ample opportunity to explore the natural world. Read on for our ideas for soft adventure and inclusive experiences, suitable for every member of your group.
Jump to:
- Talkin Tarn Country Park
- Bitts Park, Carlisle
- Friar's Crag
- Whinlatter mountain forest
- Silloth promenade
Talkin Tarn Country Park
Easy footpaths, tearoom treats and ancient woodland – you’ll find something for everyone at Talkin Tarn Country Park. Located just outside Carlisle, near the town of Brampton, enjoy lovely scenery around this beautiful glacial tarn, with the chance to spot red squirrels and otters.
The most popular walking route is the fully accessible 1.3-mile loop around the water. A Tramper (an all-terrain mobility scooter) is available to hire on-site – ensuring that anyone with mobility challenges can also complete the route. Book your Tramper in advance via Outdoor Mobility.
The site offers further walking routes in the woodland, a play area on the waterfront and refreshments at the Boathouse Tea Rooms.
Bitts Park, Carlisle
On the banks of the River Eden, Bitts Park offers a peaceful haven just 800 metres from the city centre of Carlisle. The flat, surfaced paths make it a great spot for a gentle stroll past formal lawns and flower displays. The play area caters for children of all ages and abilities – here you’ll find a wheelchair accessible swing, a trampoline, musical instruments and a splash park.
Other areas to visit include the Garden of Memories – a spot for quiet reflection, created in partnership with Eden Valley Hospice; and the Riverside Trail – a space full of mature trees and vegetation, all for the benefit of wildlife.
For a good café stop after your visit, try Cakes & Ale, John Watt And Son or I Love Café.
Friar's Crag
Starting at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, this ‘Miles without Stiles’ route offers incredible views over Derwentwater towards Cat Bells and the Borrowdale valley.
Made up of tarmac and good stone track, this trail will take you along the lakeshore to the Friar's Crag headland viewpoint. The perfect place to pause for a moment and relax on the bench, while you enjoy the amazing views in front of you.
Tramper friendly, you can hire one of these all-terrain mobility scooters from Theatre by the Lake at the start of the trail. Return here afterwards for a bite to eat in their Lakeside café.
Whinlatter mountain forest
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England's only true mountain forest, Whinlatter offers many accessible ways to connect with nature.
E-Bike hire is possible with Cyclewise, allowing more visitors to take advantage of the trail network. There are also many walking routes to choose from including the Tramper friendly Wow trail (Tramper hire is available on-site). This 4.5-mile route is without stiles and gates but does include great views and opportunities for wildlife spotting. For more adrenaline, the treetop ropes course ‘Go Ape’ can accommodate additional needs where possible – just call ahead to discuss. Then, recharge post adventure at the charming Café Ambio.
Silloth promenade
Head to the coast at Silloth for some fresh sea air and spend some time taking in the stunning views over the Solway Firth towards southern Scotland. The perfect place for a morning stroll, the Silloth promenade is paved and on a level gradient, making it suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and those with limited mobility. There’s ample seating along the prom and a Changing Places facility located on Silloth Green too.
Why not treat yourself to an ice cream at the brightly coloured Davison’s Ice Cream Factory or a giant hot chocolate at the cosy Fairydust Emporium.
The Cumberland Adventure for Everyone Programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Cumberland Council and Sellafield.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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